SQL Aloha

Windows OS Power Saving Feature Directly Affects CPU Performance

While I have always known that the Windows operating system Power Plan options affect a server’s performance, I had not realized how much until SQL Server MVP Glenn Berry (Blog | Twitter) suggested I try out my new Dell T610 test servers under the three available power savings plans:

• High Performance
• Balanced
• Power Saver

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Instant File Initialization Speeds SQL Server

Sometimes, its just the smallest of details that can make all the difference. For example, on my test system (see the end of this posting for a description), I created a new 50GB database. The database creation process took about 5 minutes and 50 seconds to complete.

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Free SQL Server DMV Starter Pack

The SQL Server DMV Starter Pack is a free eBook (84 pages) that describes 28 different ways that DMVs can be used with SQL Server. Not only is each way described in detail, but sample code is included so you can begin using the DMVs immediately. The book covers these uses of DMVs.

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SQL Response v2 Early Access Program Open to Everyone

Red Gate Software has recently opened up its SQL Response v2 Early Release Program (EAP), and is inviting anyone who is interested to download the application, test it, and provide feedback. This is your opportunity to help SQL Response’s developers to create a great product that every DBA will want to use.

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SQLServerCentral.com Track at SQL Server Connections November 1-5, 2010

November will be a busy time of the year for many SQL Server DBAs as they head off to the PASS Community Summit (November 8-11) or SQL Server Connections (November 1-5) for training. One of the things I have noticed, after attending the PASS Summit for 9 years now, and SQL Server Connections for 4 years, that there is very little overlap between those who attend each conference. Each conference has its strengths, and attendees select one or the other that they feel best meets their training needs.

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Test Cluster Delivered & Ready to Assemble

I finally received all the components of my SQL Server test cluster (pictured left), which includes:

–One PowerVault MD3000 DAS with two, dual-port controllers, and 15 146GB 15K SAS drives.

–Two identical Dell T610 Towers, each with a single, 6-core CPU (Intel Xeon X5670, 2.93 Ghz, 12M Cache, HT, 1333MHz FSB); 32GB 1333MHz RAM; a PERC H700 RAID controller; two 146GB 15K SAS Drives; one HBA (to connect to the DAS); and dual network connections.

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Speaking at Nashville, St Louis, and Baton Rouge in August

In August, I will be presenting at the following events:

DevLINK, August 5-7, 2010

• How and When to Use Indexed Views
• Identifying SQL Server Performance Problems Using SQL Trace
• Essential DBA Skills: Introduction to Graphical Execution Plans

St. Louis SQL Server Users Group, August 11, 2010

• Identifying SQL Server Performance Problems Using SQL Trace
• Essential DBA Skills: Introduction to Graphical Execution Plans

Baton Rouge SQL Saturday, August 14, 2010

• Best Practices Every SQL Server DBA Must Know
• Database Maintenance Essentials

If you are attending, be sure to stop me and say hello.

It is Great to Get Feedback From My Readers

I get a lot of emails from people who read my blog, books, articles, and from people who have attended my presentations. I recently received the following email, which I particularly appreciated. While he has kind words to say, what really impressed me about this email was that the writer had taken my recommendations, and then used them as a checklist to follow. While I am not suggesting everyone follow my checklist, I commend the writer on taking the initiative to advance his career by following a specific plan. I think everyone who wants to control their career needs to create and follow a plan, whether it is one created by someone else, or created by themselves. Good work Rodrigo!

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