Hardware - Category Archive

The following is a list of all entries from the Hardware category.

Checkout SQLServerIO.com for Useful Information on SQL Server Storage Systems

At the recent SQLSaturday #28 in Baton Rouge, LA, I had the opportunity to meet Wes Brown (Blog | Twitter), and attend his session on “Understanding Storage Systems and SQL Server”. I enjoyed his presentation and also discovered that Wes has a blog where he shares his deep knowledge of SQL Server I/O. If you ...read more


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


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 ...read more


My Ideal SQL Server Test Box is on the Way

Several weeks ago I wrote a blog post called “What is the Ideal SQL Server Test Box?” At that time I was putting together the specs for a test SQL Server box I hoped to be able to get for my home office. While a laptop is great for giving SQL Server presentations, it’s not ...read more


SQL Server Hardware Checklist

I’m in the process of putting together a SQL Server hardware inventory/audit checklist for an upcoming book project. The purpose of this list is to provide a comprehensive listing of all the important information about the components of a physical server used to run SQL Server. Besides collecting hardware information, it is also designed to ...read more


What is the Ideal SQL Server Test Box?

I’m thinking about setting up a SQL Server test box in my home office for doing some extensive, real-world SQL Server performance testing. So far, here is what I am thinking about getting: –Because I have limited space, the test box will need to be a tower. I will also be limited to one physical ...read more


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