Configuring I/O on SAN. Best Performance for SQL

  • Hi All,

    I have a SAN array which i am about to deploy sql on, it has 36 disks in total, 2 different sizes 146 and also 300 as well.

    The problem is, this SAN is going to be used by other databases as well, Testing & Production as we want to get them to be same spec for testing purposes.

    User databases:User databases:

    This is pretty much going to sit on a RAID 10 config, but I am not sure whether to pick dedicated spindles or use the entire 36 disks and just create different RAID configs on them.

    TempDB:

    Is it fine for tempdb to stay on the same physical disks as the database files, what the best practice advice on this ?

    Transaction log:

    I’m planning on putting this on mirrored 146 x 2 disks. I was wondering whether having 2 physical disks would be detrimental as that’s only 2 spindles. Also, does this apply to all transaction logs, tempdb, user and system transaction logs can stay on the d rive as well.

    System databases

    What is the best practice on this, I would go with a RAID 1 or RAID 10, but as I can’t be having small drive partitions left right and center, It would be good to keep things together if possible.

    Also, from a DBA/DEV perspective, is it always a good idea to have a same spec box for both live SQL boxes and also Testing/UAT as well, as if they are not of the same specification, its hard to get a true/consistent test ahead of release.

  • Hey

    My SAN env is as follows

    D: contains the MDB which is Raid 6 (dont ask it was in before I started, but will soon be changed).

    E: contains the LDF which is Raid 10 (8 x 150GB)

    F: contains the temp db which is Raid1 (2 disks)

    G: contains backup folders which is Raid 5 (7 disks).

    With regards to the temp db "it depends", if your dev guys are using a large amount of work tables etc then use a different disk array!!! I would always use a different array it budget allows!

    I have a QA and STAGE env are almost identical to live and I have benefited from this when benchmarking!

    We are currently trialling some Solid state disks. On some initial tests show improvements of around 30-50% general DB performance! Its the furture

    This link has a few good tips

    http://www.mssqltips.com/tip.asp?tip=1432

    JL

  • did you read these good blog posts ?

    By Jimmy May:

    http://blogs.msdn.com/jimmymay/archive/2009/03/01/disk-i-o-microsoft-sql-server-on-san-best-practices-from-sql-cat-s-mike-ruthruff-prem-mehra.aspx

    http://blogs.msdn.com/jimmymay/archive/2009/03/15/case-study-classic-case-of-san-over-subscription.aspx

    Johan

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