Sql Server & Memroy

Question

Sql Server & Memroy

S Chapman

SSC Veteran

Points: 202
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October 6, 2005 at 6:20 am

#91409

Right now we have a set up consisting of Windows XP Server using 4GB RAM and Sql Server Standard Edition. We have experienced some performance issues and consequently we are trying to throw some memroy at the problem as a possible solution. We are planning to upgrade the server to 8GB RAM. The question is -
Can Sql Server Standard Edition utilise the extra memroy ?
Our System Adimistrators argue that if we moved to Windows 2003 server SQL Server Standard can address more memroy. Is this true ?
Do we need SQL Server Enterprise version to use more memory ?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

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MBHblows SSCommitted Points: 1614 More actions · Answer 1

My understanding is that SQL 2000 standard can address 2gb memory. End of story. But, Its wise to have more for the O/S.

S Chapman SSC Veteran Points: 202 More actions · Answer 2

Thanks a lot. You are absolutely right. Sql Server 2000 Standard Edition supports only 2GB. We will have tp upgrade to Enterprise Edition to take advantage of the extra memory on the server.

For the benefit of others:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sql/2000/reskit/part2/c0361.mspx

Mike Metcalf SSCrazy Eights Points: 8763 More actions · Answer 3

Assuming it may take a while to upgrade to enterprise edition...

You could always turn on the /3GB switch in boot.ini which will tell the OS to load above the usual 2GB of memory, freeing up the extra RAM for SQL to use.

S Chapman SSC Veteran Points: 202 More actions · Answer 4

Doesn't it contradict your earlier statement -

"My understanding is that SQL 2000 standard can address 2gb memory. End of story. But, Its wise to have more for the O/S."

I am confused now

Mike Metcalf SSCrazy Eights Points: 8763 More actions · Answer 5

By default the OS loads into the memory below 2GB, the /3GB switch tells it to load above that leaving the first 2GB for applications (SQL) to use fully.

Sorry if I caused any confusion

S Chapman SSC Veteran Points: 202 More actions · Answer 6

Thanks for your reply. I found this article on MSDN -

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;274750&sd=tech

it says:

SQL Server 2000

Normally, both the SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition and SQL Server 2000 Developer Edition can use up to 2 GB of physical memory. With the use of the AWE enable option, SQL Server can use up to 4 GB of physical memory.

The whole thing is very ambiguos. Don't you think so.

Studdy05 Ten Centuries Points: 1375 More actions · Answer 7

Never think that memory "thrown at it" will solve all performance related issues...as a general rule, the more - the better - but performance is a broad brush that paints with many colors.

Well written queries, processor strength, indexing, drive speed and what you are doing with your data is equally important for good optimization.

Mark

David A. Long SSCrazy Eights Points: 8421 More actions · Answer 8

You should also investigate your Windows OS, XP does not have a server edition, it is effectively a workstation OS, and SQL Server 2000 only supports the Developer Edition on XP.

For RAM > 4GB you need Windows 2003 Server Enterprise edition, Standard only supports 4GB. I do not remember what the numbers are for Windows 2000 Server editions.

There are tons of articles about this (and none of them clear), this will always be a combination of the OS and SQL Server settings to support larger amounts of memory for the 32 bit editions. 64bit editions change this for the better, but generally have a limited support by today's applications, No SQL Mail in SQL Server 2000 64bit, for example.

Also look for the post SQL Server sp4 patch for AWE.

Andy