hardware configuration

Question

hardware configuration

eica

Mr or Mrs. 500

Points: 539
More actions
September 19, 2006 at 6:35 am

#170278

Hi folks!
I need a little advice.
Our company is planning to buy a new database server.
The hardware configuration would be:
HP Proliant series server with 2 Intel Xeon Dual core 64 bit processors (upgradable up to 4), 8 GB Ram:
4 x 2GB 667Mhz DDR2 PC2-5300 Registered FB DIMMs,
2 x 36.4GB Pluggable SAS SFF 10,000 rpm Universal Hard Drive for OS (RAID1),
3 x 72.8GB Pluggable SAS SFF 10,000 rpm Universal Hard Drive for sql database(RAID5).
I have one little dilemma with OS and SQL server product alternative. Should we buy windows 2003 server x86 or 64-bit ? And the same question for SQL server - MSSQL Server 2005 x86 or 64-bit ?
What would be the best configuration ?
1. W2K3 Standart with MSSQL 2005 both x86 versions
2. W2K3 Standart x64 with MSSQL 2005 x64-bit, or
3. W2K3 Standart x86 with MSSQL 2005 x64-bit version ?
Please help !

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply

JB-117464 Ten Centuries Points: 1279 More actions · Answer 1

I dont think option 3 is possible. I think you require a 64 bit OS to run 64 bit SQL. if you mean option 3 is 64 bit OS with 32 bit SQL

I would go for option 2 then 3 then 1.

Rainer-368531 SSC Veteran Points: 244 More actions · Answer 2

If you wanr to use more than 2 GB RAM with x86 you need the /3GB option and/or AWE support.

I think the best configuration is 2

colin.Leversuch-Roberts SSC Guru Points: 52643 More actions · Answer 3

Always go full 64bit if you have that option. I've seen postings that suggest running 32bit SQL on 64bit o/s has a few performance issues ( why you'd want to go this route I can't understand but... )

The memory management is flat in 64bit so the whole sql server benefits, I'm not sure what the memory/proc support is for w2003 std, I assume you'd go R2 ? You might want to check that first. SQL std 64bit has no memory limits.

[font="Comic Sans MS"]The GrumpyOldDBA[/font]
www.grumpyolddba.co.uk
http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/grumpyolddba/

eica Mr or Mrs. 500 Points: 539 More actions · Answer 4

Thanx,

I read something on microsoft page about system requirements, and I found something.

SQL 2005 standart x86 is limited up to 4 GB Ram, the x64 version has no limitation.

For a little imagination, server has this hardware config:

- Rack ProLiant ML570 G4 Xeon 7130M (3200-8MB/800) Dual Core (2P, HP Backplane, 4GB)

- Slimline DVD R/RW Drive (8x) Option Kit

- 2 x 36.4GB Pluggable SAS SFF 10,000 rpm Universal Hard Drive (RAID1 - system)

- 3 x 72.8GB Pluggable SAS SFF 10,000 rpm Universal Hard Drive (RAID5 - database)

- UPS T1500 G2 (Intl)

- PX849AA HP L1706 17" LCD Monitor

- SERVER KEYBOARD INTL(Carbon) UK

OEM MS Windows Srv Std 2003 R2a 64Bit x64 EngCD 1-4CPU+5 Clt

MOL NL MS SQL Svr Standard Edtn 2005 x64 English

John Allen-238199 Newbie Points: 9 More actions · Answer 5

I would have to suggest also to check with the software vendors (if any) who are utilizing the databases that will be running on this server. I may be way out in left field here and everything you run is proprietary but if not and you have 5 or 6 different databases with 5 or 6 different pieces of software running in your company then check with them to make sure thier databases will run in a 64-bit environment. 99% of the time its fine, but i would rather be safe and check with the software vendors first.