Please start any new threads on our new
site at https://forums.sqlteam.com. We've got lots of great SQL Server
experts to answer whatever question you can come up with.
| Author |
Topic |
|
jeldrid
Starting Member
3 Posts |
 Posted - 2003-04-04 : 18:58:36
|
| I'm really just looking for an opinion. I am COMPLETELY new to SQL server, and I have a very basic understanding of what it does, the services it provides, yada yada... I have been charged with the task of attempting to move an NT4+SQL7+IIS web server (the last part is easy) from its current home inside of a p3 600 w/ 512mb to a ragged Dual p2 400 w/ 512mb of ram. Both boxes have a 3 drive raid array. Nothing fancy... The purpose as it has been stated to me is to have an exact copy of the current server just laying around as a backup in case something fails and possibly improve performance of the main server with the dual p2 400's. Am I in over my head? Wait...let me rephrase that. I know I am in way over my head, but I consider myself to be fairly intelligent and quite capable of doing this if it is at all possible. All it will take is a lot of reading and a lot of experimenting. This, I think, ...I know. What do you think? Will the dual p2-400 box be more capable (I'm thinking yes)? Would you, as an intelligent and fairly well versed newbie, have been able to handle this before you knew anything about SQL server?Please be gentle. Any pointers or words of warning would also be much appreciated, but that is definitely not the purpose of this post. Quite frankly. I probably wouldn't understand what you were saying yet. |
|
|
MichaelP
Jedi Yak
2489 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-04 : 19:08:14
|
| I'd not do an "upgrade." I'd get Windows installed on the new Box, then SQL server etc. Then do a backup/restore from the old box to the new box. When you do the restore, be sure to check where it's going to put the MDF and LDF files to make sure they are written to the RAID array.As far as being a "more capable" machine, I doubt it will be much better. I suspect it will probably be about the same, and maybe even slower. There's always a bit of overhead with Multi-CPU boxes to split the work across the CPU's. So you really aren't looking at 600Mhz vs 800Mhz. It's probaly more like 600 Vs 600 or 600 vs 700.I really don't think you'll notice much difference in "about 100Mhz."I believe the memory runs slower on a 400Mhz box vs a 600Mhz box.If it were me, I'd spend a few bucks and get a newer server, or maybe even swap out the 600Mhz chip for something 800-1000Mhz. Even another 512MB-1024MB's of ram for about $100-200 would be a huge help.That's my $0.02.Michael<Yoda>Use the Search page you must. Find the answer you will.</Yoda> |
 |
|
|
jeldrid
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-04 : 20:17:02
|
| First of all, thanks for the suggestions. I will look into the possibilities you've mentioned regarding sticking with the same version of SQL server. What about windows, btw? Is win2k as opposed to nt4 going to present much of a challenge?Also...performance is not really an issue. The server is used internally by a department of a 300-400, more than half of which spend 100% of the day on the phone (inbound call center) very rarely utilizing the SQL server...and providing consistant light usage of the web server. I was just thinking the dual 400's would be a smidge better, and if so...great. I didn't really expect a major performance breakthrough, and what you're saying makes perfect sense. I was just a bit overly optimistic, I guess. |
|
|
|
robvolk
Most Valuable Yak
15732 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-04 : 20:58:50
|
| If you are moving the data, but not upgrading the software, make sure to check the license on your copy of SQL Server. A dual CPU machine may not be covered by the existing license, and you may need to purchase a new one. And while MS may not really bother about it, it's not worth the chance of using an unlicensed or improperly licensed copy.And I definitely second Michael's suggestions about upgrading the CPU and RAM...especially the RAM. 512 MB is passable under NT4, but you will have to upgrade at some point, and 512 is a little small for Win2K or higher. Getting more RAM will improve things far greater than bumping up the CPU. |
|
|
|
jeldrid
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 2003-04-06 : 11:30:48
|
| Thanks for the tip on the dual cpu license... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SQL upgrade NT4+SQL7 ---> W2K+SQL2K Daunting?