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Sequential Throughput Speeds and Feeds
I have been talking about the importance of sequential throughput performance for SQL Server for quite some time. Sequential throughput is critically important for many common operations in SQL Server,...
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Monitoring Read/Write Latency
Being responsible for the performance of SQL Server can be a daunting task. There are many areas that we to have to monitor and understand. We are also expected to be able to stay on top of all those...
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Analyzing I/O Performance for SQL Server
One of the most common performance bottlenecks that I see as a consultant is inadequate storage subsystem performance. There are a number of reasons for poor storage performance, but measuring it and...
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Using Microsoft DiskSpd to Test Your Storage Subsystem
Previously, I covered the basics of storage subsystem metrics and testing in my article Analyzing I/O Subsystem Performance for SQL Server, including an introduction of CrystalDiskMark 4.0....
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Introduction to Storage Spaces Direct for SQL Server
Windows Server 2012 introduced a new feature called Scale-Out File Server (SOFS). Historically, SOFS has mainly been used as a shared storage tier (as an alternative to a shared SAN) for Hyper-V...
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Tuning : A Good Place to Start
Note: This post was originally published only in our eBook, High Performance Techniques for SQL Server, Volume 4. You can find out about our eBooks here. I regularly get asked the question, "Where do I...
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Sparse Columns in SQL Server : Impact on Time & Space
SQL Server 2008 introduced sparse columns as a method to reduce storage for null values and provide more extensible schemas. The trade-off is that there is additional overhead when you store and...
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Instant File Initialization : Impact During Setup
Recently, Erin Stellato (@erinstellato) blogged about the performance impact Instant File Initialization (IFI) can have when creating or restoring databases. She explains that SQL Server 2016 setup now...
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Database Hardware and Infrastructure Trends
As I have been watching what has been going on recently in the Windows and SQL Server world, I have come to the conclusion that it is a particularly exciting time to be a database professional working...
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Using Intel Optane Storage for SQL Server
Intel Optane SSD DC P4800X Basics The Intel Optane SSD DC P4800X Series was introduced in Q1 of 2017, initially with a 375GB capacity and later with a 750GB capacity being released later in 2017. Intel...
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