SQL Server 2012: Evaluating and Sizing Hardware

Choosing the right server hardware is crucial for optimal performance and return on investment when running SQL Server 2012. This course provides comprehensive guidance for anyone purchasing hardware for SQL Server, especially those new to the process.

Learn how to effectively plan your server infrastructure by understanding your workload and its specific hardware requirements. We'll delve into key decisions, including:

• Processor Selection: Discover how to choose the ideal processor for your SQL Server 2012 server configuration. We'll cover processor architecture and performance characteristics.
• SQL Server Editions: Understand the differences between SQL Server 2012 editions and their associated license limits to ensure you select the best fit for your needs.
• RAID Level Selection: Learn how to choose the optimal RAID level for your SQL Server storage to balance performance, redundancy, and cost.
• Performance Benchmarking: Master techniques for comparing processor performance using industry-standard benchmarks to make informed decisions.
• Storage Types & Performance Testing: Explore various storage types and RAID levels, and learn how to test and optimize your storage performance for SQL Server.
• Memory Considerations: Understand the impact of memory capacity on overall server performance and how to determine the appropriate amount for your workload.
• High Availability & Disaster Recovery: Discover how hardware choices impact high-availability and disaster recovery strategies, including the use of hot-swappable components to maximize uptime.

This course empowers you to make informed hardware decisions, maximizing the value of your SQL Server 2012 investment and ensuring a stable and performant database environment. Get the guidance you need to optimize both your server hardware and storage costs.