sql2005 configured correctly?

[GoodMorningDave]

I am looking for a guide, best practice, your expert advice,etc.,...

To make sure I configure ESX correctly to give the OS and SQL the best possible performace.

Thanks for your support.

[vmroyale]

Hello.

The Installing ESX 4.0 and vCenter 4.0 best practices kb article is a great place to start.

Good Luck!

[RParker · Accepted solution]

SQL on a VM is pretty much the same as for physical hosts. There isn't much to configure. The performance you expect from physical vs the virtual machine are quite different, however.

There are no tweaks to improve SQL performance on a VM. The best possible performance is on Physical hosts, and you won't be able to match it with a VM.

So just keep that in mind. If SQL on a VM is what you need, the performance will be adequate using the same techniques.

[Lightbulb]

You could check out these VIOPS DOCs

"Virtualizing Microsoft SQL Server"

http://viops.vmware.com/home/docs/DOC-1431

"Virtualizing SQL Server Performance Considerations"

http://viops.vmware.com/home/docs/DOC-1403

[bulletprooffool]

Dave - if you are having VM performance issues with SQL 2005, make sure that the SP youa re running on your SQL install is supported on your VMware version.

There have been issues with SQL 2005 SP3.