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 adding more data files

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Ned
Starting Member

16 Posts

Posted - 2009-04-22 : 18:51:30
Hi,
We have a database that only has one datafile (mdf). The file is ~20GB and continues to grow. I have read that MS recommends 1 data file per processor. The database is on a server that has a single quad core processor. That being said, I think it would be good to add some ndf files (3 more?).

I assume it should:
1) help with performance
2) make the datafiles more manageable. I'm afraid if the file gets too big we'll run into issues (preventive care).

I know you can create multiple file groups and associate different tables with them etc but considering we only have one (PRIMARY) filegroup right now, I think it would be smart to keep the single filegroup and just add ndfs (we can expand this later).

The process seems straight forward, but are there any things to be aware of? I assume once I add the ndfs, the database will start to automatically use them?

Anyway, I'm curious if people have any thoughts or suggestions.

Also, this is a SQL2000 database but the concept seems to be the same.

Thanks,

tkizer
Almighty SQL Goddess

38200 Posts

Posted - 2009-04-22 : 19:25:02
1 data file per processor is for tempdb and not user databases.

20GB is a rather small database.

For user databases, you have to move objects into the new filegroups for them to be used.

Tara Kizer
Microsoft MVP for Windows Server System - SQL Server
http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/tarad/

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