SQL Server Memory Allocation

SQL Server should be set to dynamically adjust the amount of memory used. If SQL Server is installed on the same server as Plant Applications or any other application the maximum available should be set to 75% of the total physical memory. If it is set to 100%, then SQL Server will continue to grab memory until all the memory is used up. At that point it will start paging to the hard drive and a severe decline in performance will be encountered.

To Check SQL Server Memory Allocation:

1. From the Start menu, select Programs, then Microsoft SQL Server, and then click Enterprise Manager.

The Enterprise Manager opens.

2. Select the server name in the tree.

3. From the Tools menu, select SQL Server Configuration Properties. The SQL Server Properties dialog box opens.

4. Click the Memory tab.

5. Do the following:

• Ensure that the Dynamically configure SQL Server memory option is selected

• Set the Maximum (MB) is set to approximately 75% of the total physical memory. Use the slider bar to adjust the memory amount.

Increasing RAM on the server is a very effective and relatively cheap way to improve performance as RAM is 1000x faster than a Hard Drive for reading.  We advise installing as much memory as possible to improve the performance.

6. Click OK.

For more information, please see you SQL Server Books Online.