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Need advice on configuring new server (8 gig ram)

In the next 10 days my new sql server should arrive. It will be running Windows Server 2003 and SQL 2000. The server has 8 Gig of RAM and I would like some advice on how to configure the OS/SQL to get the most out of the 8 gig. Also, as a side note, how should I configure my pagefile? I will have 2 Raid arrays to work with, a Raid 1 for OS and Log Files, and a Raid 5 for Data files. Thank you in advance.
The general recommendation for PF will be initial and maximum page file size is equal to 1.5 times the amount of RAM, up to maximum limit of 4,095 MB. This means that the largest paging file
size per volume that you can set is 4,095 MB. To prevent page file fragmentation, it is recommended that you set the paging file size initial and maximum values to be the same value. If you decrease the size of either the initial or maximum page file settings, you must restart your computer to see the effects of those changes. Increases typically do not require a restart. Fyi KBAhttp://support.microsoft.com/?id=197379 Satya SKJ
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Writer, Contributing Editor & Moderator
http://www.SQL-Server-Performance.Com
This posting is provided AS IS with no rights for the sake of knowledge sharing. Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves or we know where we can find information on it.
Also check outhttp://www.sql-server-performance.com/awe_memory.asp Don’t be surprised if your SQL Server instance does not use all of the memory you have. SQL Server will use as much as it needs (assuming it has enough). But many people are surprised how little memory SQL Server really needs. For example, I have a client that has a 40GB database, but SQL Server only uses about 130 MB out of an available 8 GB on the server. For whatever reason, this particular production database can maintain a 99%+ buffer hit cache ratio with only 130 MB of RAM, and it runs as fast as can be expected. The rest of the RAM is never used. ——————————–
Brad M. McGehee, SQL Server MVP
http://www.sqlbrad.com
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