>I am looking at getting a new server to run SQL 2008 Standard. It will be running Windows Server 2008 standard also.
>
>Where should I invest to get the best performance for the cost?
>
>CPU(s) - Multiple core and/or Multiple socket?
>Memory - up to 32GB, is it worth it to go that high?
>drives - 7.2K v 15K, SATA v SCCI?
>Fancy Raid controllers/network cards or go with onboard?


We just did test back here to see where our app was hitting the hardest. The biggest increase for us was memory (we went to 12gig) and once that was increased the next thing was drives. Once those where increased the next bottle neck was processor but even with it hitting the limit on the processor the app was blazing fast so we never increased the processor. I agree with William go 64bit on the server. My opinion the intel onboard raid is usally good enough but the cards are better but if I'm cutting corners that's one of them.