I'm not exactly sure how to quantify the load. There are two main apps that will be using the db server. The first has about 20gig of data, 40-50 users fairly consistently through the day. Maybe 95% read/query activity and 5% write.

The second is about 5gig of data and is used by 10 people. Light use in general but every couple weeks there are programs run on it that run for 4-48hrs at a time. That db has poor use of indexes and inefficient programing that is outside my control.

I am looking at spending under $5000 and I am sure I will be able to a machine that will more than handle these two apps, I just want to spend the money in places I will get the best bang for the buck.


>You didn't specify what load you expect on the server. It's hard to give any advice w/o knowing that.
>
>>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?