SQL 2008 R2 introduces support for Second Level Adderss Translation (SLAT). If you run it on Windows 2008 R2, you should see about a 5% performance improvement over running SQL 2008 on Windows 2008 on the same SLAT-capable hardware.
IMHO the big question is what is the difference between SQL 2008/2008R2 and SQL 2012. If you are into BI the difference is huge, particularly with data visualisation features that compare well with the best on the market.
Original author: https://github.com/SQL-FineBuild/Common/wiki/ 1-click install and best practice configuration of SQL Server 2019, 2017 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008 and 2005.
When I give food to the poor they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor they call me a communist - Archbishop Hélder Câmara