Altering tempdb to have multiple files

  • Our solution is currently running on an HP SuperDome w/ 12 64 bit processors and 48 GB memory.  Current partitioned fact tables have several hundred MB of data per partition.  We have a well formed constellation of star schemas.  We have been advised to alter tempdb to have multiple files.  This should improve performance on parallel queries and when there are multiple queries running...or so we've been told and as logic would dictate.

     

    Is this guidance correct and if so, how do we determine the appropriate number of files?  We are leaning toward 12...one for each proc.

     

    Pls advise.


    Kurt Allebach

  • Not an answer, just an opinion:  I would think the key here would be how many different disk drives you have available (probably obfuscated by SAN in your case).  I can't see how more files on same drive would improve anything. Curious to see other replies. 

  • There are MS articles on this which I cant find. On 64 bit servers you should have 1 per CPU, yes. This will give you a better performance overall regardless of OLTP or OLAP.

    Steve.

  • Do me a favor - can you open perfmon and compare Sql Server:Databases/ Transactions/sec for _total to tempdb transactions per second? Subtract out tempdb so you can see what % of trans/sec is actually tempdb. I'm curious - why add all of the files if you don't need them. Sure the best-practice is to do so, but i'm at a client and see a prod server with only < 10% tempdb usage...at this point it ain't broke so I ain't fixin' it. Word up?

  • Please note, 5 year old question.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Bet my answer ain't 5, cous 😀

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