check out some of the sys.dm_exec... DMVs in BOL. also sys.dm_os_waiting_tasks to see if things are getting behind.

sys.indexes is NOT maintained accurately. Try running dbcc updateusage first. Also, check out the new DMVs in SQL 2005 (such as sys.dm_db_index_physical_stats) and some of the partition DMVs...

You really should hire an expert SAN-experienced DBA to guide you in setting up this new environment. I can GUARANTEE that you will not get optimal performance if you...

DBCC MEMORYSTATUS will show you all kinds of information about internal memory useage.

there is a nasty bug in windows for large-file copies to slower drives. Also, if your box...

I am hoping for massive uptake in the use of LINQ to SQL, especially without using stored procedures. A large part of my consulting business comes from performance tuning...

Is it possible that it is running faster the second time simply because the data is now in RAM cache?

I agree with Gila's question - how exactly are...

Anytime you have more than one 'thing' requiring I/O from a set of physical drives you have the potential for I/O contention and the accompanying performance issues. Having tempdb...

Any company that implements a SAN for database storage without getting a professional to help them with proper setup and allocation is pissing away a LOT of money. They...

I think Diskeeper states they can handle this situation. I still recommend that SQL Server be off during defrag operations.

I want to point out that I did not ask for the amount of free space on the hard disk, but rather for the free space inside the database file(s)....

IIRC I saw a number from Microsoft once that was not to bother with defrags on less than 1000+ page tables.

Also, is there any free space in the database?

Check out Diff from ApexSQL.com. I believe it is command-line drivable as well.

My first thought was that you didn't have the hotfix for the tempdb table issue - but then noticed you are on 3215 so that is out as a suggestion....

If this is your first foray into the SAN world, get ready for disappointment and frustration. Each of my last 3 primary clients jumped onto the SAN bandwagon and...

Deadlock troubleshooting via forums is a painful and often fruitless pursuit. Too much back-and-forth and incomplete information transferal. Have your best database resource review the 3 blog posts...