SQL Server 2005 32bit x86 on Windows Server 2003 x64 Compatibility

[GeorgeTuk]

Hi guys,

Just wondering if the above combination will work. I have had managed servers built with Windows Server x64 on them but it appears I only have a licence for SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition with x86 discs.

I will be running a database for around 120 people so would I run into any performance issues? Or compatibility issues?

Thanks

George

 

[SimonDavies]

We haven't had any issues using 32bit SQL on 64bit servers so unless anyone has anything else to add I would say go for it.

I would however query whether you can get the 64bit sql anyway, my understanding is that the license is for the product whether it's 32 or 64bit (at least that's how we get it from MS).


Simon

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[technome]

George...
Agree with Simon, also have no issues running 32bit SQL on 2008. Recommend 8Gig ram or MORE and a decent SAS raid disk system, fully patch SQL. Runs fast, no crashes on a number of servers; most run on Dell 2900III single 3.0 quadcore cpu boxes. Also recommend a disk defragmenter which can do a boot-time defrag, run at a couple times a month if possible.


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[technome]

Excuse my the reference to 2008, have it on both 2003 and 2008, same results.



........................................
Chernobyl disaster..a must see pictorial

http://www.kiddofspeed.com/default.htm

 

[GeorgeTuk]

OK thanks very much guys....exactly what I wanted to hear.

Another thing, we have 2 x Quad Core processors and 8GB RAM, will SQL 2005 32bit be able to make full use of that?

Thanks again my meeting tomorrow will be alot easier.

 

[SimonDavies]

You would need to use the /PAE switch in the boot.ini and be using either the Enterprise or Datacenter editions of the OS.

PAE is the Physical Address Extension



Simon

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

According to Microsoft, the limit on SQL 2005 is based on the OS memory limit. And since he is running Windows 2003 64Bit, i believe he can use all 8 GB. No /PAE needed.

http://www.microsoft.com/Sqlserver/2005/en/us/compare-features.aspx

Does anyone else concur? How about the other users that stated they had SQL32bit on a W2K364bit server?


_______________________________________
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[Fox1977]

We run a similar the same setup - 2003 x64 with sql 2000 x86. We have noticed a major bottleneck where sql will only ever use 2gb of ram.

After three years we are nor going to upgrade them to x64 sql. Not too sure how 2005 will rn though.

 

[GeorgeTuk]

Hello again,

Right all setup with SQL 2005 (32Bit) on Windows 2003 Enterprise (64bit). I have enabled AWE so how do I now know what kind of memory it can see or use? Its not being used very much at the moment so would like to see now before everyhting kicks off.

Thanks

 

[SimonDavies]

My bad with regards to the PAE, I had forgetten that it was a 64bit environment.

With regards to the amount of memory that SQL uses, by default it will use all of the memory available to it, it's only when other processes start using the ram that the amount allocated to SQL will reduce.

To set a maximum amount of ram to be allocated to a SQL environment open up the Management Studio tools, right click on the SQL server, choose properties and then memory, set your Maximum Memory amount in there.

Simon

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.