Are you looking for ways to improve the performance of your SQL Server running on a VMware-based virtual infrastructure? Look no further! In this article, we will discuss how you can boost your SQL Server’s I/O performance by utilizing the VMware Paravirtual SCSI driver.
By default, VMware uses the LSI Logic SAS disk controller as the default virtual SCSI controller for Windows Server 2008 and above. While this controller works great for compatibility purposes, it may not provide the fastest performance. That’s where the Paravirtual SCSI (PVSCSI) driver comes in.
The PVSCSI driver, included with the VMware Tools package, is designed to improve the raw performance of every virtual disk connected to it. On average, users have reported a 12% throughput performance improvement, lower latency to the underlying storage, and lower CPU usage associated with storage handling when using this driver.
So, how can you take advantage of this driver for your SQL Server virtual machine? It’s easy! Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure that the VMware Tools are installed on your virtual machine.
- Edit the virtual machine settings and add a new SCSI controller.
- Change the type of the new SCSI controller to Paravirtual.
- Select a virtual disk (not the bootable root volume) and change its SCSI assignment to a different value.
- Save the configuration and power on the virtual machine.
- Reboot the virtual machine when prompted by Windows.
It’s important to note that the PVSCSI driver should not be used on boot volumes. This is to avoid any potential issues with the VMware Tools and the associated components. Keeping the bootable volume on a driver native to the operating system eliminates the remote chance of running into issues with this scenario.
Before and after making these changes, it’s recommended to benchmark your storage performance to ensure that you actually experience a performance improvement. Every system is different, so it’s important to validate the impact of these changes on your specific environment.
In conclusion, by utilizing the VMware Paravirtual SCSI driver, you can significantly improve the I/O performance of your SQL Server running on a VMware-based virtual infrastructure. With just a few simple configuration changes, you can experience a noticeable and measurable boost in disk performance. So why wait? Start optimizing your mission-critical SQL Server today!
Additional tips and instructions can be found in the VMware Knowledge Base, which provides a matrix of operating systems and compatibility settings, as well as instructions for changing the SCSI queue depth in Windows.
Now you have the tools to enhance the performance of your SQL Server virtual machine. Take advantage of this little update and see the difference it can make – for free!