disk layout for sql 2008 database mirroring

Question

Guys I'm rolling out a SQL database server that will be used to back Sharepoint 2007. Right now I need some advice on my disk layout. I have two Dell servers that are configured a little differently in terms of storage. The principle server will be using a combination of local storage and san storage. I have to work with what I have the organization is currently all allocated on san storage it was like pulling teeth to even get what I have to work with now. My disk setup on the principle is as follows raid 1 for OS, raid 10 for logs, raid 10 fiber on san for high IO databases, raid 10 sata on san for content databases. My question in regards to the principle server is where should I place the temp db I thought about placing it on the fiber raid 10 which will be hosting my high IO Sharepoint SSP databases my only other choice is to move it to the raid 1 os partition which I’m sure you guys will be against. Now let’s talk about the mirror server it is not connected to the san it is all local 6 15k SAS drives. Now my question is the same do I put tempdb on the os partition or do I leave the os partition and use a single raid 10 for everything? Any help you can provide is much appreciated.

Answer 1

Alpha,

Not to put more questions in this thread, but if you are holding content databases on the SAN this brings up two potential problems with the disks on the mirror. The first is do you have the same amount of disk space on the mirror as the SAN in the pricipal, and the second is what happens if the SAN disk goes down?

The reason I ask is because it may force different disk layouts. If the SAN goes down, with content databases on them, the instance will stay up and the witness will show it as online to the mirror, but the database will no longer be serving the requests of the users which makes mirroring a moot point (unless you are going to manually fail it over).

The second question could be a problem as you need to have enough room on the mirror as you do on the SAN to hold content databases so you don't run out of room and cause a problem on the mirror.

1. What is the current disk setup for your pricipal with sizes and local or san?
2. You have 6x15k SAS drives in the mirror, what is the size of the drives?

Thanks,
Sean