SQL Server Configuration¶
Introduction¶
This document defines the recommended configuration for the Microsoft SQL Server machine hosting the X4D database. The SQL Server is the most critical component of an X4D deployment. Database performance directly affects tag queries, document linking, 3D model associations, reporting performance, and import and synchronization speed. Proper sizing of CPU, memory, and storage is essential to ensure stable and responsive operation.
Supported Operating Systems¶
The SQL Server machine must run a supported Windows Server operating system.
- Preferred: Windows Server 2022 Standard or Datacenter
- Supported: Windows Server 2019 Standard or Datacenter
The system should be configured with the following baseline practices:
- High Performance power plan enabled
- Latest Windows updates installed
- Anti-virus exclusions for SQL data and log folders
Supported SQL Server Editions¶
X4D supports Microsoft SQL Server for Windows.
SQL Server Express¶
Supported for small projects or proof-of-concept deployments, including demonstrations and training environments.
- Maximum database size: 10 GB per database
- Maximum usable memory: approximately 1.4 GB
- CPU usage limited to 1 socket or 4 cores
- No SQL Agent for scheduled maintenance jobs
SQL Server Express is not recommended for production multi-user environments.
SQL Server Standard¶
Recommended for most X4D deployments. It provides larger database support, higher memory utilization, improved performance for concurrent users, and better long-term scalability.
SQL Server Enterprise¶
Recommended for very large datasets, multiple projects hosted on a single server, heavy reporting, advanced indexing or partitioning needs, and high-availability configurations.
Hardware Requirements¶
CPU¶
SQL Server performance benefits from both core count and clock speed.
| Deployment size | Recommended CPU |
|---|---|
| Small pilot or training system | 8 cores |
| Standard production deployment | 12 to 16 cores |
| Large enterprise deployment | 24 or more cores |
Higher clock speeds are generally more beneficial than extremely high core counts.
Memory¶
SQL Server performance is strongly influenced by available memory.
| Deployment size | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|
| Small environment | 32 GB |
| Standard production deployment | 64 to 128 GB |
| Large enterprise deployment | 192 GB or higher |
Insufficient memory can lead to slow query performance, increased disk reads, slower reporting, and reduced import performance.
Storage¶
Disk I/O is one of the most important factors for SQL Server performance. Separate physical disks are strongly recommended.
| Drive | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 1 - Operating System | 250 to 500 GB SSD or NVMe |
| 2 - SQL Data Files (MDF, NDF) | Enterprise SSD/NVMe preferred, RAID 1 or RAID 10, 1 to 2 TB |
| 3 - SQL Log Files (LDF) | Separate physical SSD/NVMe, RAID 1, 500 GB minimum |
| 4 - Backup and Staging | 2 to 4 TB for backups, import staging, exports, and maintenance |
Important storage guidance:
- For production systems, SQL data files, logs, and the OS should not reside on the same disk
- NVMe storage is strongly preferred over traditional SSDs
- RAID 10 provides the best performance for large installations
Network¶
| Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 1 Gbps network connection |
| Recommended | 10 Gbps for multi-user environments |
Higher network throughput improves responsiveness when multiple clients access the database and document repositories.
Recommended SQL Server Configuration Practices¶
- Place TempDB on fast SSD or NVMe storage
- Configure regular database backups
- Implement scheduled maintenance for index rebuild and statistics updates
- Configure SQL Server memory allocation appropriately for the host
- Monitor database growth to avoid storage saturation
Typical SQL Server Deployment Profiles¶
Small deployment¶
- SQL Server Express, 8-core CPU, 32 GB RAM, NVMe storage
Standard production deployment¶
- SQL Server Standard, 16-core CPU, 64 to 128 GB RAM, NVMe RAID storage
Large enterprise deployment¶
- SQL Server Enterprise, 24 or more core CPU, 192 GB RAM or higher, enterprise NVMe storage arrays
Document purpose: sizing guidance for X4D SQL Server deployments. Adjust specifications based on data volume, number of concurrent users, reporting load, and growth expectations.