System Spec for Database Server

jay20aiii · 5 Jul 2014 at 16:15

Hi I started a job a couple of months ago that requires me to work with data. I've been using MySQL via WAMP on my laptop for the time being, since the computers at work are all old and low spec.

The boss has agreed for me to get an updated PC to run tasks on so wondered if anyone has any suggestions.

The basic needs are for it to handle database queries ~20Million records. I will be using it for Web Design and some Programming too. A dual monitor setup would be useful.

I will be the primary user of the Databases but there may be a need for a handful of users to access, make updates and run queries in the future. We are talking less than 10 though.

I haven't been given a budget yet, but I imagine he will want to aim for £500-£700 max.

Any thoughts welcome!

smogsy · 5 Jul 2014 at 18:19

i would suggest.
High End Qaud core + (AMD might useful for the extra cores)
Good amount of Ram (possible 8GB+)
Most importantly though Fast Drives. id suggest going RAID 5 if possible

smogsy · 5 Jul 2014 at 18:41

somthing like this
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-192-OP&groupid=43&catid=2477

Quartz · 5 Jul 2014 at 20:42

How large are these records? How large are the indices? How large is the database? How much is it going to grow? A modest SSD should suffice to hold the database. but it will be much faster if you can hold the whole thing in RAM.

Remember that this is as much a business decision as a technical one. You need to make a business case for your prospective purchase. You need data along the lines of, "Currently I perform task X Y times per day. On the current platform each run takes Z minutes or YZ minutes per day. On proposed platform 1, task X will take Z1 minutes, saving ... On proposed platform 2, task X will take Z2 minutes..." etc.

You should spec 3 platforms and expect your boss to go for the middle one.