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SQL Server Machine Requirements and Recommended Configuration
1. 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.
2. 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
3. Supported SQL Server Editions
X4D supports Microsoft SQL Server for Windows.
3.1 SQL Server Express
SQL Server Express is supported for small projects or proof of concept deployments, including demonstrations and training environments.
Express limitations
•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.
3.2 SQL Server Standard
SQL Server Standard is recommended for most X4D deployments. It provides larger database support, higher memory utilization, improved performance for concurrent users, and better long term scalability.
3.3 SQL Server Enterprise
SQL Server Enterprise is recommended for very large datasets, multiple projects hosted on a single server, heavy reporting, advanced indexing or partitioning needs, and high availability configurations.
4. Hardware Requirements
4.1 CPU
SQL Server performance benefits from both core count and clock speed.
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Deployment Size
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Recommended CPU
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Small pilot or training system
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8 cores
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Standard production deployment
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12 to 16 cores
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Large enterprise deployment
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24 or more cores
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Higher clock speeds are generally more beneficial than extremely high core counts.
4.2 Memory
SQL Server performance is strongly influenced by available memory.
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Deployment Size
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Recommended RAM
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Small environment
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32 GB
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Standard production deployment
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64 to 128 GB
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Large enterprise deployment
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192 GB or higher
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Insufficient memory can lead to slow query performance, increased disk reads, slower reporting, and reduced import performance.
4.3 Storage Configuration
Disk I/O is one of the most important factors for SQL Server performance. Separate physical disks are strongly recommended.
Drive 1, Operating System
•250 to 500 GB SSD or NVMe
Drive 2, SQL Data Files, MDF and NDF
•Enterprise SSD or NVMe preferred
•RAID 1 or RAID 10 recommended
•1 to 2 TB capacity suggested
This drive handles the majority of database reads and writes.
Drive 3, SQL Log Files, LDF
•Separate physical SSD or NVMe
•RAID 1 recommended
•Minimum 500 GB
Transaction logs benefit from high sequential write speed.
Drive 4, Backup and Staging
•2 to 4 TB storage capacity
•Used for backups, import staging, temporary export files, and maintenance operations
Important storage guidance
•For production systems, SQL data files, logs, and OS should not reside on the same disk
•NVMe storage is strongly preferred over traditional SSDs
•RAID 10 provides best performance for large installations
4.4 Network
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Category
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Recommendation
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Minimum
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1 Gbps network connection
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Recommended
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10 Gbps for multi user environments
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Higher network throughput improves responsiveness when multiple clients access the database and document repositories.
5. Recommended SQL Server Configuration Practices
For optimal performance, the following practices are recommended.
•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
6. Typical SQL Server Deployment Profiles
6.1 Small Deployment
•SQL Server Express
•8 core CPU
•32 GB RAM
•NVMe storage
6.2 Standard Production Deployment
•SQL Server Standard
•16 core CPU
•64 to 128 GB RAM
•NVMe RAID storage
6.3 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.
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