Will a 2nd hard disk speed up my database?

[Top Hat]

In the process of getting a new PC

Will a 2nd hard disk exclusively for my customer database, speed up that database?

The database is used by several people over a network, and it is getting slower and slower.

Speedy response appreciated

[WSC-Will]

Is this new PC going to act as a server?

Have you identified that the hard disk is the bottleneck?

Have you tried anything else to improve performance e.g. defragmenting the hard disk that hosts the database?

[TargetTesting]

What database are you using?

It might be that the database itself can't handle the number of people connecting to it.

[Top Hat]

Is this new PC going to act as a server?

Yes, only for 5 PCs, the data will be stored on new PC

Have you identified that the hard disk is the bottleneck?

No, the database is about 60mb, access, its a lot slower on other PCs over the network

I figured that at £40 it may be worth getting a 2nd drive, when I replace the pc (which is now), even if its only a marginal improvement (I know I have to do other things)

Have you tried anything else to improve performance e.g. defragmenting the hard disk that hosts the database?

No, not yet, its on my list.

Any speed up ypur database tips you've got much appreciated.

[Top Hat]

What database are you using?

It might be that the database itself can't handle the number of people connecting to it.

Access, via VB

5 people connect to it.

Its got slower as its got bigger

[Webstuff]

60mb shouldn't be causing too much of a problem, but I haven't used access before so I really can't comment... whats the processing capability of the comp. and speeds of the HD?

[Top Hat]

60mb shouldn't be causing too much of a problem, but I haven't used access before so I really can't comment... whats the processing capability of the comp. and speeds of the HD?

Currently its on a P4 2.67GHz, not sure about the Hard disk, 1GB memory

But I'm about to replace it as its very difficult to boot , it on its way out.

New PC will have
Athlon64 3400+ (400MHz FSB, 512KB cache, Skt 754)
160GB Ultra-Fast SATA 7200rpm with 8MB Buffer

But the question is, should I sfuff in a second hard disk exclusively for the data base (£40)

[Alpha]

Cant be absolutely certain but I would think it is highly unlikely that a seperate hard disc for your database will have any impact on the speed of retrieval.

I would think that people like Kyber would be able to give you chapter and verse on it.

[Ozzy]

No a second hard disk will not make a difference.

Your problem I suspect is that the database is Access when you will really consider porting it to something like SQL Server, especially as you are using it across a network.

Your problem is that Access is not really a try multiuser database platform, and it works via a single flat file system. SQL Servers such as Microsoft and MySQL work across various data files each per database table, and are threaded for mutliuser usability.

Put simply, it sounds like you have outgrown your Access database.

For short term solutions I'd look at your network, make sure you are running on at leats 100mb ideally 1000mb and that you are using a network SWITCH and not a network HUB to link your pc's together.

Switches are more intelligent and send traffic to the port/pc that is asking for that data (direct link between ports when a pc talks to the server for example - faster method). A hub will send data to all ports, so when the server sends packet of data to one pc ALL pc's get that data and it is left for the other pc's to dump the information saying "I didn't ask for that" (ie. slower method).

[Top Hat]

Thanks Guys,

I will order the PC without a 2nd hard disk.

Will have to have a good look at our options soon, as it really is becoming too slow, and optimise my VB code.

Didn't realise 1000mb networks were availiable, will have a look into them, as I remember going for 10mb to 100mb was a noticable improvement.

[TargetTesting]

TopHat,
When was the last time the Access DB was compacted? You may find that after compacting and reparing you DB size is dramatically reduced and the performance improves...however, if it's critical to you business I'd suggest upgrading to a better database technology.

Regards
Bill

[Top Hat]

When was the last time the Access DB was compacted?

Gets compacted fairly regularly.

Have just ordered a 1000gb switch and cards as Ozzy suggested (I had a hub previously).

Hopefully that will make a difference in the short term.

Next I will look at my VB code optimise it and make speed tests

Eventually I will have to change to a new database.

[FICBA]

Ozzie is correct SQL does sound like the better option for you.

You should notice a BIG difference with the Gigabit Lan you are about to install.

And I'm sure I don't need to say it, but if you are messing with code and databases please make sure you take a backup before you start any work!!