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Path: utzoo!linus!faron!rjd
From: rjd@faron.UUCP (Robert DeBenedictis)
Newsgroups: net.micro.pc
Subject: Fast disks / Expanded memory
Message-ID: <426@faron.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 10-Jan-86 14:40:23 EST
Article-I.D.: faron.426
Posted: Fri Jan 10 14:40:23 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 11-Jan-86 06:01:17 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: The MITRE Coporation, Bedford, MA
Lines: 33
Summary: How do I get maximum database performance from PC or AT?

I would like to know what configuration of PC hardware will give me the best
performance in running a large database application.  By large I mean
several thousand records, multiple files, multiple indices, etc.  Cost is
(almost) not an issue.

In particular, I would like know about hard disk drives and memory
expansion.  It would seem as though hard disk speed will be the prime
determinant of my system performance.  I assume that additional memory will
also improve the performance of my applications if the dbms system I use
knows how to take advantage of it.  Some more specific questions:

	- *Fast Disks*.  Is there a big difference in the speeds of different 
	manufacturers' hard drives?  If so, which are the fastest?  How do
	IBM's drives compare?
	
	- *AT memory*.  If I run a program like dBase III on an AT, does the 
	extra RAM capability (>640K) do me any good?

	- *RAM disks*. Is it possible to create a RAM disk and use it to store
	(non-critical) index files?  Will this improve performance?  Are 
	there RAM disks which can use memory over the 640K limit?

	- *Processor speed*.  Will using a faster non-standard processor speed
	have much impact on my performance?

IBM equipment is preferred for administrative reasons, so long as there is
not too much of a performance penalty involved in using it.  How does the
new intel memory standard affect these issues?  Do any current popular dbms
development systems (R:Base 5000, Kman, Dataflex, Condor, etc.) acknowledge
and take advantage of this extra memory?

I realize I've asked a lot of questions here.  I would appreciate responses
via mail and then I will post a summary.  Thanks.