Storage suggestion for MS Server 2008 R2 file server VM

[FrostyatCBM]

I'm going to be deploying a new Microsoft Server 2008 R2 VM to be used as a file server. It will provide about 4TB of storage (currently 50% utilised). I've been thinking that I would deploy a ~20GB C: drive using a VMFS disk, and add my storage as additional disks (our practice is always to store data away from the C: drive).

Current intention is to carve out 4 x approx 1TB LUNs, make them into VMFS-based disks, then add them to the server as D: E: F: and G: drives ... and then make the storage available to my users as a single S: network drive via a centralised Microsoft DFS share.

Wondering whether y'all feel this is a valid approach. Should I be using a larger LUN size (e.g. 2 x 2TB) and/or using a completely different approach?

[Silverchenau]

For windows 2008 R2, 20GB is way too small.

For more details, check this link http://geeksilver.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/watch-out-your-windows-2008-c-drive-space/

I would say, use PVSCSI, and RDM together to boost your speed. You may consider to use VMNET3 nic as well.

- Silver

My Vmware blog: http://geeksilverblog.com

[FrostyatCBM]

Thanks for the tip re: C drive size under Server 2008 R2 ... looks like I will have to plan for 40GB C drives instead.

Also good tip re PVSCSI ... I found this article http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1017652 which suggests that under ESX 4.1 there's really no reason not to use it ... so we'll give that a try. The file server will be mostly a fairly idle file store, however on the few occasions when it gets hammered the PVSCSI will help it perform a bit better.

Thanks again.

[Silverchenau]

No worries. There are quite few bits you need to pay attention when you try to use PVSCSI.

I have some posts for you to read if you want. :smileyhappy:

http://geeksilver.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/upgrade-esx-3-5-to-vsphere-upgrade-your-vms-to-get-performance-jump-part-1/

http://geeksilver.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/upgrade-esx-3-5-to-vsphere-fixing-part-1-5/?bcsi_scan_B096244A63092F1A=7b5Kwx5IBOQtdt4AiI9DUHgJ4EYNAAAA7C4ZAQ==

- Silver

My Vmware blog: http://geeksilverblog.com

[AndreTheGiant]

For the 4 TB of space I suggest to use at least two vmdk and to do not "merge" them togher with dynamic disks.

If you enable DFS (for example on the DC), you can simple create a single namespace of your files.

Andre