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Home SQL Server - Do I need a Graphics card if I opt for 64GB RAM?

  • May 11, 2016 at 6:05 am

    #316446

    Hi,

    I am finalising my home Desktop PC, mainly for SQL Server DB, BI and Visual Studio, Azure cloud computing etc. purposes.

    If I opt for 64GB ( 64GB HyperX Predator GTS) RAM, do I still need seperate Graphics card? If so, how much GB is enough? I do NOT use any gaming.

    thank you very much

  • May 11, 2016 at 6:23 am

    #1878125

    Huh?

    Graphics card doesn't have anything to do with memory.

    If the motherboard has a built-in graphics card, then you can use that, the on-board stuff is fine for most non-gaming usage. If the motherboard doesn't (which would be unusual), then you'd need to buy a separate graphics card, or run the machine without any screens

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

  • May 11, 2016 at 6:26 am

    #1878128

    The easy way to put it is, SQL doesn't care what kind of graphic card you have.

    But, you will need some sort of graphic card / display adapter, to connect your monitor too. On-board graphics that use the system RAM, versus having a dedicated card with it's own memory, can typically be set to limit how much RAM they'll use (likely with a minimum value.)

    Too little display memory will somewhat impact the general Windows graphics and the display of the applications you're using.

    Arguably, I'd go with a dedicated display adapter, for your purposes it could be the least expensive option from the vendor.

  • May 11, 2016 at 6:26 am

    #1878129

    Save your money. You don't need a spiffy graphics card. It will be fine to give up a bit for your mother-board-integrated video. What WILL matter is IO performance, so spend what you can to get an SSD if at all possible, or good rotating disk if not.

    Best,
    Kevin G. Boles
    SQL Server Consultant
    SQL MVP 2007-2012
    TheSQLGuru on googles mail service

  • May 11, 2016 at 6:49 am

    #1878143

    thanks.

    Sorry, missed one bit. I am willing to go for dual-monitor (27inch, 23 inch). From this context as well, do I or do I NOT need Graphics card or any connecting interface ports?

    thank you again

  • May 11, 2016 at 6:53 am

    #1878150

    etl2016 (5/11/2016)

    thanks.

    Sorry, missed one bit. I am willing to go for dual-monitor (27inch, 23 inch). From this context as well, do I or do I NOT need Graphics card or any connecting interface ports?

    thank you again

    Please note this forum is for SQL Server support. That question is definitely not related to that product. Time to do your own research and/or use a different forum. 🙂

    Best,
    Kevin G. Boles
    SQL Server Consultant
    SQL MVP 2007-2012
    TheSQLGuru on googles mail service

  • May 11, 2016 at 6:55 am

    #1878155

    etl2016 (5/11/2016)

    thanks.

    Sorry, missed one bit. I am willing to go for dual-monitor (27inch, 23 inch). From this context as well, do I or do I NOT need Graphics card or any connecting interface ports?

    thank you again

    I am unaware of any on-board graphics that can do dual monitor, but I could be wrong.

    I'd say check with the company you're getting the PC from. You might need to go to a dedicated graphics adapter in that case.

  • May 11, 2016 at 6:56 am

    #1878157

    64GB RAM on a desktop PC?! Launching any satellites?

    p.s. Other questions to consider, what version of SQL and OS are you considering?

  • May 11, 2016 at 7:51 am

    #1878236

    "...Other questions to consider, what version of SQL and OS are you considering.."

    I am basically going for W10 64bit and latest Visual Studio and BI tools, Azue cloud computing etc

    I know 64Gb sounds bit funny 🙂 have dealt with low grade configs for quite sometime and our friendly well-known Windows multi-tasking hurdles, so, thought of going for a generous 64GB, to suffice for next couple of years of memory hungry apps 🙂

    thanks

  • May 11, 2016 at 8:09 am

    #1878246

    The problem with 64 is finding a desktop motherboard that will support it. Most only have 4 memory slots, so you're looking at 16GB dimms, those aren't cheap and you need to ensure that the motherboard can handle that amount.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

  • May 11, 2016 at 8:16 am

    #1878251

    the combination of Motherboard and 8x8GB RAM and a few other combinations I opted for - were compatible, as offered by a local customised Desktop PC buid company.

    Now, I am finalizng what to go for and what not, based on my requirements (around MS SQL and BI programming, cloud computing)

    thank you

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