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Hi friends,

Is there a best number that a CPU usage be for a SQL BOX. I just want to make it clear that what is the preferable number. Please, suggest.

Thanks,

+1  A: 

You're looking for the best CPU utilization for a database server? This question doesn't really have an answer. In the best case, your CPU utilization would be at 100% with no processes waiting.

Looking purely at CPU usage won't tell you much. A database is CPU bound, but also memory and I/O bound.

What is the actual problem that you're looking to solve?

Boden
The procees was very slow so wanted to be sure.
If your queries are slow and the CPU isn't pegged, then you should start looking at memory and I/O. Disk access costs a lot in terms of performance. You might also look at what's going over the network if that applies in this case.
Boden
A: 

There is no best number. Anything less than 100% is preferable. :-)

It depends on the variability of you workload. You need extra capacity for spikes in workload.

If you have extremely consistent workload then 80%-90% avg CPU would be fine. If it is highly variable then your avg CPU should be a lot lower.

If the CPU is pegged then processes will be waiting and get bogged down. That's a bad thing. So add as much CPU as you can afford to prevent the 100% CPU from occurring to often. How often is acceptable is up to you and your budget.

DJ