An introduction to Database Engine Tuning Advisor, or DTA, the tool that ships with SQL Server client tools and suggests indexes and statistics.
SQL SERVER – Using “High Performance” Power Plan for SQL Server
A simple, often missed setting on a new server: switch Windows to the High Performance Power Plan. Here is why it matters for SQL Server and where to set it.
Forced Parameterization: When It Cuts CPU and When It Hurts
Test forced parameterization against ad hoc compile pressure with query_hash counts, compilations per second, CPU, and parameter sensitivity.
Buffer Pool Extension and In-Memory OLTP: What Each One Caches
Buffer Pool Extension caches clean pages of disk-based tables on an SSD. Memory-optimized tables have no pages, so it cannot hold them. This post proves it on SQL Server 2025 with two tables and read-only checks.
Top N per Group: Three Ways and Which Is Fastest
Compare top N per group with ROW_NUMBER, APPLY and a correlated subquery, define tie behavior, and measure plans with a supporting index.
Cost Threshold for Parallelism and MAXDOP: Setting Both Together
Review cost threshold for parallelism with MAXDOP, inspect NUMA layout and settings, then measure plans and waits after changes.
SQL SERVER – Year 2014 Reflections by Tim Radney – Notes from the Field #060
Instead of New Year’s resolutions, Tim Radney suggests looking back. Here are his Year 2014 reflections, a great way to plan the year ahead.