Do all processors handle an equal number of rows in a parallel query? The execution plan properties show the actual row per thread count, so you can check.
Estimated and Actual Execution Plans
Estimated and actual execution plans answer different questions; compare compiled choices with runtime rows, warnings, and resource use.
SQL SERVER – Generate Report for Index Physical Statistics – SSMS
SSMS has a standard report for Index Physical Statistics at the database level. Right click the database, open Reports, and see index details at a glance.
SQL SERVER – Out of the Box – Activity and Performance Reports from SSSMS
SSMS 2008 has built-in activity and Performance Reports most people never open. Right click the server, go to Reports, Standard Reports, and pick one.
SQL SERVER – SQL Server Management Studio and Client Statistics
Query cost does not tell you how much data a query returns. Client statistics in SQL Server Management Studio do, and there are three ways to turn them on.
Finding the Real Error Behind an SSMS Dialog
Finding the real error behind an SSMS dialog starts with technical details, inner exceptions, and a safe query-window reproduction.
SQL SERVER – Plan Caching and Schema Change – An Interesting Observation
What counts as a schema change for plan caching? More than table structure: adding or dropping an index also qualifies, per Greg Low’s white paper.