Best practice for Vm disk partioning

[ctcarp]

I want to create a 2012 Windows server with c:\ and d:\ partitions what is the best practice this will be a SQL Database server btw. Should I create a hd c: then add another hd d:\ all on the same datastore. I had read that using partioning tools and apps is more for real metal applications and for a vm create two seperate drives would be easier or better for recovery or future expansion on either drive.

Thanks

Mike

[vmroyale · Accepted solution]

Note: Discussion successfully moved from vSphere Guest SDK to Virtual Machine & Guest OS

Yes, create a separate virtual disk (VMDK) for each partition/volume on Windows. If the workload is light - for starters you can leave all VMDKs in the VM's working location and then if you need to split out the disks across different datastores you can do that later.

What more can you tell about your workload and the virtual infrastructure you have - which version of vSphere are you licensed for?

[ctcarp]

Vsphere 5 - I had created 2 vmdk's for this server yesterday. This will be a SQL server that hosts our web database for members and employers. I added the second drive during setup for recoverability expansion and shrinking if necessary.

Thanks for confirming Vmroyale

[cosy]

HI,

What about SWAP File Location?  Also DO we need to create all the disk thin or thick provision?

AS

[vmroyale]

I tend to leave swap in the VM's working location, unless using SRM or other to replicate it somewhere remote. Keep it simple, until you can't....

Thin or thick is a operational/administrative decision really. Unless using thick disks is required (FT, MSCS) - I typically go with thin for everything.

[TomHowarth]

Aslo remember if you do Thin Provision your guests, there may be some operational changes that need to be done to prevent issues,  thinks like Defraging (DONT DO IT) etc

[cosy]

HI,

I know for Exchange or SQL is ok to have different disks /LUNs but  What about for following Servers?

Xenapp, WSUS or Anti Virus ?

OS Disk Size  40 GB Thin ? ( seperate LUN?)

Data Disk : 100GB Thin  ( seperate LUN ?)

Both in same VM Location? smae LUN?

AS