Processor Utilization

Hi
I am running SQL Server 2000 on a 2 processor system (Windows 2003
Standard). I regularily run large queries. When I run the queries the CPU
utilization is consitantly around 11%.
It appears as if something is limiting SQL Server to 11% CPU per
process/query. I have verified that its not I/O bound.
The Processor properties are set as follows:
- All 2 processors are checked in Processor Control
- "Maximum worker threads" is set to 255
- "Boost SQL Server priority on Windows" is not checked
- "Use Windows NT fibres" is checked
- "Use all available processors" is checked
Why is the CPU not fully utilized? What does "Boost SQL Server priority on
Windows" do?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Hi
You may want to check the boost priority option and not use fibres (as
fibres can cause other problems). You could also try using the MAXDOP hint to
only use one processor.
Monitor context switches to see if there is an excessive number before
considering using fibres. Ken Hendersons book The Gurus Guide to SQL Server
Architecture and Internals ISBN 0201700476 has a good section on this.
John
"Macisu" wrote:

> Hi
> I am running SQL Server 2000 on a 2 processor system (Windows 2003
> Standard). I regularily run large queries. When I run the queries the CPU
> utilization is consitantly around 11%.
> It appears as if something is limiting SQL Server to 11% CPU per
> process/query. I have verified that its not I/O bound.
> The Processor properties are set as follows:
> - All 2 processors are checked in Processor Control
> - "Maximum worker threads" is set to 255
> - "Boost SQL Server priority on Windows" is not checked
> - "Use Windows NT fibres" is checked
> - "Use all available processors" is checked
> Why is the CPU not fully utilized? What does "Boost SQL Server priority on
> Windows" do?
> Any assistance would be greatly appreciated
> Thanks