Sun SS10 model 30 Performance

We are currently benchmarking an Oracle database application on a Sun SS10 Model 30 with SunOs 4.1.3 (v2), having performed the same tests on an HP 9000/817 and an IBM RS 6000 Model 350.

The impression was not favourable since the database import was two and a half times slower on the Sun (5hrs vs 2hrs on the HP and IBM). Other database jobs doing only reading of the database perform roughly the same or better, but it appears that write access to disk is slow.

The IO Benchmark program IOZONE by Bill Norcott confirms this slowness with an average of 1.7 Megabytes per second no matter what file size or block size is used. It is almost as if there is no (or very little) cacheing taking place. We have looked through the SunOS kernel configuration, but cannot see anything that relates to the problem. Increased USERS to 32, but this also had no effect.

Has anyone experienced a similar problem and is there a parameter/fix available to rectify this problem.

We have been told that the Database Accelerator Software Option will have some effect, and are currently awaiting this, but would like feedback anyway.

Please E-mail replies to the address below.

Thanks in advance.

Ray

Ray Bartho                              Phone    : (031) 816-2468
I.T. Consultant                         FAX      : (031) 816-2125
University of Natal                     Internet : bartho_at_cc.und.ac.za