What is the optimal setup for hard drives, RAM, processors to maximize performance for a growing database running on FM Server 11 and FM Pro 11? We will have about 20 onsite clients, 10 VPN clients and 5-10 iPad clients maximally for the next few years.

We are sticking with Mac and looking at either a top end mac mini server or investing bigger in a mac pro tower. We are running on a mac pro tower purchased 2 years ago and seeing serious dragging during busy work days. we have 2.66 GHz Quadcore with 6 GB ram.

solid state hard drives worth it?

how much RAM is too much?

is it worth buying the top end 12 core "westmere" processors?

We can afford to go there but I would prefer to use our money on database customization and enhancements.

Should we stick with our existing machine and juice up the RAM and add a faster hard drive?

Any perspectives or advice welcome.

When did the slow downs start? What changed before/after?

Your machine spec is handsome - so don't look there yet. There are many factors to pursue:

1. The DB design may not be best

2. Is the tower solely for FMS, or are you running OS X Server with network services

3. If you are using OS X Server then the DNS MUST be configured COMPLETELY CORRECT

4. Have you checked through the file references in FMP - if the system has been converted from pre FM7 then these must be resolved.

5. Gigabit networking? Check your switches.

I'd recommend the tower with three separate physical drives. I would not use the solid state drives at this point, but rather opt for 15K rpm UW SCSI if the tower will take them. One drive for OS and FMS. Second drive for databases. Third drive for local backups.

You present server is somewhat anemic; so be sure to get as good a processor clock speed as you can find. You'll want multi-processor of course.

As for RAM, from 8 to 12 GB is optimal.

Ideal Data's comments regarding networking and switches are very appropriate. You must also consider the workstations as well. Be sure they have at least 1 GB free disk space and good quality processors.

Do use OS X Server operating system. It offers more monitoring capabilities as well as the ability much more easily to manage local security groups and accounts if you select that route.

Database architecture is also important.

Steven