request advice for best striping option

[Jordan Bean]

HPUX 11.00
EMC Symmetrix 8430
Oracle 8i

Using distributed allocation (lvcreate -D y -s g) and 8.5 GB volumes, should I create volume groups of 4 volumes with 1 MB extents or groups of 8 volumes with 2 MB extents? The extent barrier (65536 per volume group) prevents using 8 volumes with 1 MB extents since the volumes exceed 8.0 GB.

We've had wonderful performance on our older Symm using volume groups of eight 4.2 GB volumes with 1 MB extents.

[Vincent Fleming · Accepted solution]

The general rule is the more physical volumes the better. I've always used the 1MB extent guideline as a minimum, with good success. So, I'd say go with the 8 volumes and 2MB extents.

Good luck!

[Jordan Bean]

I was leaning toward the 8x2 layout by that same rule. Works for me. Thanks.