Compaq 307560-001 Disk Subsystem Performance and Scalability - Page 4

ECG025.0997 WHITE PAPER (cont.) ... Table 1: (cont.) Disk Subsystem Testing Environment Environment Equipment Used Server Software Configuration Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 Service Pack 2 Compaq Support Software Diskette 1.20A Client Configuration Compaq Deskpro 575 Netelligent 10/100 TX PCI UTP Controller and MS-DOS NetBench 5.0 Test Configuration Disk Mix Work Space 15 MB Ramp Up Time 10 seconds Ramp Down Time 10 seconds Test Duration 120 seconds Delay Time 0 seconds Think Time 0 seconds DISK-RELATED PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS Before beginning our discussion on disk subsystem performance, Table 2 lists the general terms used in the industry to describe the performance characteristics of disk performance. These general terms describe characteristics that can impact system performance, so it is important to understand the meaning of each term and how it could affect your system. Terms Seek Time Average Seek Time Table 2: Disk Performance Measurement Terms Description The time it takes for the disk head to move across the disk to find a particular track on a disk. The average length of time required for the disk head to move to the track that holds the data you want. This average length of time will generally be the time it takes to seek half way across the disk. 4