logo       

Re: Block size: 8K or 16K?: msg#01009

Subject: Re: Block size: 8K or 16K?
Jean-Paul ARGUDO wrote:
> 
> > I know with toast, block size is no longer an issue, but 8K is not a lot 
> > these
> > days, and it seems like a lot of syscall and block management overhead 
> > could be
> > reduced by doubling it. Any comments?
> 
> IMHO, I think this would enhance performances only if tuple lenght is
> above 8k, huh?..
> 
> I mean, I think this would enhance databases with many large objects. On
> the contrary, database with classical varchar and integers wont benefit
> it, don't you think?

See, I'm not sure. I can make many arguments pro or con, an I could defend
either, but my gut tells me that using 16K blocks will increase performance
over 8K. Aleady I have seen a sequential scan of a large table go from 20
seconds using 8K to 17.3 seconds using 16K.

select * from zsong where song like '%fubar%';


I am copying my pgbench database to the new block size to test that.

8K vs 16K
Pros: 
A sequential scan will require 1/2 the number of system calls for the same
amount of data.
Block "cache" management costs will be cut in half, for the same amount of
data.
More index information per fetch.
Larger tuples can be stored without toasting.

Cons:
Time to search a block for a tuple may increase.
More memory used per block (These days, I don't think this is too much of an
issue.)

This is based on the assumption that reading an 8K chunk is about as costly as
reading a 16K chunk. If this assumption is not true, then the arguments do not
work.

---------------------------(end of broadcast)---------------------------
TIP 1: subscribe and unsubscribe commands go to majordomo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx



<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Google Custom Search

Recently Viewed:
web.pylons.gene...    hurd.l4/2002-10...    kernel.commits....    user-groups.lin...    yellowdog.gener...    java.drools.use...    security.openva...    package-managem...    linux.debian.us...    qnx.openqnx.dev...    genealogy.gramp...    file-systems.if...    voip.wengophone...    tex.context/200...    ietf.smime/2003...    audio.csound.de...    culture.region....    xfree86.devel/2...    mobile.kannel.u...    distributed.con...    education.engli...    org.user-groups...    bug-tracking.gn...    recreation.bicy...   
Home | blog view | USPTO Patent Archive | advertise | OSDir is an inevitable website. super tiny logo

Free Magazines

Cisco News
Receive a free quarterly e-newsletter with exclusive articles on how Cisco IT uses its own products and solutions to enable the business.
subscribe

Systems Management News, the newspaper for IT systems administration and data center managers! Each issue of Systems Management News is chock-full of news and analysis to help you understand what's happening in your field.
subscribe

The Enterprise Newsweekly eWeek is the essential technology information source for builders of e-business.
subscribe

Oracle Magazine Oracle Magazine contains technology strategy articles, sample code, tips, Oracle and partner news, how to articles for developers and DBAs, and more. Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) is the world's largest enterprise software company.
subscribe

Total Telecom Total Telecom is "The Economist of the communications industry".
subscribe