IO Latency in SQL Server

Introduction
Query Overview
I/O latency Range
Conclusion

Introduction

Are you experiencing slow database performance and suspect it's due to I/O latency? Understanding the input/output (I/O) operations of your database is crucial for optimizing performance. In this blog, we'll explore a SQL query that provides detailed insights into database I/O latency using SQL Server.

Query Overview

This SQL query retrieves information from the sys.dm_io_virtual_file_stats dynamic management view, providing details about I/O latency for the current database. Let's break down the key components of the query:
  • vfs.database_id: The ID of the database.
  • db_name(vfs.database_id):The name of the database.
  • fs.file_id:The ID of the file.
  • fs.name:The logical name of the file.
  • fs.type_desc: The type of file (e.g., data file, log file).
  • fs.physical_name: The physical name of the file.
  • vfs.num_of_reads:The number of read operations.
  • vfs.io_stall_read_ms: The total time, in milliseconds, that read operations have been stalled.
  • vfs.io_stall_average_read_ms:The average stall time per read operation.
  • vfs.num_of_writes: The number of write operations.
  • vfs.io_stall_write_ms: The total time, in milliseconds, that write operations have been stalled.
  • vfs.io_stall_average_write_ms: The average stall time per write operation.

use YourDBName
select
    vfs.database_id,
    db_name(vfs.database_id) database_name,
    fs.file_id,
    fs.name,
    fs.type_desc,
    fs.physical_name,
    fs.size,
    vfs.sample_ms,
    vfs.num_of_reads,
    vfs.num_of_bytes_read,
    vfs.io_stall_read_ms,
    vfs.io_stall_read_ms * 1.0 / vfs.num_of_reads * 1.0 as io_stall_average_read_ms,
    vfs.io_stall_queued_read_ms,
    vfs.num_of_writes,
    vfs.num_of_bytes_written,
    vfs.io_stall_write_ms,
    vfs.io_stall_write_ms * 1.0 / vfs.num_of_writes * 1.0 as io_stall_average_write_ms,
    vfs.io_stall_queued_write_ms,
    vfs.io_stall,
    vfs.size_on_disk_bytes,
    vfs.file_handle
from
    sys.dm_io_virtual_file_stats(db_id(), null) as vfs
    inner join
    sys.database_files as fs
        on vfs.file_id = fs.file_id
where
    vfs.num_of_reads > 0
or
    vfs.num_of_writes > 0
order by
    type_desc,
    io_stall_average_read_ms desc;


By executing this query, you can gain insights into the I/O performance of your database, helping you identify potential bottlenecks and optimize performance. Whether it's analyzing read/write operations, identifying high latency issues, or optimizing disk usage, this SQL query provides valuable information for database administrators and developers alike.

I/O latency Range

Typical I/O latency could fall into the following ranges:

Range          | Latency
---------------|----------------
Excellent      | < 1ms
Very good      | < 5ms
Good           | 5ms – 10ms
Poor           | 10ms – 20ms
Bad            | 20ms – 100ms
Shockingly bad | 100ms – 500ms
WOW!           | > 500ms

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding database I/O latency is essential for maintaining optimal performance. By utilizing SQL Server's dynamic management views and executing the provided SQL query, you can effectively analyze and optimize your database's I/O operations, leading to improved performance and better overall user experience.

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Last updated in December, 2024

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