Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 - Processor Performance

Introduction to Exchange 2003 - Processor Performance

It's always a pleasure to monitor the % processor time because it's so easy to spot a bottleneck. I suggest not only monitoring the processor, but also checking individual processes so that you judge which program is hogging the CPU.

Topics for Processor Performance in Exchange 2003 Server

Monitoring Processor Objects
Solutions to Processor Bottlenecks
Specific Processor Counters to Monitor
Summary

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Monitoring Processor Objects

Monitoring % Processor time. Exchange 2003 Server When the processor is the bottleneck, it gives a most distinctive trace. Do not be too worried about a processor time threshold of 75, 80 or even 90% just look at the pattern. If the graph looks like a drunken curtain hanging from the ceiling, then that processor is your bottleneck. On the other hand, if all you get is a series of spikes starting from a 20% or 30% baseline, then look elsewhere for a bottleneck.

Solutions to Processor Bottlenecks

If you do find that the processor is the bottleneck, it's not particularly easy to fix. While it's easy to say, 'get more or faster processors', there are often practical difficulties involving the motherboard. So, turn to lateral thinking for a solution. I would start with offloading services, for example printing. Also, if you are indexing public folders or mailstores, then perhaps the users can forgo faster searches. Another solution would be to move mailboxes to another server.

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Specific Processor Counters to Monitor

Note that there are two counters with a very similar name, Processor, and Process. Your classic counter is the performance monitor, processor time.

Performance Counters	Critical Value
Object Processor
(_Total)\% Processor Time	80% for 5+ mins
Object Process
(STORE.EXE)\% Processor Time	75% for 5+ mins
(system)\% Processor Time	75% for 5+ mins
(inetinfo)\% Processor Time	75% for 5+ mins

Note: If you have multiple processors, then multiply the critical value by the number of processors, for example, a critical value for a twin processor would be 160% for (_Total)\% Processor Time (80% x 2).

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Summary - Monitoring Processor

Processor bottlenecks are the easiest to problem detect in Exchange 2003 server. Monitor % processor time, and just look for a trace which looks like a curtain hanging from a ceiling. You gain extra information by logging process counters, for example store.exe.

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Here is a free tool to monitor your Exchange Server. Download the utility, then inspect your mail queues, monitor Exchange server's memory, confirm there is enough disk space and check the CPU utilization.