| author | MashaMSFT | |
|---|---|---|
| ms.author | mathoma | |
| ms.reviewer | randolphwest | |
| ms.date | 06/16/2025 | |
| ms.service | virtual-machines | |
| ms.topic | include | |
| ms.custom |
|
- Identify workload performance characteristics to determine the appropriate VM size for your business.
- If you're migrating to Azure, use the Azure SQL migration extension for Azure Data Studio to find the right VM size for your existing SQL Server workload, and then migrate with Azure Data Studio.
- Use Azure Marketplace images to deploy your SQL Server VMs as the SQL Server settings and storage options are configured for optimal performance.
- Use VM sizes with 4 or more vCPUs.
- Use memory optimized virtual machine sizes for the best performance of SQL Server workloads.
- The Edsv5-series, and the Msv3 and Mdsv3-series offer an optimal memory-to-vCore ratio recommended for OLTP workloads.
- The Mbdsv3-series VMs offer the best performance for SQL Server workloads on Azure VMs. Consider this series first for mission critical OLTP and data warehouse SQL Server workloads.
- The Ebdsv5-series provides a high I/O throughput-to-vCore ratio, along with a memory-to-vCore ratio of 8:1. This series offers the best price-performance for SQL Server workloads on Azure VMs. Consider these VMs first for most SQL Server workloads.
- The M-series family offers VMs with the highest memory allocation in Azure.
- The Mbsv3 and Mbdsv3 series VMs provide a high memory allocation and the highest I/O throughput-to-vCore ratio amongst the M-series family, along with a consistent memory-to-vCore ratio of at least 8:1.
- Start development environments with the lower-tier D-Series, B-Series, or Av2-series and grow your environment over time.
- Check VM supportability to avoid unsupported configurations.