As an IT Pro, I pretty much install QB, setup companies and thier backups. I do not really spend any time "using" the program. That said, I have been doing that much for over a decade.
I have rarely ever done "performance" testing when opening files, I'm just used to it being slow, generally taking the better part of a minute or more to open, especially on older Gen 4-6 CPUs with 8GB Ram.
Recently I replace a 5th Gen i5 that had 16GB RAM, the OS and QB App on an NVME and data on a 3.5" 7200 RPM HDD with a newer 10th gen i5 10500 CPU and 32GB RAM, NVME for the OS with QB and moved the data drive in it's entirety from the old PC. Never tested performance on this or the the old machine, which died.
I have learned, from testing, that if one opens a company file and then closes and reopens the file, that QB opens the file faster the second time????
A few months later the client wanted to update the other machines. I suggested we "promote" the above machine to "server". With little discussion she agreed and we did.
The server opens the file the first time in about 14 seconds and the second time in about 7 seconds.
The clients open the file the first time in about 20 seconds and the second time in about 12 seconds.
NOTE: These times reflect the period from the time "Enter" is hit after typing the password until control is established by clicking an item in the company.
I have no information about times (issues) related to posting transactions.
The 3 new clients are identical boxes to the first, but with a slightly better 11 gen 11600 CPU and 16GB ram. Task manager shows memory utilization at about 50%, but I did not monitor the graph. There are 3 users and a 250 MB data file, so I do not think should not be taxing RAM??.
So, the client is generally not happy with the new "slow computer". Obviously I did not set the right expectation, but was actually shocked at how fast this process really is. In neither case do I consider the time bad, but it's a step backwards, which is understandable.
I can throw MEMORY at it and\or I can upgrade the LAN to 2.5GB (or higher) Ethernet. FWIW, 2.5 GB LAN cards are about $25 each, a switch about $50 and another $30 for better cables (which may not even be needed at short distances) and some time. Based on Task Manger, not optimistic memory will fix things
I am looking to the USER community for input on 2 questions:
1 - What type of performance are you seeing in similar configurations and what is your hardware?
2 - Has anyone gone to a faster LAN connection and does it improve the client experience much?
Thank you
Ranger Z
Keywords: 25.GB Ethernet, 2.5 GB LAN, Performance, Open Data File
