Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Backup Completion Time

Sep 11, 2017 11:37AM PDT

How long should a 1.6 TB Full backup take on a server with Windows Server 2012 and 32 GB of memory (RAM)? Is 6.5 hours too long or average?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
depends
Sep 11, 2017 11:51AM PDT

On the backup program used, if direct copy or verification of copy is also involved, speed of computer and the backup device (which may be limited to USB1 or 2 speeds, or over a wired LAN or wireless). I don't think anyone can say conclusively. I'd expect it to last about as long as doing a full Defrag on a drive, and I've known those to take all night. When I used to have Windows, running Defrag would be set at bedtime and by morning it usually was done, sometimes not completely.

- Collapse -
Answer
Too many variables
Sep 11, 2017 12:44PM PDT

I can backup 25GB ssd>ssd over sata 2 in 3 mins.
Do the math.

- Collapse -
Answer
As noted. It can be that, longer or shorter.
Sep 11, 2017 2:08PM PDT

For example a SQL database backup could be that long if the server is up at the time.

Amount of RAM once we pass about 8GB (note this is 2017) should have little effect. 99% of the time should be interface speeds then the rest CPU+RAM. HOWEVER if this is some SQL system, the SQL overhead can come into play as the backup waits for record locks.