Tuning Methodology

Tuning steps: 

• Tune the following from the top down:
• The design before tuning the application code
• The code before tuning the instance
• Tune the area with the greatest potential benefit—identify:
• The longest waits
• The largest service times
• Stop tuning when the goal is met.

Check the OS statistics and the general machine health before tuning the instance to be sure that the problem is in the database instance.