SQL Server 2008 Express or Enterprise

Question

I'm in a situation where I'm going to deploy a small database to a server. It can easily run in the confines of SQL Server 2008 Express. However, I could also, if I wish, deploy this to SQL Server 2008 Enterprise.

Assuming that Express has all the functionality and size that I need. Does it offer any speed advantage over Enterprise? i.e. given that both will be sufficient for my needs which would be better to use?

Answer 1

Express can only use 1 CPU & 1GB of RAM which could definitely effect performance in the wild if you are not sure how your app's utilization will be.

It also doesn't come with SQL Agent or SQL Profiler.

If this seems to be too limiting then I would consider Enterprise.

Answer 2

SQL Server Express is free... You can always consider an upgrade if your app grows larger than you expected.