What are the limitations of Microsoft SQL Server Express Editions?

Express 2008 R2 and newer have a maximum capacity of 10GB and memory (RAM) of 1GB or 1.41GB. See below for more details.

Acctivate QuickBooks Inventory Management Software utilizes the Microsoft SQL Server database engine.  Many companies are able to use the included, free Express Edition.  Companies with a higher transaction volume or higher user count may be required to upgrade to the SQL Server Standard edition to increase performance and capacity.

SQL Server Express includes the following limitations on the database file size, plus memory and processor utilization limits.

Note: Some older versions listed below are no longer supported by Acctivate.  Please refer to our System Requirements for up-to-date list of supported versions.

SQL Version Database File Size Memory (RAM) Processor (CPU)
2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE) 2GB 2GB 1 cpu*
2005 Express 4GB 1GB 1 cpu
2008 Express 4GB 1GB 1 cpu
2008 R2 Express 10GB 1GB 1 cpu
2012 Express 10GB 1GB 1 socket, up to 4 cores
2014 Express 10GB 1GB 1 socket, up to 4 cores
2016 Express 10GB 1410MB 1 socket, up to 4 cores
2017 Express 10GB 1410MB 1 socket, up to 4 cores
2019 Express 10GB 1410MB 1 socket, up to 4 cores

 

*SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE) included a workload governor limiting the database engine to 8 concurrent operations.  This limitation was removed in SQL Server 2005 Express and later versions.

View the complete comparison chart of all SQL Server Editions from Microsoft.

Please Note: Acctivate support can not advise on purchasing SQL standard. You should consult with a Microsoft certified sales rep to discuss your setup and needs. Acctivate support can not advise on CAL's, version questions, etc. SQL Standard is sold and distributed by Microsoft or an authorized reseller.