Wait Type LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS

Wait statistics, in the context of SQL Server, refer to the amount of time that a query spends waiting to access data in the database. When a client application requests data from the database, the request is placed in a queue and the client application must wait for its turn to access the data. The time that the query spends waiting is called a "wait" and is tracked by SQL Server. This information can be used to identify potential performance bottlenecks and optimize the performance of the database. Wait statistics are commonly used by database administrators to diagnose and troubleshoot performance issues in SQL Server.

SQL Server uses a locking mechanism to ensure data consistency and manage concurrency during transactions. Occasionally, specific locks can result in waits, such as the LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS wait type. Understanding this wait type can help you identify and resolve blocking issues to maintain optimal performance in your database.

What is LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS?

The LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS wait type occurs when a transaction is waiting to acquire a Range-Exclusive Shared (RX_S) lock but is blocked by other transactions. An RX_S lock is used for read operations that need to protect a range of data while allowing certain types of shared access but blocking others. The “Abort Blockers” component means that SQL Server must wait for conflicting transactions to complete or be aborted before granting the lock.

In simpler terms, this wait type indicates that SQL Server is pausing a transaction to avoid conflicts with other transactions that currently hold incompatible locks on the same data range.

Why Does LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS Happen?

Several factors can lead to LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS waits, including:

• Long-running transactions holding locks on the same data range.
• High contention for tables, rows, or indexes involved in the operation.
• Inefficient queries or missing indexes causing locks to be held for longer periods.
• Concurrency issues during peak usage times leading to overlapping transactions.
• Heavy workloads with frequent read and write operations on the same data range.

Addressing these factors can reduce contention and improve overall database performance.

How to Monitor LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS Waits

Monitoring LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS waits is crucial for diagnosing their root causes and understanding their impact. The Database Health Monitor is a powerful tool for tracking this wait type. Its Historic Waits Monitoring feature provides detailed insights into when and how often these waits occur, their duration, and their effect on overall system performance.

Using Database Health Monitor, you can identify patterns in these waits and determine whether they are caused by blocking chains, inefficient queries, or resource contention. This data enables you to take targeted corrective actions to optimize your SQL Server environment.

What Can You Do About LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS Waits?

If you experience frequent or prolonged LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS waits, consider implementing these strategies:

• Analyze and resolve blocking chains using tools like Activity Monitor or Extended Events to identify conflicting transactions.
• Optimize queries to minimize execution time and lock durations.
• Ensure that indexes are properly designed to reduce contention and improve query performance.
• Partition large tables to limit the scope of range-based locks and reduce conflicts.
• Break long-running operations into smaller tasks to lower blocking potential.
• Adjust transaction isolation levels to balance concurrency and consistency requirements for your workload.
• Schedule intensive range-based operations, such as reads or writes, during off-peak hours to avoid conflicts with high-priority transactions.

These measures can help alleviate blocking and ensure efficient operations in your SQL Server environment.

Why Use Database Health Monitor?

The Database Health Monitor is an essential tool for tracking SQL Server wait types, including LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS. Its Historic Waits Monitoring feature provides actionable insights into wait trends, helping you identify and resolve performance bottlenecks. With Database Health Monitor, you can maintain a high-performing and reliable SQL Server environment.

Start using Database Health Monitor today to monitor and optimize your SQL Server’s performance, ensuring smooth and effective database operations!

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Applies to

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• More About LCK_M_RX_S_ABORT_BLOCKERS