I would spread them out, assuming you have the capacity to handle the database load on 1 cluster. Assuming all 3 databases are production: Use 2 nodes (lowest capacity) as a test cluster. Use the remaining 7 nodes 2-3 clusters with 1-2 databases as the prod clusters. Trust me, you will want a cluster to test with, RAC does NOT work as documented. There are lot's of workarounds, especially if you are using ASM & OMF. Don't get me wrong, I like RAC just that it is more difficult to support than Non-RAC. -----Original Message----- From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Terrian, Thomas J Mr CTR DLA J6DIB Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 2:10 PM To: oracle-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: RAC newbie question I am curious on your thoughts on this.......we have 3 unrelated databases and 9 boxes to put them on. Would you recommend one 9 node cluster and put them on that one or three 3 node clusters (one for each database)? We are looking at the pros/cons of each. Does anyone have any thought either way? -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l