- A
Memory optimised (R family)
Why wrong: Memory optimised instances provide high RAM-to-CPU ratios for workloads that process large datasets in memory, such as in-memory databases. This batch job is not memory-intensive.
- B
Compute optimised (C family)
Compute optimised instances deliver the highest performance per CPU core on AWS. They are designed for batch processing, scientific computing, and other CPU-intensive workloads that are not memory-bound.
- C
Storage optimised (I family)
Why wrong: Storage optimised instances provide high sequential read/write access and high IOPS for workloads such as NoSQL databases and data warehousing. A CPU-bound batch job does not primarily need storage performance.
- D
Accelerated computing (P family)
Why wrong: Accelerated computing instances use hardware GPU or FPGA accelerators for specific tasks like machine learning training and graphics rendering. The batch job described does not require GPU acceleration.
Quick Answer
The answer is the compute-optimized C family. This is the correct choice because compute-optimized EC2 instances are specifically engineered for workloads that demand high CPU performance, such as compute-intensive batch processing, scientific modeling, and gaming servers, while offering a balanced price-performance ratio for tasks that are not memory-bound or GPU-dependent. On the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to match EC2 instance families to workload characteristics, often appearing as a scenario where you must distinguish between compute-optimized (C), memory-optimized (R), and accelerated computing (P/G) families. A common trap is selecting a general-purpose instance like the T or M family, but those are designed for balanced workloads, not sustained high CPU. For a quick memory tip, think “C for CPU” — when the scenario emphasizes raw processing power without mentioning memory or GPU, the C family is your go-to.
CLF-C02 Cloud Technology and Services Practice Question
This CLF-C02 practice question tests your understanding of cloud technology and services. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company runs compute-intensive batch processing jobs that require high CPU performance. The workload is not memory-intensive and does not require GPU acceleration. Which Amazon EC2 instance family is the most appropriate choice?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Compute optimised (C family)
The compute-optimized (C family) EC2 instances are designed for workloads that benefit from high-performance processors, such as batch processing, scientific modeling, and gaming servers. Since the job requires high CPU performance and is not memory-intensive or GPU-accelerated, the C family provides the best price-performance ratio for compute-bound tasks.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Memory optimised (R family)
Why it's wrong here
Memory optimised instances provide high RAM-to-CPU ratios for workloads that process large datasets in memory, such as in-memory databases. This batch job is not memory-intensive.
- ✓
Compute optimised (C family)
Why this is correct
Compute optimised instances deliver the highest performance per CPU core on AWS. They are designed for batch processing, scientific computing, and other CPU-intensive workloads that are not memory-bound.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Storage optimised (I family)
Why it's wrong here
Storage optimised instances provide high sequential read/write access and high IOPS for workloads such as NoSQL databases and data warehousing. A CPU-bound batch job does not primarily need storage performance.
- ✗
Accelerated computing (P family)
Why it's wrong here
Accelerated computing instances use hardware GPU or FPGA accelerators for specific tasks like machine learning training and graphics rendering. The batch job described does not require GPU acceleration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'compute-intensive' with 'memory-intensive' and select memory-optimized instances, or they assume all high-performance workloads require GPU acceleration and pick accelerated computing instances.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, compute-optimized instances use high-frequency Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC processors with turbo boost capabilities, and they often have a higher ratio of vCPUs to memory compared to other families. For example, a c5.large instance provides 2 vCPUs and 4 GiB of memory, whereas an r5.large offers 2 vCPUs but 16 GiB of memory, making the C family more cost-effective for CPU-bound batch jobs. In real-world scenarios, a company running Monte Carlo simulations or video encoding would choose C instances to maximize throughput per dollar.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CLF-C02 question test?
Cloud Technology and Services — This question tests Cloud Technology and Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Compute optimised (C family) — The compute-optimized (C family) EC2 instances are designed for workloads that benefit from high-performance processors, such as batch processing, scientific modeling, and gaming servers. Since the job requires high CPU performance and is not memory-intensive or GPU-accelerated, the C family provides the best price-performance ratio for compute-bound tasks.
What should I do if I get this CLF-C02 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This CLF-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CLF-C02 exam.
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