- A
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for write-heavy workloads.
Why wrong: Enabling DAX for write-heavy workloads does not improve read performance; DAX is a cache for read-heavy workloads and does not increase provisioned capacity.
- B
Increase the provisioned read capacity units (RCUs) for the table.
Increasing RCUs directly raises the read throughput limit, reducing throttling caused by exceeding the current capacity.
- C
Use eventually consistent reads instead of strongly consistent reads.
Eventually consistent reads consume half the RCUs of strongly consistent reads, effectively doubling the read throughput for the same RCU limit, reducing throttling.
- D
Add a global secondary index (GSI) with a different partition key.
Why wrong: Adding a GSI with a different partition key improves query performance but does not increase the base table's read capacity; it may even add latency if not provisioned correctly.
- E
Enable auto-scaling with a lower minimum capacity.
Why wrong: Enabling auto-scaling with a lower minimum capacity reduces the baseline capacity, potentially worsening throttling under load.
DEA-C01 Eventually Consistent Reads Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data store management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: eventually Consistent Reads. 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.
Which TWO actions can help improve the read performance of an Amazon DynamoDB table that is experiencing throttling? (Choose two.)
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
Increase the provisioned read capacity units (RCUs) for the table.
Option B is correct because increasing the provisioned read capacity units (RCUs) directly raises the number of read operations per second the table can handle, alleviating throttling caused by exceeding the current RCU limit. Option C is correct because eventually consistent reads consume half the RCUs of strongly consistent reads, effectively doubling the read throughput for the same provisioned capacity, which can reduce throttling. Option D is not a direct solution for throttling; while a global secondary index (GSI) can improve query performance with a different partition key, it does not increase the base table's read capacity and may require additional provisioning.
Key principle: Eventually Consistent Reads
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for write-heavy workloads.
Why it's wrong here
Enabling DAX for write-heavy workloads does not improve read performance; DAX is a cache for read-heavy workloads and does not increase provisioned capacity.
- ✓
Increase the provisioned read capacity units (RCUs) for the table.
Why this is correct
Increasing RCUs directly raises the read throughput limit, reducing throttling caused by exceeding the current capacity.
Related concept
Eventually Consistent Reads
- ✓
Use eventually consistent reads instead of strongly consistent reads.
Why this is correct
Eventually consistent reads consume half the RCUs of strongly consistent reads, effectively doubling the read throughput for the same RCU limit, reducing throttling.
Related concept
Eventually Consistent Reads
- ✗
Add a global secondary index (GSI) with a different partition key.
Why it's wrong here
Adding a GSI with a different partition key improves query performance but does not increase the base table's read capacity; it may even add latency if not provisioned correctly.
- ✗
Enable auto-scaling with a lower minimum capacity.
Why it's wrong here
Enabling auto-scaling with a lower minimum capacity reduces the baseline capacity, potentially worsening throttling under load.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates often overlook eventually consistent reads as a cost-effective way to reduce throttling, focusing instead on adding GSIs or enabling DAX, which address latency or query patterns but not the root cause of exceeding provisioned capacity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DynamoDB throttling occurs when request rates exceed the provisioned RCUs or WCUs for a table or partition. For reads, each strongly consistent read consumes 1 RCU for up to 4 KB, while an eventually consistent read consumes 0.5 RCU. A GSI with a different partition key allows read queries to be directed to a separate index, which has its own provisioned capacity, effectively offloading reads from the base table and reducing contention on hot partitions.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Eventually Consistent Reads
- Provisioned Read Capacity Units (RCUs)
- Global Secondary Index (GSI)
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
Eventually Consistent Reads
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Eventually Consistent Reads Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review eventually Consistent Reads, then practise related DEA-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DEA-C01 question test?
Data Store Management — This question tests Data Store Management — Eventually Consistent Reads.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Increase the provisioned read capacity units (RCUs) for the table. — Option B is correct because increasing the provisioned read capacity units (RCUs) directly raises the number of read operations per second the table can handle, alleviating throttling caused by exceeding the current RCU limit. Option C is correct because eventually consistent reads consume half the RCUs of strongly consistent reads, effectively doubling the read throughput for the same provisioned capacity, which can reduce throttling. Option D is not a direct solution for throttling; while a global secondary index (GSI) can improve query performance with a different partition key, it does not increase the base table's read capacity and may require additional provisioning.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Review eventually Consistent Reads, then practise related DEA-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Eventually Consistent Reads
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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