Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A data processing application runs on a single EC2 instance and needs persistent block storage with sustained low-latency random read/write performance (high IOPS). Which storage choice is most appropriate?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Best answer
EBS io2 provisioned IOPS SSD
EBS io2 is built for high-performance, low-latency block storage with provisioned IOPS.
B
Distractor review
Amazon S3 Standard
S3 is object storage and is not a low-latency block device for random IOPS workloads.
C
Distractor review
Amazon EFS for POSIX file sharing between multiple instances
EFS is a network file system, best for shared file access; it’s not the typical choice for per-instance high IOPS block storage.
D
Distractor review
EBS Throughput Optimized HDD (st1) storage
st1 is optimized for throughput and is generally not intended for low-latency, high-IOPS random performance.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
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More questions from this exam
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Question 2
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Question 5
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAA-C03 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: EBS io2 provisioned IOPS SSD — For low-latency random I/O with high and sustained IOPS on a single EC2 instance, EBS io2 provisioned IOPS SSD is a strong fit. EBS io2 is an EBS block storage option designed to deliver consistent performance characteristics and low latency for workloads like databases and high-performance processing that depend on random reads and writes. It also allows you to provision the IOPS level to match performance requirements, which is essential for sustained workloads. S3 is object storage accessed over HTTP semantics, not an EBS-style block device with predictable low-latency random IOPS characteristics. EFS is designed for shared file systems across instances, and it typically won’t meet the same random IOPS/latency expectations as EBS io2 for single-instance block workloads. st1 is optimized for throughput rather than the lowest latency and highest random IOPS performance.
What should I do if I get this SAA-C03 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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