Question 501 of 302
How to Reduce EC2 Compute Cost Using AWS Graviton
A marketing site runs on x86 EC2 instances and uses open-source software with no architecture-specific licensing restriction. What should be evaluated to reduce compute cost? The design must avoid adding custom operational scripts.
Quick Answer
The answer is to evaluate AWS Graviton-based instances after performance testing. This is correct because Graviton processors use the ARM architecture, which for many workloads like web servers and open-source applications delivers up to 40% better price-performance compared to equivalent x86 instances, and since the marketing site uses open-source software with no architecture-specific licensing restrictions, recompiling for ARM natively reduces compute cost without requiring custom operational scripts. On the SAA-C03 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of cost optimization through architecture selection, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose reserved instances or spot instances—but the key is that Graviton directly addresses the price-performance ratio for compatible workloads. A helpful memory tip is “Graviton for open-source gain,” reminding you that ARM-based instances are the go-to for reducing EC2 compute cost when software licensing isn’t a barrier.
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates assume Dedicated Hosts (Option D) are a cost-saving measure, but they actually increase costs unless you have specific licensing needs, and they violate the 'no custom operational scripts' constraint by requiring manual host management.
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
✓
AWS Graviton-based instances after performance testing
AWS Graviton-based instances (ARM architecture) offer up to 40% better price-performance compared to comparable x86 instances for many workloads. Since the marketing site uses open-source software with no architecture-specific licensing restrictions, migrating to Graviton after performance testing can significantly reduce compute costs without requiring custom operational scripts, as the OS and software can be recompiled for ARM natively.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Cross-Region data replication for all data
Why it's wrong here
Replication improves resilience but adds transfer and storage cost.
- ✗
io2 Block Express volumes for all instances
Why it's wrong here
High-end block storage increases cost unless required by performance needs.
- ✓
AWS Graviton-based instances after performance testing
Why this is correct
Graviton instances often provide better price performance for compatible workloads.
- ✗
Dedicated Hosts by default
Why it's wrong here
Dedicated Hosts are usually chosen for licensing or isolation, not basic cost reduction.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on SAA-C03
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A marketing site runs on x86 EC2 instances and uses open-source software with no architecture-specific licensing restriction. What should be evaluated to reduce compute cost?
medium- A.Cross-Region data replication for all data
- B.io2 Block Express volumes for all instances
- ✓ C.AWS Graviton-based instances after performance testing
- D.Dedicated Hosts by default
Why C: AWS Graviton-based instances (ARM architecture) offer up to 40% better price-performance compared to comparable x86 instances for many workloads. Since the marketing site uses open-source software with no architecture-specific licensing restrictions, migrating to Graviton after performance testing can significantly reduce compute costs without sacrificing performance.
Variation 2. A marketing site runs on x86 EC2 instances and uses open-source software with no architecture-specific licensing restriction. What should be evaluated to reduce compute cost? The architecture review board prefers a managed AWS-native control.
medium- A.Cross-Region data replication for all data
- B.io2 Block Express volumes for all instances
- ✓ C.AWS Graviton-based instances after performance testing
- D.Dedicated Hosts by default
Why C: AWS Graviton-based instances use ARM-based custom processors that offer up to 40% better price-performance compared to comparable x86 instances for many workloads. Since the marketing site runs open-source software with no architecture-specific licensing restrictions, migrating to Graviton after performance testing can significantly reduce compute costs while leveraging a managed AWS-native control (e.g., EC2 Auto Scaling groups with Graviton instance types).
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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