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.
SAA-C03 Design Cost-Optimized Architectures Practice Question
This SAA-C03 practice question tests your understanding of design cost-optimized architectures. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. A key principle to apply: aWS Graviton instances use ARM-based processors designed by AWS.. 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 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.
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
Option C is correct because 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.
Key principle: AWS Graviton instances use ARM-based processors designed by AWS.
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.
Related concept
AWS Graviton instances use ARM-based processors designed by AWS.
✗
Dedicated Hosts by default
Why it's wrong here
Dedicated Hosts are usually chosen for licensing or isolation, not basic cost reduction.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Graviton processors are based on 64-bit ARM Neoverse cores and are custom-designed by AWS. They support all major Linux distributions and many open-source applications (e.g., Nginx, Apache, PostgreSQL) that have been compiled for ARM. Performance testing is critical because not all workloads are equally suited to ARM; for example, applications relying on x86-specific CPU instructions (e.g., AVX-512) may see degraded performance. AWS provides the 'Graviton Challenge' program to assist with migration and validation.
KKey Concepts to Remember
AWS Graviton instances use ARM-based processors designed by AWS.
Graviton processors often provide superior price-performance compared to x86 instances.
Graviton is well-suited for open-source software and Linux-based workloads.
Performance testing is recommended before migrating production workloads to Graviton.
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
AWS Graviton instances use ARM-based processors designed by AWS.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review aWS Graviton instances use ARM-based processors designed by AWS., then practise related SAA-C03 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Design Cost-Optimized Architectures — This question tests Design Cost-Optimized Architectures — AWS Graviton instances use ARM-based processors designed by AWS..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AWS Graviton-based instances after performance testing — Option C is correct because 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.
What should I do if I get this SAA-C03 question wrong?
Review aWS Graviton instances use ARM-based processors designed by AWS., then practise related SAA-C03 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
AWS Graviton instances use ARM-based processors designed by AWS.
About these practice questions
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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: Option C is correct because 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: Option C is correct because 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).
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Question Discussion
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