The answer is to use DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to cache read results, configure reads as eventually consistent, and enable Auto Scaling for write capacity. DAX acts as an in-memory cache that offloads repeated read requests from the DynamoDB table, directly reducing the provisioned read capacity units needed and thus lowering costs. Eventually consistent reads are inherently cheaper than strongly consistent reads because they do not require the additional overhead of confirming the latest write across multiple storage nodes, making them ideal for heavy read workloads where slight latency is acceptable. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DynamoDB’s read/write capacity models and the trade-offs between consistency and cost—a common trap is choosing strongly consistent reads or DynamoDB Streams, which do not optimize for read cost or throughput. Remember the mnemonic “DAC” for the three correct options: DAX, Auto Scaling, and Consistent (eventually) reads.
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 is designing a new application that will use Amazon DynamoDB as its database. The application will have a heavy read workload with occasional write spikes. The company wants to minimize costs while ensuring that reads are eventually consistent and writes are not throttled. Which three options should the architect consider? (Choose THREE.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use Auto Scaling for write capacity
Options A, B, and D are correct. DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) provides a cache for reads, reducing read capacity units. Read capacity can be set to eventually consistent reads (lower cost). Auto Scaling adjusts write capacity to handle spikes. Option C is wrong because strongly consistent reads cost more. Option E is wrong because DynamoDB Streams are for change capture, not for read performance.
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.
✗
Use DynamoDB Streams to asynchronously replicate data to a second table for reads
Why it's wrong here
Streams are for change data capture, not a read optimization.
✓
Use Auto Scaling for write capacity
Why this is correct
Auto Scaling adjusts write capacity to handle spikes without throttling.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Use eventually consistent reads for most queries
Why this is correct
Eventually consistent reads consume half the read capacity of strongly consistent reads.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Use DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to cache read results
Why this is correct
DAX reduces read load on DynamoDB, lowering read capacity costs.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use strongly consistent reads for all queries
Why it's wrong here
Strongly consistent reads consume more read capacity and cost more.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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 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.
Identify which SAP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Auto Scaling for write capacity — Options A, B, and D are correct. DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) provides a cache for reads, reducing read capacity units. Read capacity can be set to eventually consistent reads (lower cost). Auto Scaling adjusts write capacity to handle spikes. Option C is wrong because strongly consistent reads cost more. Option E is wrong because DynamoDB Streams are for change capture, not for read performance.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SAP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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