The answer is to switch to EBS io2 Block Express volumes, as this configuration delivers the highest IOPS and lowest latency for SAP HANA workloads on AWS. Unlike gp3 volumes, which cap performance and can introduce variability under sustained load, io2 Block Express is purpose-built for mission-critical databases, offering sub-millisecond latency and consistent performance at scale. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of EBS volume types and their suitability for SAP HANA’s demanding I/O patterns—a common trap is assuming that simply increasing volume size or enabling EBS optimization (already active on current instances) will fix latency, or that combining log and data on a single volume is acceptable. To improve EBS I/O performance for SAP HANA, remember the memory tip: “io2 for I/O—Block Express for best express.”
PAS-C01 Technology Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of technology. 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. 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.
An SAP system on AWS is experiencing high latency for database transactions. The system uses a single EBS volume for the SAP HANA data volume. The operations team needs to improve I/O performance without changing the instance type. Which action should be taken?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Switch to EBS io2 Block Express volumes
Switching to EBS io2 Block Express volumes provides higher IOPS and lower latency compared to gp3. Increasing volume size does not necessarily improve latency. Using a single volume for log and data is not recommended. Enabling EBS optimization is already enabled on current generation instances.
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 a single EBS volume for both data and log
Why it's wrong here
Combining data and log on one volume can cause contention and increase latency.
✓
Switch to EBS io2 Block Express volumes
Why this is correct
io2 Block Express offers sub-millisecond latency and high IOPS, suitable for SAP HANA.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increase the EBS volume size to gain more IOPS
Why it's wrong here
Increasing size may increase baseline IOPS but not necessarily reduce latency.
✗
Enable EBS optimization on the instance
Why it's wrong here
EBS optimization is enabled by default on current generation instances and does not solve high latency.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Identify which PAS-C01 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.
Technology — This question tests Technology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Switch to EBS io2 Block Express volumes — Switching to EBS io2 Block Express volumes provides higher IOPS and lower latency compared to gp3. Increasing volume size does not necessarily improve latency. Using a single volume for log and data is not recommended. Enabling EBS optimization is already enabled on current generation instances.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which PAS-C01 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.
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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