AWS RDS Instance Types: Complete Guide
Tags: aws, database, cloud
Published: 2023-06-26 00:15:04

## **What is an AWS RDS instance?**

An AWS RDS instance is a database instance created with the [AWS Relational Database Service (RDS)](https://newsletter.simpleaws.dev/p/managed-relational-databases-aws-rds-aurora?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=dev.to) service, which comes pre-configured with a relational database engine, such as PostgreSQL or MySQL, and is optimized for database performance. With AWS RDS, you can choose from various instance types based on your specific needs for performance, storage, and memory.

AWS provides a wide range of instance classes for RDS, each designed to support different workload requirements. These instance classes are categorized into three families based on their performance characteristics: General Purpose, Memory Optimized, and Burstable Performance.

## **What Are The Different AWS RDS Instance Types?**

### **General Purpose AWS RDS Instances**

General Purpose instances, also known as T and M classes, are designed to provide a balance of compute, memory, and network resources. They are best suited for a broad spectrum of use cases including small to medium-sized databases, back-end servers for SAP, SharePoint, and other enterprise applications.

#### **Use Cases for General Purpose RDS Instances**

These instances work well for application servers, back-end servers for enterprise applications, gaming servers, content management, and relational database servers, where the requirement is for consistent baseline performance and the ability to burst for short periods to support spikes in CPU usage.

### **Memory Optimized AWS RDS Instances**

Memory-optimized instances (R and X classes) are engineered to deliver high performance for workloads that process large data sets in memory. They are ideal for memory-intensive applications such as real-time big data analytics and high-performance databases.

#### **Use Cases for Memory-Optimized RDS Instances**

These instances are suitable for mid-size to large databases and memory-intensive applications that require low-latency read access to large data sets, like high-performance web servers, data analytics, and batch processing workloads.

### **Burstable Performance RDS Instance Types**

Burstable Performance instances (T classes) are designed to provide a baseline level of CPU performance with the ability to burst above the baseline. They are well-suited for workloads that don't require full CPU continuously, such as small databases.

#### **Use Cases for Burstable Performance RDS Instances**

These instances are ideal for low-latency interactive applications, small and medium databases, and test and development environments that require full CPU utilization sporadically.

## **What's the difference between RDS Instance Classes and RDS Instance Types?**

RDS Instance Classes and RDS Instance Types are two different concepts in AWS that refer to different aspects of the RDS service. Let me explain.

The RDS instance class refers to the hardware specifications of the underlying infrastructure that powers your RDS instance. They determine factors such as CPU, RAM, storage capacity, and network performance. These classes are categorized into families such as T, M, R, X, etc., each offering different levels of compute power and memory resources.

On the other hand, RDS instance types represent the specific configurations within each instance class. Instance types define the combination of hardware and software that make up an Amazon RDS database instance. They determine the number of virtual CPUs, amount of memory, and storage capacity available to your database. Each instance type is optimized for different workloads and offers varying levels of performance and capabilities.

For example, within the M class of RDS instances, you have different instance types like db.m6g.large with 2 vCPU and 8 GB of memory, db.m6g.xlarge with 4 vCPU and 16 GB of memory, db.m6g.2xlarge with 8 vCPU and 32 GB of memory, etc. These types differ in terms of CPU power and memory size, but they keep the same memory to CPU ratio. Comparing that with the R class of RDS instances, you'll find that an instance of type db.r6g.large has 2 vCPU and 16 GB of memory.

Choosing the right RDS instance type is crucial as it directly impacts the performance and capabilities of your database. It's important to carefully consider your workload requirements and choose an instance type that aligns with them.

If your application requires high compute power and memory resources, you might opt for an instance type from the larger M or R families. These instances offer a higher number of virtual CPUs and more memory, enabling them to handle resource-intensive workloads efficiently.

On the other hand, if cost optimization is a priority and your workload can operate with limited compute power and memory, you could consider an instance type from the T family. These instances provide a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness

## **What Are The Different Amazon RDS Instance Sizes?**

Each instance type within an instance class comes in several sizes to support varying database workload demands. These sizes mainly differ in terms of CPU, memory, storage, and network capacity, with each type having its own unique combination of CPU, memory, storage, and network capacity tailored to different workloads. For instance, a db.t3.micro instance provides 1 vCPU and 1 GiB RAM, whereas a db.t3.2xlarge offers 8 vCPU and 32 GiB RAM.

## **How To Choose the Right RDS Instance Type**

The choice of the right RDS instance type depends on the nature and requirements of your workload. Here are some tips:

1. **Understand Your Workload:** Identify whether your workload is compute, memory, or network-intensive.
    
2. **Consider Performance Requirements:** High-performance applications may benefit from Memory-Optimized or Burstable Performance instances.
    
3. **Evaluate Cost Effectiveness:** Bigger instances provide better cost-effectiveness for workloads with high compute requirements.
    
4. **Choose Multi-AZ deployment if necessary:** If your application requires high availability, consider using a Multi-AZ deployment.
    

## **AWS RDS Pricing**

Pricing for RDS instances depends on several factors including the instance type, region, and whether you use On-Demand Instances or Reserved Instances. On-Demand Instances allow you to pay for compute capacity by the hour with no long-term commitments, which can be beneficial for short-term, spiky, or unpredictable workloads. In contrast, Reserved Instances provide you with a significant discount compared to On-Demand pricing and are recommended for steady-state usage.

For a quick cost comparison:

* An On-Demand, db.m7g.large instance (General Purpose) in the US East region may cost around $0.168 per hour.
    
* A Memory Optimized, db.r7g.large instance may cost around $0.239 per hour in the same region.
    
* The Burstable Performance, db.t4g.medium instance could be around $0.065 per hour.
    

Always use the [AWS Pricing Calculator](https://calculator.aws/) to estimate the cost of your setup before launching the instances.

## **Understanding RDS Instance Pricing**

Understanding the pricing of RDS instances is crucial when considering which instance type to choose for your workload. Several factors, such as instance type, region, and usage (On-Demand or Reserved Instances), influence the overall cost.

### **On-Demand vs Reserved Instances**

Aside from considering the instance type and its associated costs, it is also important to factor in your specific workload requirements. For example, if you have a short-term project or anticipate unpredictable demand spikes, utilizing On-Demand Instances can provide the flexibility you need. On-Demand Instances offer flexibility by allowing you to pay for compute capacity on an hourly basis, with no long-term commitments. With this option, only pay for compute capacity on an hourly basis, making it a good choice for scaling up or down as needed without any long-term commitments.

On the other hand, if you have a consistent workload and can commit to using the RDS instance for a longer duration, Reserved Instances provide a significant discount compared to On-Demand pricing. These instances require an upfront payment but offer substantial savings in the long run. They are recommended for steady-state usage, where you have a consistent workload and can commit to using the RDS instance for a longer duration.

### **Comparing RDS Instances**

When comparing the cost of different instance types, it's important to consider their specifications and performance characteristics. For example, the db.m7g.large instance in the US East region costs around $0.168 per hour. This General Purpose instance provides a balance between compute and memory resources, making it suitable for a wide range of workloads.

If your workload requires more memory, you might opt for the Memory Optimized db.r7g.large instance, which costs around $0.239 per hour in the same region, and provides double the amount of memory. The range of RDS instance types available can sometimes be overwhelming, but understanding their pricing is crucial to determine the best fit for your workload. The cost of an RDS instance depends on factors such as instance type, region, usage, and any additional charges.

## **How do I change my RDS instance type?**

To change the type of your AWS RDS instance, you can use the AWS Management Console, AWS CLI, or Amazon RDS API. Simply select your instance, choose "Modify," and then select the instance type you want to upgrade to. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade process. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. **Sign in to the AWS Management Console** and open the Amazon RDS console at [**console.aws.amazon.com/rds**](http://console.aws.amazon.com/rds).
    
2. **Navigate to Databases** and choose the DB instance that you want to modify.
    
3. **Choose 'Modify'**. In the Instance specifications section, pick a different DB instance class.
    
4. **Select 'Apply Immediately'** if you want the changes to be effective immediately. If you do not choose to apply the changes immediately, the change will occur during your specified maintenance window.
    
5. **Choose 'Continue'** and check the summary of modifications.
    
6. **Choose 'Modify DB Instance'** to save the changes.
    

Remember, the modification will cause a brief outage for your DB instance. Make sure you perform such operations during scheduled maintenance periods.

If you'd like to know more about determining the right size of RDS db instances, and changing the size, visit this [Guide to AWS RDS & Aurora Instance Types and Sizes](https://blog.guilleojeda.com/guide-aws-rds-aurora-instance-types-sizing?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=dev.to).

Additionally, you can gain a more thorough understanding of Amazon RDS by reading [Managed Relational Databases with AWS RDS and Aurora](https://newsletter.simpleaws.dev/p/managed-relational-databases-aws-rds-aurora?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=dev.to).

With a thorough understanding of various RDS instance types, their use cases, and cost structures, you can make an informed decision that caters to your application needs while optimizing costs. AWS provides a selection of instance types, each designed to efficiently handle different types of workloads. By choosing the right instance type, you can ensure a robust, high-performing, and cost-effective database solution for your applications.

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