AWS re:Invent 2025 - How well do you know EC2? (CMP356)

Optimizing EC2 Workloads: Unlocking the Full Potential of AWS Compute

Understanding the Breadth of EC2

• AWS offers over 1,000 EC2 instance types across 6 different categories, with various processor architectures and pricing models.
• However, many customers only utilize a small subset of 5-10 instance types, missing out on significant cost and performance optimization opportunities.
• The presenter recommends starting by running a describe instances command to understand the diversity of instance types currently used in your environment.

Matching Workloads to Instance Types

• Categorize your workloads and monitor key metrics like CPU, memory, disk IOPS, and network throughput using tools like CloudWatch.
• Use this data to select the most appropriate instance families (general purpose, compute-optimized, memory-optimized, etc.) for your specific workload requirements.
• Avoid defaulting to a handful of instance types - leverage the breadth of options to find the best fit.

The Importance of the Nitro Platform

• The Nitro platform is AWS's latest infrastructure innovation, powering all EC2 instances from the 5th generation and beyond.
• Nitro-based instances offer improved performance, reduced virtualization overhead, enhanced security, and better price-performance.
• Identify any non-Nitro instances in your environment and prioritize migrating to the latest Nitro-powered instance types for significant optimization.

Leveraging AWS Compute Optimizer

• AWS Compute Optimizer is a free service that provides recommendations for right-sizing your EC2 instances based on 14 days of historical usage data.
• It analyzes CPU, memory, network, and disk patterns to suggest optimal instance types, including newer 7th and 8th generation options, as well as Graviton-based instances.
• Compute Optimizer can help you identify over-provisioned resources and opportunities to reduce your overall fleet size or instance sizes.

Implementing Flexible Scaling and Purchasing Strategies

• Use EC2 Auto Scaling to dynamically scale your instances up and down based on real-time workload requirements.
• Leverage Attribute-Based Instance Selection to let Auto Scaling choose the best-fit instance types automatically, based on your specified resource needs.
• Combine On-Demand, Savings Plans, and Spot Instances to optimize for both cost and capacity:
  • On-Demand for steady-state workloads
  • Savings Plans and Capacity Reservations for predictable, long-term usage
  • Spot Instances for fault-tolerant, interruptible workloads

Key Takeaways

• Understand the full breadth of EC2 instance types and don't limit yourself to a small subset.
• Carefully match your workloads to the most appropriate instance families and generations.
• Leverage the Nitro platform for improved performance and efficiency.
• Use AWS Compute Optimizer to continuously optimize your instance configurations.
• Implement flexible scaling and purchasing strategies to minimize costs while ensuring capacity.

By following these best practices, organizations can unlock the full potential of EC2 and achieve significant cost savings and performance improvements for their workloads.