Amazon RDS for SQL Server launches optimize CPU with new generation instances for up to 55% lower price

Amazon RDS for SQL Server Updates

Amazon RDS for SQL Server now supports optimized CPU with M7i and R7i instance families, reducing prices by up to 55% compared to previous generations. Optimize CPU reduces Simultaneous Multi-threading (SMT) configuration to lower commercial software charges. Customers can upgrade to M7i and R7i instances from similar 6th generation instances to lower costs. For memory or IO intensive workloads, fine-tuning the optimize CPU configuration can provide additional cost reductions.

Optimize CPU disables SMT for instances with 2 or more physical CPU cores, reducing vCPUs and commercial software charges by 50% while maintaining the same number of physical CPU cores and near equivalent performance. The most significant savings are available on 2Xlarge and higher instances, and instances that use Multi-AZ deployment, where RDS reduces SQL Server software charges for only a single active node for most usage. For memory or IO intensive workloads, customers can fine-tune the number of active physical CPU cores for further savings.

RDS for SQL Server supports M7i and R7i instances in all AWS Regions. Database costs are calculated with separate charges for third-party licensing fees per vCPU hour, and third-party licensing fees are not eligible for your organization’s discounts with AWS. You can view Microsoft Windows and SQL Server charges associated with your usage on AWS Billing and Cost Management, and in monthly bills.

What to do

• Upgrade to M7i and R7i instances to reduce costs.
• Fine-tune optimize CPU configuration for memory or IO intensive workloads.
• Monitor costs using AWS Billing and Cost Management.

Source: AWS release notes

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