Graviton vs. Other EC2 Instances: Which One Should You Choose?

Ashutosh Singh - March 27, 2025

In the ever-evolving world of cloud computing, Amazon Web Services (AWS) stands out as a leader, offering a variety of EC2 instance types to cater to different needs. One of the most intriguing options is the AWS Graviton processor, designed to deliver significant cost savings and performance improvements. But how does it compare to traditional x86-based instances? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.


::In AWS's own words::





What is AWS Graviton?

AWS Graviton is a family of processors designed by AWS using Arm architecture. The Graviton2, introduced in 2020, is particularly notable for its enhanced performance and cost-efficiency. These processors power a range of EC2 instances, including the M6g, C6g, and R6g families.


Performance

Graviton2 Instances

  • High Performance: Graviton2 instances deliver up to 40% better price performance over comparable current generation x86-based instances.
  • Workload Optimization: Ideal for workloads such as web servers, containerized microservices, and high-performance computing (HPC).
  • Enhanced Features: Includes support for memory encryption and dedicated CPU cores.

x86-based Instances

  • Wide Compatibility: The traditional x86 architecture is compatible with a vast array of software and applications, making it a safe choice for most workloads.
  • Proven Stability: x86-based instances have a long history of reliability and performance.
  • Specialized Use Cases: Ideal for applications requiring specific x86 optimizations, such as certain machine learning models and legacy applications.


Cost Efficiency

Graviton2 Instances

  • Lower Costs: AWS claims up to 20% lower costs for Graviton2 instances compared to their x86 counterparts.
  • Savings on Compute-Intensive Tasks: Particularly beneficial for applications with high compute requirements due to their superior price-performance ratio.

x86-based Instances

  • Higher Initial Costs: Typically, x86 instances may have higher costs due to the established market and widespread use.
  • Potential Savings in Bulk: Depending on your usage and reserved instance purchases, there can be opportunities to save.


Energy Efficiency

Graviton2 Instances

  • Eco-Friendly: Graviton2 processors are designed to be more energy-efficient, potentially leading to lower carbon footprints for your workloads.
  • Sustainability: Choosing Graviton2 instances can be part of a larger strategy to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact.

x86-based Instances

  • Standard Efficiency: While efficient, x86 instances generally do not match the energy efficiency levels of Graviton2 instances.
  • Power Consumption: Higher power consumption can lead to increased operational costs over time.


Compatibility and Migration

Graviton2 Instances

  • Growing Ecosystem: The Arm-based ecosystem is rapidly growing, with more software and tools becoming compatible with Graviton2.
  • Migration Efforts: Migrating applications to Arm architecture may require some effort, including recompiling applications and thorough testing.

x86-based Instances

  • Established Compatibility: Most applications and software are natively compatible with x86 architecture, reducing the need for extensive migration efforts.
  • Seamless Transition: For businesses heavily invested in x86 infrastructure, continuing with x86 instances may simplify operations.


Use Cases

Graviton2 Instances

  • Web Servers: Ideal for web servers and application servers, offering high performance at a lower cost.
  • Containerized Microservices: Perfect for containerized environments like Kubernetes and Docker.
  • In-Memory Caching: Effective for in-memory caching applications like Redis and Memcached.
  • Gaming Servers: Suitable for game server workloads due to their high compute efficiency.

x86-based Instances

  • Machine Learning: Best for certain machine learning workloads that benefit from x86 optimizations.
  • Database Servers: Well-suited for database servers requiring high I/O performance.
  • Enterprise Applications: Optimal for legacy enterprise applications that are designed for x86 architecture.
  • Big Data Analytics: Suitable for big data analytics requiring robust and proven infrastructure.


Conclusion

Choosing between AWS Graviton2 and x86-based EC2 instances boils down to your specific use case and workload requirements. If you’re looking for cost savings, energy efficiency, and excellent performance for modern applications, Graviton2 instances are a compelling choice. On the other hand, if you have established applications or workloads that heavily depend on x86 optimizations, sticking with traditional x86 instances might be more practical.


Call to Action: For more insights and detailed comparisons on AWS services, subscribe to our blog and stay updated with the latest in cloud computing. Share your experiences with Graviton2 and x86 instances in the comments below! Let’s build a community of informed cloud users.


FAQs

1. Can I run my existing applications on Graviton2 instances?

Yes, but you may need to recompile your applications for Arm architecture and perform thorough testing.

2. Are Graviton2 instances suitable for high-performance computing (HPC)?

Absolutely! Graviton2 instances are designed to deliver excellent performance for compute-intensive workloads, including HPC.

3. How much can I save by switching to Graviton2 instances?

AWS claims up to 20% cost savings and 40% better price performance compared to x86-based instances. You can also read a Swiggy's blog on Graviton migration where they have explained how migrating to Graviton has helped them achieve a cost per performance boost.






Keywords

AWS Graviton, EC2 Instances, Cloud Computing, Performance Comparison, Cost Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Arm Architecture, x86 Architecture, Migration, Use Cases


Short Note

Discover the differences between AWS Graviton2 and traditional x86-based EC2 instances. Learn about their performance, cost efficiency, energy efficiency, compatibility, and best use cases to make an informed decision for your cloud workloads.


By focusing on the unique aspects and benefits of AWS Graviton2 instances while providing clear comparisons with traditional x86-based instances, this blog post aims to attract a wide range of readers interested in optimizing their cloud infrastructure.