Rightsize Low-Usage EC2 Instances

CLF-C02 By islever Editorial Last updated

Identify services from other in-scope AWS service categories.

Short answer

D Use AWS Compute Optimizer to analyze EC2 utilization metrics and generate rightsizing recommendations.

Question

A company has deployed a web application to Amazon EC2 instances. The EC2 instances have low usage. Which AWS service or feature should the company use to rightsize the EC2 instances?
  1. AWS Config
  2. AWS Cost Anomaly Detection
  3. AWS Budgets
  4. AWS Compute Optimizer Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

The question tests knowledge of AWS optimization tools, specifically distinguishing between cost anomaly detection and compute resource recommendation engines.

AWS Compute Optimizer is the recommended service to analyze historical utilization metrics and provide rightsizing recommendations for underutilized Amazon EC2 instances.

Common mistake: Learners often confuse AWS Cost Anomaly Detection with Compute Optimizer; the former detects unusual costs while the latter suggests instance type changes based on performance data.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

AWS Compute Optimizer uses machine learning to analyze historical utilization metrics from Amazon EC2, Amazon RDS, AWS Lambda, and EBS volumes to generate rightsizing recommendations. For EC2 instances with low usage, it suggests smaller instance types or stopping unused instances, directly addressing the "rightsize" requirement in the scenario.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

AWS Config tracks resource configurations but does not provide performance-based rightsizing advice. AWS Budgets allows setting spending limits and alerts, which helps control costs but does not optimize infrastructure. AWS Cost Anomaly Detection identifies unexpected spikes in costs but does not offer actionable technical recommendations for instance sizing.

Community Comment Notes

The community consensus strongly supports AWS Compute Optimizer as the correct answer. As Webcatman noted, the official AWS page confirms this capability. Other users like Nikmah highlighted its ability to tailor recommendations to workload requirements, reinforcing the tool's suitability for this specific use case.

Official Reference

https://aws.amazon.com/compute-optimizer/

This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

When a question asks to "rightsize" or optimize compute resources based on usage, immediately consider AWS Compute Optimizer. Distinguish it from cost management tools like Budgets or Cost Explorer, which focus on financial aspects rather than technical performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can AWS Compute Optimizer recommend stopping instances?

Yes, if an instance has consistently low utilization over a period, Compute Optimizer may recommend stopping it to save costs.

Does AWS Config help with rightsizing?

No, AWS Config monitors compliance and configuration history but does not analyze performance metrics to suggest instance size changes.

More CLF-C02 FAQ →

Community Votes

D
100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer D. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 5 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 5

  1. Webcatman 👍 2
    D is correct answer. https://aws.amazon.com/compute-optimizer/
  2. Nikmah 👍 1 Answered D
    Optimize Amazon EC2 and Amazon RDS instances with customizable rightsizing recommendations tailored to your workload requirements
  3. its_tima 👍 1 Answered D
    AWS Compute Optimizer enables the efficient usage of AWS compute resources for your workloads.
  4. chalaka 👍 1 Answered D
    D. AWS Compute Optimizer
  5. Zerro 👍 1 Answered D
    D I think.

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