Skip to main content

Use Case for ElastiCache Instances should leverage ARM instances

  1. Configure ElastiCache Instances should leverage ARM instances
  2. Use Case for ElastiCache Instances should leverage ARM instances
  3. Triage Guides by Violation Type
    1. Triage ElastiCache Instances should leverage ARM instances NON_ARM_INSTANCE_TYPE_USED

Why Use ElastiCache Non-ARM Instance Detection Policy​

ElastiCache is AWS's caching service that improves the performance of web applications by allowing you to retrieve information from fast, managed, in-memory caches, instead of relying entirely on slower disk-based databases. This policy helps ensure that ElastiCache clusters are using cost-efficient and performance-optimized ARM-based instance types, rather than older, potentially less efficient non-ARM instance types like Intel or AMD.

Pros​

  • Cost Savings: ARM instance types can be cheaper than other types, leading to monetary savings.
  • Performance: ARM instances often provide better performance per dollar, providing efficiency benefits.
  • Modernization: Encourages the use of the latest architecture, which may come with additional performance and security features.

Cons​

  • Compatibility: Some applications may not yet be fully optimized or compatible with ARM architectures.
  • Availability: ARM instance types may not be available in all AWS regions or may have limited instance sizes.

How the Policy Works​

The policy evaluates the instance types used in ElastiCache clusters and flags any non-ARM instance types (e.g., Intel, AMD).

Variables​

  • vars (Optional): This policy does not utilize variables since it is strictly checking for the type of instance used.

Violation Types​

  • NON_ARM_INSTANCE_TYPE_USED: Indicates that a cluster is utilizing a non-ARM instance type, which could lead to potential cost and performance inefficiencies.