Amazon EC2 · Finder + guided fix
EC2 Optimize Instances
OptimizeInstances
Optimize EC2 instance types based on actual workload utilization. CloudFix identifies instances on outdated or overprovisioned types and recommends upgrades.
What happens, in order.
Finder · read-only
Finds the opportunity
Scans your connected accounts with a read-only role. It can see resource metadata and usage; it can’t change anything.
You
Review in Recommendations
It appears in your Recommendations view with what it would save.
Guided fix
You make the change
You apply it yourself, following the fix’s step-by-step instructions; the write-up below explains it.
Finder role
Read-only. It can see resource metadata and usage. It can’t change anything.
Fixer role
Not used here: this one is a guided fix, so the change is yours to make.
Saves by
This Finder identifies EC2 instances that can be retyped to more cost-effective instance families based on actual workload characteristics. By analyzing CPU and memory utilization over time, it recommends switching to better-suited instances (like compute-optimized, memory-optimized, or newer generation types, e.g., m5 to m6g) without compromising performance.
Leverage CloudFix to optimize EC2 instance types based on actual workload patterns, reducing costs without compromising performance. This Finder identifies instances that would benefit from transitioning to more cost-effective instance families or generations based on their real-world resource utilization.
What It Does
The EC2 Instance Type Optimization Finder identifies EC2 instances that can be retyped to more cost-effective instance families based on their actual workload characteristics. By analyzing CPU and memory utilization patterns over time, it recommends switches to better-suited instances (such as compute-optimized, memory-optimized, or newer generation types) without compromising performance.
For example, this Finder might recommend transitioning from older-generation m5 instances to more efficient m6g or m7g Graviton-based instances, which can provide up to 40% cost-performance improvements.
How It Works
The CloudFix Finder works read-only. It uses your cost and usage data, the CPU and memory utilization CloudWatch records, and AWS Compute Optimizer insights where available to find instances whose sustained usage would be better served by a different family or generation. It skips instance types that are poor candidates for retyping and avoids recommendations that would raise your costs.
The Finder provides detailed recommendations, including the current instance type, suggested new instance type, and potential cost savings, allowing you to make informed decisions about which instances to optimize.
AWS Services Affected
Benefits
- Cost Reduction: Save on EC2 costs by moving to more appropriately sized and generation instances
- Performance Optimization: Match instance types to actual workload patterns for better efficiency
- Modernization: Transition to newer generation instances with improved price-performance ratios
- Graviton Advantages: Take advantage of cost-effective Arm-based instances when appropriate
- Data-Driven Decisions: Base instance type changes on actual utilization metrics rather than guesswork
Implementation Details
This Finder does not have an automatic Fixer. Instance type retyping must be performed manually through the following process:
- Stop the instance that requires retyping
- Change the instance type via the EC2 console or AWS CLI
- Restart the instance
CloudFix provides the recommended instance type and justification, allowing your team or CloudFix Professional Services to handle the change according to your maintenance windows and operational procedures.
Since instance retyping requires a stop/start cycle, it’s important to plan these changes during scheduled maintenance windows to minimize service disruption. All changes can be easily reverted by repeating the retyping process to return to the original instance type if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CloudFix implement the fix automatically once I accept the recommendation?
No. This is a manually executed fix that requires stopping and starting the instance, which involves potential downtime. CloudFix provides the recommendations, but your team must implement the changes.
Does this fix require downtime?
Yes. Instance retyping requires a stop/start cycle, which results in downtime. It’s recommended to plan these changes during maintenance windows to minimize impact.
Is it possible to roll back once the instance type is changed?
Yes. You can revert to the original instance type by repeating the retyping process manually.
How are the instance recommendations determined?
Recommendations are based on CPU and memory utilization metrics from CloudWatch, validated against AWS Compute Optimizer insights when available. The analysis considers consistent utilization patterns over time to identify the most cost-effective instance type for your workload.
Are all instance types considered for optimization?
No. Instance types that are poor candidates for retyping, for example because their usage is too volatile for long-term cost modeling, are excluded from recommendations.
Related Resources
- Changing the Instance Type in AWS Documentation
- EC2 Instance Recommendations from Compute Optimizer
- Amazon EC2 Cost and Capacity Optimization
Ready to start saving on AWS? See how much you could cut from your cloud bill with a free cost optimization assessment, or explore CloudFix automated Finder/Fixers that eliminate waste across 30+ AWS services.
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