Generational Evolution
AWS Pure Intel Memory Upgrade: R5 vs R6i vs R7i
Intel Xeon memory tier evolution across three enterprise generations
Review performance improvements for enterprise databases, SQL Server, and memory-heavy applications restricted to Intel x86 architecture.
1. Architectural & Silicon Specs Head-to-Head
Comparing underlying processor microarchitectures, memory ratios, and Nitro generation features using representative xlarge sizing.
r5x86_64
R5 Memory Optimized
ProcessorIntel Xeon Platinum 8175
Clock Speed3.1 GHz
RAM / vCPU8.0 GiB/vCPU
Max Network25 Gbps
Max EBS IOPS80,000
AWS NitroSupported
Min Rate (r5.xlarge)$0.2520/hr
Monthly Est.$183.96/mo
Cost per vCPU$0.0630/hr
Cost per GiB RAM$0.0079/hr
CoreMark Benchmark58,306
CoreMark / $231,373
Price IndexLowest Cost
Save 5% vs most expensive
Compute / $ Value64% of leader
r6ix86_64
R6I Memory Optimized
ProcessorIntel Xeon 8375C (Ice Lake)
Clock Speed3.5 GHz
RAM / vCPU8.0 GiB/vCPU
Max Network50 Gbps
Max EBS IOPS160,000
AWS NitroSupported
Min Rate (r6i.xlarge)$0.2520/hr
Monthly Est.$183.96/mo
Cost per vCPU$0.0630/hr
Cost per GiB RAM$0.0079/hr
CoreMark Benchmark66,127
CoreMark / $262,409
Price IndexLowest Cost
Save 5% vs most expensive
Compute / $ Value73% of leader
r7ix86_64
R7I Memory Optimized
ProcessorIntel Xeon Scalable (Sapphire Rapids)
Clock Speed3.2 GHz
RAM / vCPU8.0 GiB/vCPU
Max Network50 Gbps
Max EBS IOPS240,000
AWS NitroSupported
Min Rate (r7i.xlarge)$0.2646/hr
Monthly Est.$193.16/mo
Cost per vCPU$0.0662/hr
Cost per GiB RAM$0.0083/hr
CoreMark Benchmark95,166
CoreMark / $359,660
Price Index100% of highest
Compute / $ Value100% (Leader)
2. Side-by-Side Sizing & Pricing Matrix
Direct price and benchmark comparison across matching instance tiers in the lowest-cost region. Lowest hourly cost in each row is highlighted in green.
| Size Tier | vCPU | Memory | r5Linux Rate | r6iLinux Rate | r7iLinux Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .large | 2 | 16 GB | |||
| .xlarge | 4 | 32 GB | |||
| .2xlarge | 8 | 64 GB | |||
| .4xlarge | 16 | 128 GB | |||
| .8xlarge | 32 | 256 GB | |||
| .12xlarge | 48 | 384 GB | |||
| .16xlarge | 64 | 512 GB | |||
| .24xlarge | 96 | 768 GB | |||
| .32xlarge | 128 | 1,024 GB | — | — | |
| .48xlarge | 192 | 1,536 GB | — | — |
3. Workload Decision Framework
Clear, actionable rules on when each family wins based on workload profile, runtime language, and licensing boundaries.
Recommended:R7i
When: Enterprise SQL Server or Oracle on EC2 licensed per core
Why: Faster memory and higher per-core performance maximize throughput under strict core license limits.
5. Related Architecture Comparisons
Explore adjacent generational comparisons and silicon trade-offs.