Generational Evolution
AWS Memory Optimized Evolution: R4 vs R5 vs R6i vs R7i vs R7g
Memory tier advancement: DDR3 to DDR5, EBS throughput, and per-GB pricing
Trace the evolution of AWS memory-optimized instances. Review how memory bus throughput, per-instance maximum RAM, and storage networking expanded from R4 to R7.
1. Architectural & Silicon Specs Head-to-Head
Comparing underlying processor microarchitectures, memory ratios, and Nitro generation features using representative xlarge sizing.
r4x86_64
R4 Memory Optimized
ProcessorIntel Xeon E5-2686 v4 (Broadwell)
Clock Speed2.3 GHz
RAM / vCPU7.6 GiB/vCPU
Max Network20 Gbps
Max EBS IOPS75,000
AWS NitroLegacy Xen
Min Rate (r4.xlarge)$0.2660/hr
Monthly Est.$194.18/mo
Cost per vCPU$0.0665/hr
Cost per GiB RAM$0.0087/hr
CoreMark Benchmark54,705
CoreMark / $205,658
Price Index100% of highest
Compute / $ Value30% of leader
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 Index95% of highest
Save 5% vs most expensive
Compute / $ Value34% 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 Index95% of highest
Save 5% vs most expensive
Compute / $ Value38% 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 Index99% of highest
Save 1% vs most expensive
Compute / $ Value53% of leader
r7gARM64 (Graviton)
R7G Memory Optimized
ProcessorAWS Graviton3 Processor
Clock Speed2.5 GHz
RAM / vCPU8.0 GiB/vCPU
Max Network30 Gbps
Max EBS IOPS80,000
AWS NitroSupported
Min Rate (r7g.xlarge)$0.1502/hr
Monthly Est.$109.65/mo
Cost per vCPU$0.0376/hr
Cost per GiB RAM$0.0047/hr
CoreMark Benchmark102,571
CoreMark / $682,896
Price IndexLowest Cost
Save 44% vs most expensive
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 | r4Linux Rate | r5Linux Rate | r6iLinux Rate | r7iLinux Rate | r7gLinux Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .medium | 1 | 8 GB | — | — | — | — | |
| .large | 2 | 15 GB | |||||
| .xlarge | 4 | 31 GB | |||||
| .2xlarge | 8 | 61 GB | |||||
| .4xlarge | 16 | 122 GB | |||||
| .8xlarge | 32 | 244 GB | |||||
| .12xlarge | 48 | 384 GB | — | ||||
| .16xlarge | 64 | 488 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:Migrate to R7g
When: Database clusters hosted on R4 or R5 instances
Why: Substantially faster memory access times and lower monthly infrastructure bills.
5. Related Architecture Comparisons
Explore adjacent generational comparisons and silicon trade-offs.