Generational Evolution
AWS Burstable Evolution: T2 vs T3 vs T4g
How AWS burstable compute changed from Xen T2 to Graviton2 T4g
Compare the three eras of AWS burstable instances. Understand credit accumulation differences, network burst limits, and why T2 is obsolete for modern workloads.
1. Architectural & Silicon Specs Head-to-Head
Comparing underlying processor microarchitectures, memory ratios, and Nitro generation features using representative large sizing.
t2x86_64
T2 General Purpose
ProcessorIntel Xeon Family
Clock SpeedUp to 3.3 GHz
RAM / vCPU4.0 GiB/vCPU
Max NetworkModerate
Max EBS IOPS—
AWS NitroLegacy Xen
Min Rate (t2.large)$0.0928/hr
Monthly Est.$67.74/mo
Cost per vCPU$0.0464/hr
Cost per GiB RAM$0.0116/hr
CoreMark Benchmark44,121
CoreMark / $475,442
Price Index100% of highest
Compute / $ Value54% of leader
t3x86_64
T3 General Purpose
ProcessorIntel Skylake E5 2686 v5
Clock Speed3.1 GHz
RAM / vCPU4.0 GiB/vCPU
Max NetworkUp to 5 Gbps
Max EBS IOPS15,700
AWS NitroSupported
Min Rate (t3.large)$0.0832/hr
Monthly Est.$60.74/mo
Cost per vCPU$0.0416/hr
Cost per GiB RAM$0.0104/hr
CoreMark Benchmark27,293
CoreMark / $328,041
Price Index90% of highest
Save 10% vs most expensive
Compute / $ Value37% of leader
t4gARM64 (Graviton)
T4G General Purpose
ProcessorAWS Graviton2 Processor
Clock Speed2.5 GHz
RAM / vCPU4.0 GiB/vCPU
Max NetworkUp to 5 Gbps
Max EBS IOPS15,700
AWS NitroSupported
Min Rate (t4g.large)$0.0448/hr
Monthly Est.$32.70/mo
Cost per vCPU$0.0224/hr
Cost per GiB RAM$0.0056/hr
CoreMark Benchmark39,596
CoreMark / $883,839
Price IndexLowest Cost
Save 52% 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 | t2Linux Rate | t3Linux Rate | t4gLinux Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .nano | 1 | 1 GB | |||
| .micro | 1 | 1 GB | |||
| .small | 1 | 2 GB | |||
| .medium | 2 | 4 GB | |||
| .large | 2 | 8 GB | |||
| .xlarge | 4 | 16 GB | |||
| .2xlarge | 8 | 32 GB |
3. Workload Decision Framework
Clear, actionable rules on when each family wins based on workload profile, runtime language, and licensing boundaries.
Recommended:Replace with T4g
When: Legacy T2 instances still running in non-production or utility roles
Why: Immediate cost reduction and elimination of Xen network throughput bottlenecks.
5. Related Architecture Comparisons
Explore adjacent generational comparisons and silicon trade-offs.