# Non-Graviton ElastiCache Node on Eligible Workload

Canonical: https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/inefficiencies/non-graviton-elasticache-node-on-eligible-workload

[Cloud Efficiency Hub](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub) 

# Non-Graviton ElastiCache Node on Eligible Workload

## Explanation

Many Redis and Memcached clusters still use legacy x86-based node types (e.g., cache.r5, cache.m5) even though Graviton-based alternatives are available. In-memory workloads tend to be highly compatible with Graviton due to their simplicity and reliance on standard CPU and memory usage patterns.Unless constrained by architecture-specific extensions or strict compliance requirements, most ElastiCache clusters can be transitioned with no application-level changes. Failing to migrate to Graviton results in unnecessary compute spend and missed opportunities to improve cache efficiency.

## Relevant Billing Model

ElastiCache is billed hourly per node, based on:

- Node type and size

- Engine and region

Graviton node types typically deliver up to 40% lower cost for equivalent performance compared to x86.

## Detection

- Enumerate all ElastiCache clusters and identify those using x86-based families

- Cross-check with cache.\*g instance types available in the region and engine

- Confirm that clusters have no known architecture-specific dependencies

- Analyze memory and CPU usage patterns to validate fit with Graviton

## Remediation

- Switch node types to cache.r6g, cache.m6g, or cache.t4g equivalents

- Update provisioning logic to default to Graviton families for new clusters

- Pilot in non-prod or lower-tier environments to validate behavior and latency

- Incorporate architecture reviews into ElastiCache lifecycle and scaling workflows

## Relevant Documentation

- [ElastiCache Graviton Node Types](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonElastiCache/latest/red-ug/CacheNodes.SupportedTypes.html/%22)

- [AWS Graviton Performance Claims](https://aws.amazon.com/ec2/graviton//)

[Submit Feedback](https://hub.pointfive.co/inefficiencies/non-graviton-elasticache-node-on-eligible-workload)

## At a glance

Reference

CER-0146

Cloud provider

AWS

Service

AWS ElastiCache

Category

[Databases](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/service-category/databases)

Inefficiency type

Suboptimal Instance Family Selection

## Contributed by

- Loïc Fournier 

### Loïc Fournier

Senior TAM @ Amazon Web Services

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/loicfournier/)

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Source: the public page above. Product screenshots and illustrative interfaces are examples, not live customer data.