# Overprovisioned Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server

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# Overprovisioned Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server

## Explanation

Azure Database for PostgreSQL - Flexible Server often defaults to general-purpose D-series VMs, which may be oversized for many production or development workloads. PostgreSQL typically does not require a high sustained high CPU, making it well-suited to memory-optimized (E-series) or burstable (B-series) instances.

When actual usage consistently falls below the provisioned capacity - particularly CPU - the deployment may be overprovisioned, resulting in unnecessary compute charges. Choosing the wrong VM family or size leads to silent overspend, especially in long-lived database environments.

## Relevant Billing Model

- Charged based on:

- Provisioned compute (vCores and instance family)

- Provisioned storage (per GB/month)

- Pricing varies significantly by VM series (e.g., D-series vs. B-series vs. E-series)

- Charges accrue continuously, regardless of actual CPU or memory usage

## Detection

- Analyze average CPU and memory utilization of PostgreSQL Flexible Server instances

- Determine whether current performance requirements justify the provisioned instance size

- Identify servers running on D-series or other general-purpose SKUs that could be supported by B-series or E-series

- Validate compatibility and performance before considering a shift in instance family

## Remediation

- Resize the PostgreSQL Flexible Server to a smaller or more suitable VM family based on actual workload behavior

- For low-CPU workloads, consider B-series (burstable) or E-series (memory-optimized) configurations

- Review usage patterns quarterly to ensure the selected SKU remains aligned with performance needs

- Avoid unnecessary performance buffer unless justified by workload spikes or growth

## Relevant Documentation

- [Azure Database for PostgreSQL - Flexible Server Pricing](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/postgresql/flexible-server/)

- [Compute options for PostgreSQL Flexible Server](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/postgresql/flexible-server/concepts-compute-storage)

[Submit Feedback](https://hub.pointfive.co/inefficiencies/overprovisioned-azure-database-for-postgresql-flexible-server)

## At a glance

Reference

CER-0148

Cloud provider

Azure

Service

Azure Database for PostgreSQL - Flexible Server

Category

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

Inefficiency type

Overprovisioned Resource

## Contributed by

- Balazs Engedi 

### Balazs Engedi

FinOps Specialist @ KPN

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

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