Amazon RDS for SQL Server adds X2m instances with CPU optimization
Amazon RDS for SQL Server now supports X2m instances, based on EC2 X2iedn, offering up to 4 TB of memory and a 32:1 memory-to-vCPU ratio. These instances integrate the RDS Optimize CPU feature, potentially cutting SQL Server licensing costs by over 50% for memory-intensive workloads. Customers can migrate to these new instances via the RDS Management Console, SDK, or CLI, with pricing available on-demand and through AWS Database Savings Plans.
- →Introduce X2m instances for RDS for SQL Server
- →Optimize CPU feature for licensing cost reduction
- →High-performance instance specifications
- →Flexible deployment and purchasing options
Features (1) ›
- Introduce X2m instances for RDS for SQL Server
Amazon RDS for SQL Server now supports X2m database instances, which are based on the Amazon EC2 X2iedn instance type. These instances are designed for memory-intensive workloads.
Enhancements (3) ›
- Optimize CPU feature for licensing cost reduction
X2m instances include the RDS Optimize CPU feature, enabling customers to potentially reduce SQL Server software licensing costs by 50% or more. This is achieved by utilizing fewer licenses for memory-intensive database workloads.
- High-performance instance specifications
The new X2m instances offer substantial resources, including up to 64 vCPUs, up to 4 TB of memory, and up to 256K IOPS. They also provide a high memory-to-vCPU ratio of up to 32:1.
- Flexible deployment and purchasing options
Customers can adopt X2m instances by modifying existing RDS database instances or creating new ones through the RDS Management Console, AWS SDK, or CLI. These instances are available with On-Demand pricing and are eligible for AWS Database Savings Plans.
https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/whats-new/2026/06/rds-sqlserver-supports-x2m/