This topic describes the x86 and ARM architectures that are supported by ApsaraDB RDS.

ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL and ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL support both the x86 and ARM architectures. When you create an RDS instance, you can select an architecture based on your business requirements.
  • x86: Each vCPU corresponds to the hyper-thread of a processor core.
  • ARM: Each vCPU corresponds to the physical core of a processor. The ARM architecture delivers stable performance by using dedicated resources.

    The ARM architecture uses Yitian 710 chips that are developed by Alibaba Cloud and is used in scenarios such as general-purpose computing, cloud native computing, and Android in the cloud. The ARM architecture is more cost-effective than the x86 architecture.

Note RDS instances that run on the ARM architecture provide the same user experience as the RDS instances that run on the x86 architecture. However, the ARM architecture is more cost-effective and helps you improve efficiency.

The following table provides a comparison between the x86 and ARM architectures.

Itemx86ARM
Database engine
  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL
  • SQL Server
  • MariaDB
  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL
Major engine version
  • MySQL: 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, and 8.0
  • PostgreSQL: 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14
  • SQL Server: 2008 R2, 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2019
  • MariaDB: 10.3
  • MySQL: 8.0
  • PostgreSQL: 13, 14 and 15
FeatureThe ARM architecture provides the same features as the x86 architecture, which avoids compatibility issues.
Available instance type
RDS editionRDS Basic Edition, RDS High-availability Edition, RDS Enterprise Edition, and RDS Cluster EditionRDS High-availability Edition
RegionAll regions
The ARM architecture is available in the following regions: China (Hangzhou), China (Shanghai), China (Beijing), China (Zhangjiakou), China (Shenzhen), and Singapore.
Note The ARM architecture will be available in other regions in the future. The ApsaraDB RDS buy page displays the regions that support the ARM architecture.
Storage typeEnhanced SSD (ESSD), local SSD, and standard SSDESSD