ApsaraDB RDS offers two product types: YiTian instances and standard instances. YiTian instances run on ARM architecture; standard instances run on x86 architecture. Use the comparison table and guidance below to select the right type for your workload.
Compare YiTian and standard instances
| Dimension | YiTian RDS instance | Standard RDS instance |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | New applications and cost-sensitive workloads that benefit from ARM-based pricing | Core business systems that require the broadest engine and region coverage |
| Architecture | ARM | x86 |
| Max specifications | 64 cores | 128 cores |
| Storage type | Cloud disk | Cloud disk and Premium Local SSD |
| Engine versions | MySQL 5.7, MySQL 8.0, PostgreSQL 13 and later | All available versions of ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL, ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL, ApsaraDB RDS for SQL Server, and ApsaraDB RDS for MariaDB |
| Supported regions | China (Hangzhou), China (Shanghai), China (Beijing), China (Zhangjiakou), China (Ulanqab), China (Shenzhen), China (Guangzhou), China (Chengdu), China (Hong Kong), Indonesia (Jakarta), and Singapore. Additional regions will be added — check the ApsaraDB RDS buy page for the latest availability. | More than 30 regions |
| Instance types | YiTian primary instances for ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL (ARM architecture) and YiTian primary instances for ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL (ARM architecture) | Standard primary instances for ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL (x86 architecture) and standard primary instances for ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL |
When to use YiTian instances
Choose YiTian instances when:
You are building a new application and want to optimize cost from the start.
Your workload runs on MySQL 5.7, MySQL 8.0, or PostgreSQL 13 and later.
Your target region is one of the 11 currently supported regions.
Cloud disk storage meets your performance requirements.
When to use standard instances
Choose standard instances when:
Your application requires SQL Server or MariaDB.
You need PostgreSQL versions earlier than 13, or any MySQL version not covered by YiTian instances.
Your workload requires Premium Local SSD for higher I/O throughput.
You need to deploy in a region not yet supported by YiTian instances.
Next steps
Purchase YiTian or standard instances on the ApsaraDB RDS buy page.
Change the product type of an existing instance between YiTian and standard. For MySQL instances, see Change instance specifications for an ApsaraDB RDS for MySQL instance. For PostgreSQL instances, see Change instance specifications for an ApsaraDB RDS for PostgreSQL instance.