CloudGuild · Blog · Cheat sheets · Lessons · Certifications

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate: Exam Question Walkthrough

Master the AWS SAA-C03 exam with this question breakdown on S3 storage classes. Learn how to choose the right option effectively.

Objects in an S3 bucket have unpredictable and changing access patterns. The company wants to minimize storage cost without performance impact or manual tiering. Which storage class fits BEST?

A. S3 Standard
B. S3 Intelligent-Tiering
C. S3 One Zone-IA
D. S3 Glacier Deep Archive

Think before you scroll

Consider the storage classes available in S3 and how they handle changing access patterns. Focus on the requirements: minimizing costs while maintaining performance and avoiding manual processes.

The answer

The correct option is B. S3 Intelligent-Tiering. This class automatically moves objects between access tiers based on usage, optimizing costs for unpredictable access patterns without incurring retrieval fees for tier moves.

Why the other options lose

A. S3 Standard: While this class provides high durability and availability, it does not optimize costs based on access patterns. It is best for frequently accessed data, which does not align with the scenario of unpredictable access.

C. S3 One Zone-IA: This storage class is cheaper but is designed for infrequently accessed data stored in a single Availability Zone. It does not address the requirement for handling unpredictable access patterns effectively.

D. S3 Glacier Deep Archive: This option is designed for long-term archival storage and has longer retrieval times, making it unsuitable for scenarios needing immediate access. It does not meet the requirement of minimizing costs without performance impact.

The concept behind it

Understanding S3 storage classes is crucial. S3 Intelligent-Tiering is specifically designed for changing access patterns. It automatically optimizes costs by moving data between two access tiers: frequent and infrequent. This means you don’t need to manually manage storage as access patterns change.

Exam trap to remember

Remember: S3 Intelligent-Tiering is your go-to choice for unpredictable access patterns. It saves costs without sacrificing performance or requiring manual intervention.

Take the free SAA-C03 mock exam

Take a free mock exam →