# Suboptimal architecture selection for Azure Virtual Machines Canonical: https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/inefficiencies/suboptimal-architecture-selection-for-azure-virtual-machines Azure offers x86-64 VMs (Intel and AMD) and Arm64 VMs (Ampere Altra and Azure Cobalt 100), but default provisioning often leans toward Intel-based SKUs... By: Jurian van Hoorn Updated: 2026-09-28 [Cloud Efficiency Hub](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub) # Suboptimal Architecture Selection for Azure Virtual Machines The short version Azure offers x86-64 VMs (Intel and AMD) and Arm64 VMs (Ampere Altra and Azure Cobalt 100), but default provisioning often leans toward Intel-based SKUs due to inertia or pre-configured templates. [Jurian van Hoorn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-hoorn/) Operations Senior (Azure Cloud) @ Netcompany Azure service [Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/cloud-services/azure-virtual-machines) Category [Compute](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/service-category/compute) Reference CER-0104 Type Suboptimal Pricing Model ## Explanation Why the waste happens and who it affects. AMD and ARM alternatives offer lower list prices; ARM-based sizes usually have a lower hourly list price than comparable Intel-based sizes (for example, D2ps\_v5 versus D2s\_v5 on Linux pay-as-you-go in East US) and can deliver better price-performance for compatible workloads. These price differences accumulate quickly at scale. ARM-based VMs in Azure (e.g., Dpsv6 and Epsv6 on Azure Cobalt 100, or the previous-generation Dpsv5 and Epsv5 on Ampere Altra) are suited for many common workloads, such as microservices, web applications, and containerized environments. However, not all applications are architecture-compatible, especially those with dependencies on x86-specific libraries or instruction sets. Organizations that skip architecture evaluation during provisioning miss out on cost-efficient options. ## Billing model The pricing dimensions that drive this cost. Azure VMs are billed based on the underlying hardware architecture, instance size, and region. ARM-based VMs, identified by a "p" in the SKU name (e.g., D4ps\_v5), offer significantly lower pricing than comparable x86-based instances. AMD-based SKUs (e.g., E4as\_v5) are typically priced lower than Intel-based equivalents. However, Azure does not automatically guide architecture selection, so users often default to Intel SKUs out of habit or compatibility assumptions. This can lead to missed savings if workloads are architecture-flexible. ## How to detect 1 check to find it in your estate. - Run Azure Resource Graph queries to inventory current VM SKUs by architecture ## How to fix 4 ways to remove the waste. - Assess workload compatibility with ARM or AMD architectures - Propose migration to ARM-based SKUs for supported workloads to reduce compute costs - Use AMD-based instances as an intermediate option when ARM compatibility is not feasible - Incorporate architecture evaluation into provisioning workflows and cost governance reviews ## Documentation Vendor references for pricing and configuration. - [Virtual machine sizes overview learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/sizes/overview) - [Dpsv6 size series learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/sizes/general-purpose/dpsv6-series) - [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/vm-naming-conventions#naming-convention-explanation learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/vm-naming-conventions#naming-convention-explanation) - [Pricing - Linux Virtual Machines azure.microsoft.com](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/virtual-machines/linux/) ## Related inefficiencies [Browse the library](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub) - Azure Virtual Machines CER-0240 ### [Azure Hybrid Benefit Not Enabled on Virtual Machines](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/inefficiencies/azure-hybrid-benefit-not-enabled-on-virtual-machines-a8f4b) Many organizations purchase Software Assurance or subscription-based Windows and SQL Server licenses that entitle them to use Azure Hybrid Benefit. However, if the setting is not applied on eligible resources, Azure continues charging... Compute - Azure Virtual Machines CER-0402 ### [Missing Reservation or Savings Plan Coverage for Steady-State Azure VMs](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/inefficiencies/missing-reservation-or-savings-plan-coverage-for-steady-state-azure-vms) Azure VM compute is billed at pay-as-you-go rates unless a commitment discount applies. Production VMs and scale sets that run around the clock for months or years at a stable size are the usage that Azure Reservations and the Azure... Compute - Azure Virtual Machines CER-0405 ### [Interruptible VM Workloads Running on Standard Instead of Spot VMs](https://www.pointfive.co/efficiency-hub/inefficiencies/interruptible-vm-workloads-running-on-standard-instead-of-spot-vms) Azure Spot Virtual Machines run on unused Azure capacity at a significant discount to pay-as-you-go prices; Microsoft's Spot Priority Mix documentation cites savings of up to 90% for interruptible workloads. In exchange, Spot VMs have no... Compute --- Source: the public page above. Product screenshots and illustrative interfaces are examples, not live customer data.