Overprovisioned Azure Database for PostgreSQL Flexible Server

Balazs Engedi

Service Category

Databases

Cloud Provider

Azure

Service Name

Azure Database for PostgreSQL – Flexible Server

Inefficiency Type

Overprovisioned Resource

Explanation

Azure Database for PostgreSQL – Flexible Server often defaults to general-purpose D-series VMs, which may be oversized for many production or development workloads. PostgreSQL typically does not require a high sustained high CPU, making it well-suited to memory-optimized (E-series) or burstable (B-series) instances.

When actual usage consistently falls below the provisioned capacity — particularly CPU — the deployment may be overprovisioned, resulting in unnecessary compute charges. Choosing the wrong VM family or size leads to silent overspend, especially in long-lived database environments.

Relevant Billing Model

Charged based on:
Provisioned compute (vCores and instance family)
Provisioned storage (per GB/month)
Pricing varies significantly by VM series (e.g., D-series vs. B-series vs. E-series)
Charges accrue continuously, regardless of actual CPU or memory usage

Detection

Analyze average CPU and memory utilization of PostgreSQL Flexible Server instances
Determine whether current performance requirements justify the provisioned instance size
Identify servers running on D-series or other general-purpose SKUs that could be supported by B-series or E-series
Validate compatibility and performance before considering a shift in instance family

Remediation

Resize the PostgreSQL Flexible Server to a smaller or more suitable VM family based on actual workload behavior
For low-CPU workloads, consider B-series (burstable) or E-series (memory-optimized) configurations
Review usage patterns quarterly to ensure the selected SKU remains aligned with performance needs
Avoid unnecessary performance buffer unless justified by workload spikes or growth

Relevant Documentation

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