VM sizes and series (B, D, E, F) in Azure - Step-by-Step Execution

Process Flow - VM sizes and series (B, D, E, F)

Choose VM series: B, D, E, F

↓

Check workload type

↓

Burstable

↓

Select VM size based on CPU, RAM, and cost

↓

Deploy VM with chosen size and series

This flow shows how to pick a VM series based on workload needs, then select a size with CPU and RAM to deploy.

Execution Sample

Azure

Choose VM series B
Check workload: light burstable
Select size B2s (2 vCPU, 4GB RAM)
Deploy VM
VM runs with burst credits

This example picks a B-series VM for a light, burstable workload and deploys it.

Process Table

Step	Action	Input/Condition	Decision/Result	Output
1	Choose VM series	Workload: light, burstable	Select B series	Series = B
2	Check VM size options	B series sizes available	Select B2s (2 vCPU, 4GB RAM)	Size = B2s
3	Deploy VM	Series = B, Size = B2s	VM deployed with burst credits	VM running
4	Monitor VM	CPU usage spikes	Uses burst credits to handle spikes	Performance maintained
5	Condition check	Burst credits exhausted?	If yes, performance throttled	If no, normal performance
6	Exit	Workload stable or VM stopped	Stop monitoring	End

💡 Monitoring ends when VM is stopped or workload stabilizes

Status Tracker

Variable	Start	After Step 1	After Step 2	After Step 3	After Step 4	Final
Series	None	B	B	B	B	B
Size	None	None	B2s	B2s	B2s	B2s
VM State	Not deployed	Not deployed	Not deployed	Running	Running	Stopped or stable
Burst Credits	Full	Full	Full	Used on spikes	May exhaust	Reset or exhausted

Key Moments - 3 Insights

Why do we pick B series for burstable workloads?

B series VMs accumulate credits when idle and use them to burst CPU when needed, as shown in execution_table step 4.

What happens when burst credits run out?

Performance throttles to baseline CPU until credits recharge, explained in execution_table step 5.

How do D, E, and F series differ from B series?

D is general purpose, E is memory optimized, F is compute optimized; they do not use burst credits but provide steady performance.

Visual Quiz - 3 Questions

Look at the execution_table, what VM size is selected at step 2?

A B2s

B D4s

C E8s

D F2s

💡 Hint

Check the 'Decision/Result' column in row for step 2.

At which step does the VM start using burst credits?

A Step 3

B Step 4

C Step 5

D Step 6

💡 Hint

Look for when CPU usage spikes and burst credits are used in the execution_table.

If workload is steady high CPU, which VM series is NOT ideal?

A D series

B E series

C B series

D F series

💡 Hint

Refer to key_moments about burst credits and steady performance.

Concept Snapshot

VM series guide:
- B: Burstable, saves credits for CPU spikes
- D: General purpose, balanced CPU & RAM
- E: Memory optimized, more RAM
- F: Compute optimized, more CPU
Choose series by workload, then size by CPU/RAM needs.

Full Transcript

This lesson shows how to pick Azure VM sizes and series B, D, E, F. First, choose the series based on workload type: B for burstable, D for general, E for memory-heavy, F for compute-heavy. Then select a size with the needed CPU and RAM. For example, B2s has 2 CPUs and 4GB RAM and uses burst credits to handle CPU spikes. The execution table traces choosing B series, selecting B2s size, deploying the VM, and how burst credits are used during spikes. Key moments explain why B series is good for burstable workloads and what happens when burst credits run out. The visual quiz tests understanding of size selection, burst credit usage, and series suitability. The snapshot summarizes series characteristics for quick reference.