# PERF 1  How do you select the best performing architecture?
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 Often, multiple approaches are required for optimal performance across a workload. Well-architected systems use multiple solutions and features to improve performance. 

**Topics**
+ [PERF01-BP01 Understand the available services and resources](perf_performing_architecture_evaluate_resources.md)
+ [PERF01-BP02 Define a process for architectural choices](perf_performing_architecture_process.md)
+ [PERF01-BP03 Factor cost requirements into decisions](perf_performing_architecture_cost.md)
+ [PERF01-BP04 Use policies or reference architectures](perf_performing_architecture_use_policies.md)
+ [PERF01-BP05 Use guidance from your cloud provider or an appropriate partner](perf_performing_architecture_external_guidance.md)
+ [PERF01-BP06 Benchmark existing workloads](perf_performing_architecture_benchmark.md)
+ [PERF01-BP07 Load test your workload](perf_performing_architecture_load_test.md)