About boot times:

Pod on an existing node (node already running other pods): ~1 minute Fast startup — just schedules the pod and initializes the runner.

Pod requiring a new node (via Karpenter): ~5 minutes Includes provisioning the node, joining the cluster, and launching the pod.

EC2-based cold start (no warm pool): ~5 minutes Similar timeline — launch instance, bootstrap the runner, and register it.

Warm pool (EC2 or pod): Instant Pre-provisioned runners pick up jobs immediately.