Import vs DirectQuery in Power BI

Should you use Import or DirectQuery data connectivity mode for your Power BI models? Let's make the right choice by comparing the performance and scalability of the two options!

[kirillperian]

All I have to do is show this to the client and drop the mic... Grazie, Alberto!

[philhersh]

Power BI is much more sexy with an Italian accent.

[abrammakgalemele]

Great stuff Marco Russo. Thank you. There is more meat in this video. I will view it at a slow pace.

[sane]

I was searching for this video and here I am, First thank you, Alberto, great vid!❤
I have a question: If a One-side table in DQ mode is connected to a Many-side table that is in DUAL mode, why do we have a Weak Relationship?
Even when both have a Live Connection to the same data source?
(I know it should both be DUAL in order to have a strong relationship)
Every relationship is hard to understand, you know 😀

[franskrost]

Directquery is also required if you need to keep the data on your own servers, ie. for client data contract reasons.

[johng]

Thanks in a million! Very well explained. This is the nth time that I am watching this again. Great content. Awesome. I couldn't find this explanation--simply put anywhere else. “Great teachers are hard to find”. Grade: A++ 💥

[trinitxu]

well explained! I am very intrigued by your monitor setup. How do you use 5 monitors / role of each in data modeling? Are you using a special graphics card or a usb adapter for this?

[ericet]

Awesome video. Thank you for your expertise and taking the time to share it here.

[vishaljhaveri]

SQL Server Database
Selection of the Import mode and the Direct Query Mode in the Power BI.
The Direct Query Mode is better than the Import Mode if you have a very large database and you are professional working on that large database.
Else Import Mode is quite better, as the data evaluated in the VertiPaq retrieves and evaluates the calculation way way faster than Direct Query.

[noenavarro]

Such a great video and comparison. Thank you for putting this together!

[nithinshankar]

U didn't cleared cache, when running the dax 2nd time. Won't that give incorrect server timing?

[RodWhiteley]

One thing I am confused by is the refresh experience, I was hoping you might clarify. An advantage of Direct Query is the immediate background refresh of the source data without any scheduled refresh. Is this advantage worthwhile in your opinion, or what do you think the workflow should be for Import Mode to ensure the user experience is good with up to date data (say, new data is being added daily)

[sau]

Very nice video. What was the tuning you did on SQL Server to give it the performance boost?

[gonzaloj.coaquira]

Muy buena la explicación, muchas gracias.

[dba]

Alberto, great information. Can I ask you the about desktop memory utilization\requirements in Import vs Directquery? Would Import consume more of the desktops memory? Btw, you make using DAX Studio so easy. Thanks

[ansharora]

Anyway to connect to a database over SSH tunnel?

[aurelbk]

I have an ssas tabular cube. What is the best mode to connect to the data source? Import mode or Live connection? Thanks you

[pl]

Hi Sir I have one question. I make one sales report everyone with one excel as data source. How can I save all these weekly report in the same power BI report so I could look back previous report by clicking the filter.

[erinfield]

But what if you have users who use the pbi service dashboard without telling you, and you need to click refresh in the backend first in order for them to get the up-to-date info they need? My report is geared toward users who don't know how to use the desktop version.

[hafidzfairiz]

Thanks, Well explained! But i'm considering about the size of .pbi file, it must be one of disadvantage of Import mode.

Do you have some tips and tricks about it?

To be honest i'm really need Import mode for speed, but at the same time, size of .pbi file is annoying me.

Thanks.