CSV vs SQL refresh time difference

[campelliann]

Hi, 

Imagine I have a table with 500.000 rows /15 columns. I can get this table in a CSV format or in a SQL database. 

I know the best practices say SQL as a favourite source, but would the refresh time based solely on this table be much different?

Thanks

[v-stephen-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @campelliann ,

Using DirectQuery in Power BI - Power BI | Microsoft Docs

It depends on your connection mode, if both csv and sql are in import mode, there is almost no difference in refresh time between them.

If sql is connected to Power BI Desktop with DirectQuery connection mode, Power BI Desktop queries the underlying data source, so you’re always viewing current data.

Best Regards,

Stephen Tao

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