Direct Query with dataflow

[Anonymous]

Hi all, in my model, I am using direct query connecting to Azure database. However, I find the performance is quite poor and I am still looking for work-around.

May I ask is it true that the performance will become better if I put all the tables in dataflow then I connect those dataflow tables using dircet query? any drawback with this method?

Thanks!

[v-jianboli-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous ,

According to my knowledge, Some features of Dataflow(Such as using the enhanced compute engine) may help you improve the performence.

Note: Dataflows are supported for Power BI Pro, Premium Per User (PPU), and Power BI Premium users. Some features are only available with a Power BI Premium subscription (which is either a Premium capacity or Premium Per User (PPU) license). 

The following features are available only with Power BI Premium (PPU or a Premium capacity subscription):

• Enhanced compute engine
• Direct Query
• Computed entities
• Linked Entities
• Incremental refresh

Besides, there are a few known limitations with DirectQuery and dataflows:

• Composite/mixed models that have import and DirectQuery data sources are currently not supported.

• Large dataflows may have trouble with timeout issues when viewing visualizations. Large dataflows that run into trouble with timeout issues should use Import mode.

• Under data source settings, the dataflow connector will show invalid credentials if you are using DirectQuery. This does not affect the behavior, and the dataset will work properly.

For more details, please refer to:

When to use Dataflow - Power BI | Microsoft Docs

Dataflows best practices - Power BI | Microsoft Docs

Best Regards,

Jianbo Li

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