Import or Direct Query

[powerbiexpert22]

I am using premium capacity license, snowflake data is refreshed after every 2 hours in a day , should i use import connection or direct query?  

[Anonymous]

Hi, @powerbiexpert22 

Thanks for @rajendraongole1 reply. Here are some additions to both models, you can refer it.

Import mode is generally faster for interacting with the data since it’s loaded into memory, but it can consume more resources and there’s a data size limit (which might not be an issue in your case with a Premium capacity license). It’s also worth noting that while the data is refreshed every 2 hours, reports and dashboards based on Import mode won’t reflect the changes until the next scheduled refresh in Power BI.

On the other hand, Direct Query doesn’t have a data size limit and reflects changes in the data source immediately. However, it can be slower since each interaction with a visual sends a query to the data source.

Given that your Snowflake data is refreshed every 2 hours, if you want your reports and dashboards to reflect these changes as soon as they happen, Direct Query might be a better choice. But if performance is a priority and you can tolerate a delay in data refresh in Power BI, you maybe need to choose Import mode.

Please consider these factors and choose the one that best fits your needs. 

Best Regards,
Yang
Community Support Team

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[rajendraongole1 · Accepted solution]

Hi @powerbiexpert22 - Import mode generally offers better performance because of inbuilt memory engine supported with all DAX functions, complex calculations, and custom visuals.Reports can be used offline since the data is stored within the Power BI model. other than the memory consumption and data refreshes are some limilations in import.

In single word, DirectQuery if real-time data is essential, and your Snowflake database can handle the query load efficiently it will not support if your model is having complex dax calculations, certain custom visuals will not work as expected. 

My final verdit:

Evaluate as per your report needs, test both of the modes, and monitor performance to make the best decision for your Power BI reports.

Thank you

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