Forum Discussion

udian's avatar
udian
Helper III
8 years ago
Solved

When Does PBI Generates Tabular Cube?

Hi,

 

I understood that PBI uses tabular cubes behind the scene to implement the models built using it.

 

Are there any cases where PBI doesn't use a tabular cube?

 

For example if i use a freehand sql server query with live connection generating a single table in the model, does power bi still generates a tabular cube behind the scene?

 

Thanks!

Need Help
  • v-juanli-msft's avatar
    v-juanli-msft
    8 years ago

    Hi udian

    You are right, PBI uses tabular cubes behind the scene, but when connecting to SSAS via live connection, Power BI don't need run tabular cubes behind its scene, because Power BI connect to SSAS directly and use the tabular cube in SSAS.

     

    Best Regrads

    Maggie

3 Replies

  • v-juanli-msft's avatar
    v-juanli-msft
    Community Support
    8 years ago

    Hi udian

    You are right, PBI uses tabular cubes behind the scene, but when connecting to SSAS via live connection, Power BI don't need run tabular cubes behind its scene, because Power BI connect to SSAS directly and use the tabular cube in SSAS.

     

    Best Regrads

    Maggie

    • udian's avatar
      udian
      Helper III
      8 years ago

      Thanks Maggie!

       

      So this is the only case that PBI doesn't generates a tabular cube?

       

      If i do a live connecion the SQL Serever DB and choose only one table will PBI still generate a tabular cube to represent it?

       

      Thanks again.

      • v-juanli-msft's avatar
        v-juanli-msft
        Community Support
        8 years ago

        Hi udian

        As far as I known, Power BI Desktop can connect to SQL Serever DB via import or direct query mode but not live connection.

        When connect to SQL Serever DB, it will generate a tabular cube to represent it.

         

        Best Regards

        Maggie