Power BI gateway hardware and architecture requirements

[Medmbchr]

Hello

I have a couple of questions regarding hardware and architecture for deploying a Power BI dashboard.

Power BI gateway: what type of computer machine do we need to install our gateway in it? Does it have to be the same machine in which my database is installed (32 gb windows server with VM, db: SQL Server 2014 enterprise edition), I read that installing the gateway in the same machine as the db is not recommended.

Data source: Is it mandatory to use a datawarehouse as intermediary between my dashboard and my SQL Server database? I read that it's not recommended to have direct link to the db.

FYI today I deployed my dashboards with a direct link to my sql database and we are temporarily using a leftover laptop of 8 gb of ram for the gateway connection. My data refresh takes about 30 mins to be done and slows down our server performance since the db is used for an ERP (Sage X3).

I need all inputs possible.

Thank you!

[GilbertQ]

Hi @Medmbchr 

Ideally you would want a server/vm that is always on and always connected to the internet. It should have fast internet connection and CPU. It also needs memory when doing the refresh because memory is used during the refresh. I would recommend a server with at least 2 CPU's and 8-16GB RAM

And yes if your query is big it can take up resources on your database server. You might have to work with your DBA to see how to make it use less resources.

[Medmbchr]

Thank you @GilbertQ 

Would you recommend any specific machine for hosting the gateway? Also, with the DBA, how can he optimize access to the SQL Server? Any tips?