Resize Power BI Premium Capacity to increase Max Memory

[ldittmann970]

Hello - I want to ensure that when I increase the size of my existing P1 Power BI Premium Capacity to a P2 Capacity, that I will increase to the Max Memory, DQ/ Live Connection, and Model Refresh Parallelism limits that are identified in the Semantic model SKU limitation table for the F128 SKU found here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/enterprise/service-premium-what-is#semantic-model-sku-lim...

However, I am having trouble confirming if those SKU constraints are based on the premium capacity SKU license purchased in Microsoft 365 or on the SKU Capacity size assigned in the Power BI Admin Portal. I would like clarification on if I can simply:

• (option 1) buy another P1 capacity in the Microsoft 365 Admin center and then pool them into a P2 in the Power BI Admin portal, or if I have to
• (option 2) purchase a P2 in the Microsoft Admin center and then cancel the existing P1 after re-sizing to the P2 in the Power BI Admin Portal

I have seen a response from 2019 to a similar question indicating that a P2 has to be purchased as Max memory settings are not cumulative, but do not see confirmation of that in the current documentation as the language of the license SKU size in the M365 Admin portal vs the license SKU size in the Power BI Admin portal is not well-differentiated  - a clear answer would be appreciated before I I send the purchase request on to the billing admin - thanks!   

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi @ldittmann970 

Regarding the SKU constraints, they are based on the premium capacity SKU license you purchase. When you upgrade to a P2 capacity, you should see an increase in your capacity's max memory and other limits according to the SKU limitations of P2. For example, a P1 capacity typically offers 25 GB of memory, while a P2 capacity offers 50 GB.

To upgrade your capacity, Power BI service administrators and Global Administrators can modify the capacity size. This process involves selecting the capacity you want to change in the Power BI admin portal and then choosing the "Change size" option to upgrade or downgrade your capacity.

Regarding your specific options, buying another P1 capacity and then pooling them into a P2 in the Power BI Admin portal might not achieve the desired result, as max memory settings are generally not cumulative. It's likely more effective to purchase a P2 capacity directly in the Microsoft Admin center and then cancel the existing P1 after resizing in the Power BI Admin Portal.

For more detailed information and step-by-step guidance on managing and upgrading Power BI Premium capacities, you can refer to the official Microsoft documentation on

Configure and manage capacities in Power BI Premium - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
Power BI Premium architecture - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

^{Best Regards,}

^Jayleny

^{If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.}

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi @ldittmann970 

Regarding the SKU constraints, they are based on the premium capacity SKU license you purchase. When you upgrade to a P2 capacity, you should see an increase in your capacity's max memory and other limits according to the SKU limitations of P2. For example, a P1 capacity typically offers 25 GB of memory, while a P2 capacity offers 50 GB.

To upgrade your capacity, Power BI service administrators and Global Administrators can modify the capacity size. This process involves selecting the capacity you want to change in the Power BI admin portal and then choosing the "Change size" option to upgrade or downgrade your capacity.

Regarding your specific options, buying another P1 capacity and then pooling them into a P2 in the Power BI Admin portal might not achieve the desired result, as max memory settings are generally not cumulative. It's likely more effective to purchase a P2 capacity directly in the Microsoft Admin center and then cancel the existing P1 after resizing in the Power BI Admin Portal.

For more detailed information and step-by-step guidance on managing and upgrading Power BI Premium capacities, you can refer to the official Microsoft documentation on

Configure and manage capacities in Power BI Premium - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
Power BI Premium architecture - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

^{Best Regards,}

^Jayleny

^{If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.}

[ldittmann970 · Accepted solution]

Thank you for this confirmation.  I did submit a support ticket to Microsoft's Power BI support team and they also confirmed that purchasing a P2 is necessary to ensure that the increased max memory, live connection count, and refresh parallelism limits are applied and that max memory settings are generally not cumulative.  I requested that the documentation be updated to include this clarification, as it is especially confusing in that this cumulative effect is true for larger skus ( 2 P3s does equal a P6 per the documentation, as a P6 is not a purchase option).
Thank you for the prompt reply! 

[aj1973]

Hi @ldittmann970 

I would recommend watching this video to help you decide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipdMRPdXcWA&t=317s

[Anonymous]

I would conract Microsoft support through your TAM (Tech Account Manager), and get the best guidance for accomplishing this. With a purchase like this, they will help you.