Having used Microsoft Power BI for about a year now. Using it to combine a number of data sources, from MySQL, JSON API, Google Sheets and Google Analytics. Building the semi complicated data structure has meant when trying to update the data I had been losing almost a half a day due to my computer becoming unresponsive. Even to the extent that I couldn’t do anything other than wait for Power BI to do it’s thing.

My Computer

Currently running an Acer Nitro 7 Laptop featuring Intel Core i7-9750H @2.60GHz processor, dual hard drives. One SSD and one standard HDD. And running a single stick of 16gb ram. The laptop seems to be grunty enough for most things. But maybe in it’s current state it might not be up to task.

The Problem

Due to the number of data tables, custom queries, connections as such. Power BI looks to load all into RAM and as the data structures grown – the pinch on resources has escalated.

Looking at my computers performance RAM and CPU looked to be maxing out. Causing my computer to become unresponsive.

The Fix

Lucky for me – the local computer store “PB Tech” have a large range of RAM that can be used. So a quick purchase of a 16GB DDR4 SODIMM stick was on its way and with me overnight.

Dropping this into my laptop has given me a bit of room. Memory usage is now maxing out at 21.3gb. Leaving me with ample to keep working on other things as Power BI goes through and processes data updates. Win for me. For now. Until we keep pushing more data sources and complexity into Power BI.

Alternative FIx

Due to the nature of Power BI resource hogging. The other fix would be to look at restricting the data structure to only what is needed for a particular report.