The correct choice is to use DirectQuery for the SQL Server table and Import mode for the SharePoint list. This minimizes Power BI data load time by avoiding the full import of 10 million rows from the on-premises SQL Server, which updates hourly and would otherwise consume significant memory and refresh time; instead, DirectQuery sends queries directly to the source, keeping the model lightweight. The small SharePoint list with only 500 rows and daily updates is ideal for Import mode, as it loads quickly and unlocks full DAX capabilities without straining the 30-minute refresh window. On the PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your ability to balance storage mode decisions based on data volume and update frequency—a common trap is assuming Import mode is always faster, but for large, frequently updated tables, DirectQuery avoids the bottleneck of re-importing millions of rows. Remember the memory tip: “Big and busy? DirectQuery; small and steady? Import ready.”
PL-300 Prepare the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare the data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You are building a Power BI semantic model that combines data from an on-premises SQL Server database and a SharePoint Online list. The SQL Server table contains 10 million rows and updates hourly. The SharePoint list contains 500 rows and updates daily. You need to minimize the data load time and ensure the model refreshes within the scheduled 30-minute window. What should you do?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use DirectQuery for the SQL Server table and Import mode for the SharePoint list.
Option A is correct because using DirectQuery for the large SQL Server table (10M rows, hourly updates) avoids importing all rows into the model, significantly reducing data load time and memory usage. Import mode for the small SharePoint list (500 rows, daily updates) is appropriate since it loads quickly and supports full DAX functionality, while the combination keeps the total refresh within the 30-minute window.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Use DirectQuery for the SQL Server table and Import mode for the SharePoint list.
Why this is correct
DirectQuery avoids loading the large table into memory, reducing refresh time. Import is suitable for the small SharePoint list.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Set both tables to DirectQuery mode.
Why it's wrong here
SharePoint Online does not support DirectQuery; it requires Import mode.
✗
Set the SQL Server table to Dual mode and the SharePoint list to Import mode.
Why it's wrong here
Dual mode for SQL Server still loads data into memory, increasing load time.
✗
Import both tables into the model and disable incremental refresh.
Why it's wrong here
Importing 10 million rows into memory would be slow and exceed the refresh window.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume Import mode is always best for performance, but for very large tables with frequent updates, DirectQuery avoids the bottleneck of importing millions of rows, while small tables are better imported to avoid live query overhead.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DirectQuery translates DAX queries into SQL queries sent to the source database in real time, avoiding data movement but requiring the source to handle query load. For large tables with frequent updates, DirectQuery ensures the model reflects the latest data without a full import, while Import mode for small tables like SharePoint lists (which use REST API calls) completes quickly and supports all Power BI features, including time intelligence and calculated columns. The 30-minute refresh window is a typical constraint in enterprise environments where the scheduled refresh must complete before the next cycle begins.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use DirectQuery for the SQL Server table and Import mode for the SharePoint list. — Option A is correct because using DirectQuery for the large SQL Server table (10M rows, hourly updates) avoids importing all rows into the model, significantly reducing data load time and memory usage. Import mode for the small SharePoint list (500 rows, daily updates) is appropriate since it loads quickly and supports full DAX functionality, while the combination keeps the total refresh within the 30-minute window.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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