topic Re: Databricks serverless SQL cost-effective.. when? in Data Engineering

Databricks serverless SQL cost-effective.. when?

jar — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:19:29 GMT

Hey.

I read at one-point that there would be a cheaper, less-performant version of the Databricks serverless SQL DW but can't find any information on this. Was I dreaming or will it soon be possible with a more cost-effective option for less-intensive workloads?

Re: Databricks serverless SQL cost-effective.. when?

szymon_dybczak — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:03:23 GMT

Hi @jar ,

It’s possible you’re referring to the performance mode for serverless compute. However, at the moment it doesn’t apply to DB SQL Warehouse:

The first mode, which is in General Availability, is called performance-optimized mode. This mode is designed for when you need compute to spin up quickly and to auto-scale aggressively. This compute costs more, especially if your job is under 10 minutes.
Just recently, last week, we have introduced a new mode called standard mode. This mode is designed for scheduled jobs where you are willing to trade off launch latency and auto-scaling aggressiveness for lower cost.

Serverless compute release notes | Databricks Documentation

Re: Databricks serverless SQL cost-effective.. when?

jar — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:06:45 GMT

Hello @szymon_dybczak.

Thank you for clarifying. The most cost-effective serverless SQL option for PBI Direct Query is then the 2x-small serverless DW - the different performance modes only applies to notebooks and jobs?

Re: Databricks serverless SQL cost-effective.. when?

szymon_dybczak — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 08:15:19 GMT

Hi @jar ,

That's correct. For now it only applies to notebooks and jobs 🙂