sys.dm_os_memory_brokers (Transact-SQL)

Applies to: SQL Server Azure Synapse Analytics Analytics Platform System (PDW)

Allocations that are internal to SQL Server use the SQL Server memory manager. Tracking the difference between process memory counters from sys.dm_os_process_memory and internal counters can indicate memory use from external components in the SQL Server memory space.

Memory brokers fairly distribute memory allocations between various components within SQL Server, based on current and projected usage. Memory brokers do not perform allocations. They only track allocations for computing distribution.

The following table provides information about memory brokers.

Note

To call this from Azure Synapse Analytics or Analytics Platform System (PDW), use the name sys.dm_pdw_nodes_os_memory_brokers. This syntax is not supported by serverless SQL pool in Azure Synapse Analytics.

Column name	Data type	Description
pool_id	int	ID of the resource pool if it is associated with a Resource Governor pool.
memory_broker_type	nvarchar(60)	Type of memory broker. There are currently three types of memory brokers in SQL Server, listed below with their descriptions. MEMORYBROKER_FOR_CACHE : Memory that is allocated for use by cached objects (Not Buffer Pool cache). MEMORYBROKER_FOR_STEAL : Memory that is stolen from the buffer pool. This memory is tracked by memory clerks and is not available for reuse by other components until it is freed by the current owner. MEMORYBROKER_FOR_RESERVE : Memory reserved for future use by currently executing requests.
allocations_kb	bigint	Amount of memory, in kilobytes (KB), that has been allocated to this type of broker.
allocations_kb_per_sec	bigint	Rate of memory allocations in kilobytes (KB) per second. This value can be negative for memory deallocations.
predicted_allocations_kb	bigint	Predicted amount of allocated memory by the broker. This is based on the memory usage pattern.
target_allocations_kb	bigint	Recommended amount of allocated memory, in kilobytes (KB), that is based on current settings and the memory usage pattern. This broker should grow to or shrink to this number.
future_allocations_kb	bigint	Projected number of allocations, in kilobytes (KB), that will be done in the next several seconds.
overall_limit_kb	bigint	Maximum amount of memory, in kilobytes (KB), that the broker can allocate.
last_notification	nvarchar(60)	Memory usage recommendation that is based on the current settings and usage pattern. Valid values are as follows: grow shrink stable
pdw_node_id	int	Applies to: Azure Synapse Analytics, Analytics Platform System (PDW) The identifier for the node that this distribution is on.

Permissions

On SQL Server and SQL Managed Instance, requires VIEW SERVER STATE permission.

On SQL Database Basic, S0, and S1 service objectives, and for databases in elastic pools, the server admin account, the Microsoft Entra admin account, or membership in the ##MS_ServerStateReader## server role is required. On all other SQL Database service objectives, either the VIEW DATABASE STATE permission on the database, or membership in the ##MS_ServerStateReader## server role is required.

Permissions for SQL Server 2022 and later

Requires VIEW SERVER PERFORMANCE STATE permission on the server.

See also

SQL Server Operating System Related Dynamic Management Views (Transact-SQL)