Revit 2020 slowness - Linked File questiosns

[kenny_houston]

We have an issue with a REVIT 2020 model that users are experiencing significant lag or slowness in almost all tasks.   The model is the only one we have in 2020 so I cannot rule out 2020 being the issue itself. However, after exhausting all attempts to solve the slowness I have not made any progress on the issue.   This has lead me to circle back and look for definitive answers to the following questions.

This specific project is a multi-discipline project with a couple of outside consultants. All models are on our server.   The consultants update their models daily to our network.   We also have several AutoCAD drawings that are linked into the model.

1. Is there a "Best Practice" to the total number of "linked" models or DWG files that should be used?
2. Will multiple linked DWG’s slow down a REVIT model?
3. Will the linked DWG’s version number affect the speed of loading?   Assume we are linking a sheet that was created in AutoCAD 2016 for instance.
4. Assume that I’m working in the A.rvt file and I have linked in the B.rvt file.   The B.rvt file also has linked DWG and RVT files, some of which have a status of “Not Found”.   Will the fact that these files are not found in the B.rvt file affect my performance in A.rvt?

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

[barthbradley]

Can you list everything you have tried so far?  

[kenny_houston]

- Verified all users local equipment is up to date

- Verified all users have latest Revit 2020 patch / update

- Verified all network connections are where they need to be

- Verified all linked files are valid

- Verified all RVT files have been purged and audited

[syman2000]

I notice if you copy the same links 20 times and place them in various level (suite layout), the performance will take a drastic hit. Revit assume each of those links are independent file and treat them like one complete model. This means each views will have 20 of the same link even if one link appear in that level.

[Alfredo_Medina]

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@kenny_houston wrote:

...

1. Is there a "Best Practice" to the total number of "linked" models or DWG files that should be used?
   One or two
2. Will multiple linked DWG’s slow down a REVIT model?
   Yes
3. Will the linked DWG’s version number affect the speed of loading?   Assume we are linking a sheet that was created in AutoCAD 2016 for instance.
   I don´t know but it would be better to match the year version of Revit. Other reasons that I do now for sure: the path of the CAD file being a user´s desktop instead of a public folder in the server will affect performance ( in BIM360 projects, it can help to corrupt a model).
4. Assume that I’m working in the A.rvt file and I have linked in the B.rvt file.   The B.rvt file also has linked DWG and RVT files, some of which have a status of “Not Found”.   Will the fact that these files are not found in the B.rvt file affect my performance in A.rvt?
   Probably, if what I mentioned above in reply to point 3 is happening

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

Try not to use CAD files, or reduce it to the minimum, unavoidable content such as civil drawings for the site plan.

If you really need to use CAD files, make all the users put their CAD files in public folders, and have them purge those files of unnecessary layer. Use Link CAD instead of Import. Do not explode imported CAD files. Also, do your details in Revit. Do not put CAD content in families.

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[Matt_Keck]

@Alfredo_Medina curious about why NOT to import cad files and explode them. currently that exact process is necessary for me to detail insulation. I bring the CAD back in to a detail view(this view only), and explode it.

Thank you,

MK