What is the best storage for architects working with Revit files?

The best storage for architects working with Revit files over 200MB is a NAS system like the Synology DS923+, which handles multi-user worksharing without the file corruption risk that comes with cloud-synced folders like Dropbox or OneDrive. For solo architects or students moving between site and studio, a portable SSD such as the Samsung T9, with 2,000MB/s transfer speeds, is a better fit than a NAS. The right choice depends on whether you're working alone or worksharing a central model across a team.

Can you store a Revit central model on Dropbox or Google Drive?

Storing a live Revit central model on Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive is not recommended because these services sync file changes in a way that conflicts with how Revit locks and writes to the central file during worksharing. This regularly causes file corruption, sync conflicts, and lost work when multiple people are synchronising to central at the same time. A NAS system with proper file locking, or a dedicated server, is the safer option for any team-based BIM project.

How big does a Revit central file typically get on a commercial project?

A mid-size commercial Revit project with linked structural and MEP models can exceed 1GB in central file size by construction documentation stage, even if it started under 100MB at concept design. Adding a site survey point cloud can add several more gigabytes on top of that. This is why standard 5400rpm hard drives, fine for a 40MB student project, start causing noticeable synchronisation lag once a project reaches practice scale.

Do I need a NAS system as an architecture student?

Most architecture students do not need a NAS system, since student projects are typically worked on solo and rarely exceed a few hundred megabytes. A portable SSD like the Samsung T9 is a better investment for students, offering fast transfer speeds and portability between university computers, laptops, and site visits. A NAS becomes worthwhile once you're working in practice on shared, multi-linked commercial models.

What transfer speed do I need for working with large BIM files?

For smooth handling of large BIM files, aim for a drive with at least 1,000MB/s sequential read/write speed, which is what separates a modern portable SSD like the Samsung T9 from a standard external hard drive. Sequential speed alone doesn't tell the whole story though — Revit worksharing performance depends more on network speed and file locking behaviour than raw drive benchmarks. This is why a NAS on a wired gigabit connection often outperforms a faster-rated portable SSD for team-based BIM work.

Why does Revit slow down when synchronising with central?

Revit slows down during synchronise with central because every sync involves checking out changed elements, writing them to the central file, and updating local caches for every worksharing user connected to the model. On a standard 5400rpm hard drive or a poorly configured network drive, this process can stretch from five seconds to ninety seconds or more as the central file grows past 1GB. Moving to a NAS with a wired connection and adequate RAM, such as the Synology DS923+, typically resolves this bottleneck.

What's the difference between an external hard drive and a NAS for architecture practices?

An external hard drive is a single-user storage device connected directly to one computer, while a NAS (Network Attached Storage) sits on a network and allows multiple team members to access and worksharing the same Revit central model simultaneously. Practices with more than two people collaborating on a live BIM model need a NAS, not an external hard drive, because external drives can't handle concurrent file locking across a network. ArchAdemia recommends the Synology DS923+ for small-to-mid practices needing shared storage without a full IT department to manage it.

How much storage should an architecture practice budget for per project?

A safe budget is 5-10GB of storage per active commercial Revit project once you account for the central model, linked structural and MEP files, point clouds, backups, and exported drawing sets. This figure can climb significantly higher on projects involving detailed point cloud surveys or extensive family libraries. Practices should plan NAS capacity in the multiple-terabyte range rather than buying storage project by project, since running out of space mid-project causes far more disruption than over-provisioning upfront.

Blog

Best External Hard Drives and NAS Systems for Storing Massive BIM Files

17 August 2026By Jack Johnson

Technology

Is there anything I can help with?

ArchAdemia Support

How can we help?

Hi! 👋 I'm here to help answer questions about our platform, content, tools and membership options. What can I help you with?

Best External Hard Drives and NAS Systems for Storing Massive BIM Files

Related Articles

Best Monitor for Architects in 2026: Colour Accuracy, Size, and Multi-Screen Setups Tested

Best Portfolio Platforms for Architecture Graduates in 2026

Best Budget Laptops for Architecture Students in 2026

ArchAdemia Support

Welcome back!