Do STEP file sub-assemblies really slow down a large assembly?

I'm trying to improve performance of a top-level assembly. How much do imported STEP sub-assemblies effect performance for a larger top-level assembly?

Also, do suppressed items effect performance?

Does saving an assembly as a single part help improve performance?

I also see where I can save a sub-assembly as a part. Does that improve any overall performance?

I see these webpages too. Anyone have any other ideas for improving performance?