Nope - no compressed check(have never used that)

I'm using the default atmos & that's it - no lights other than the sun. I thought the shadow thing only applied to GR/GI.  I will check this as soon as the  eco I have going finishes populating & get back to you here.

XLT find Mazak - thanks for that!

Edited - nope shadows do not apply as the default atmos is GA.

I've seen various other posts around where people are reporting increased render times - wonder what we all have in common.