Fellow ROON Users, I’m spec’ing a new PC build and sure could use some advice.
This PC will run the ROON core – be left on 24/7 – and be also used as a general HTPC.
I don’t presently use HQP and don’t know that I will. However on the off-chance that I decide to try HQP, I want to build-in sufficient horsepower to take advantage HQP’s capabilities.
Based on what I’ve managed to find, my chosen configuration should run ROON/HQP DSD 256 with no problem. However for want of a better graphics card (for example), I don’t want to miss the possibility of upsamping to DSD 512, if perhaps, I later decide to do so.
I’ve sent this and the following to Jussi (HQP/Signalyst) in a PM. However, I thought that the input from this discussion may help others and I wanted to point out my chosen barebones configuration as perhaps another option for folks wishing to stream ROON.
My Digital Audio Hardware:
Streaming via CAT6 (from adjacent room) microRendu/Lampizator Golden Gate DAC
Music Database: 8TB HD (Full) – 100,000 FLAC Tracks (1,000’s of HD and DSD files)
NOTE: After reading ROON Forum threads, apparently select graphics cards can aid HQP’s processing requirements. I see CUDA offloading mentioned and understand that this means that the graphics card is involved with some of the processing. But I don’t pretend to understand the specifics of same. Or what GPU Company’s (e.g. Nvidia and ATI etc.), let alone models within each GPU Company are minimally recommended? Especially if a budget of $150-$250 is maintained.
My Proposed PC’s Specs Follow:
- Barebones Kit: Corsair Bulldog 2.0 (http://www.corsair.com/en-us/bulldog-2-0-high-performance-pc-barebone-kit-na)
- CPU: Intel i7-7700k
- OS: Windows 10
- RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 2666
- RAM QUESTION: Would 16GB be sufficient – i.e., is 32GB overkill for ROON and HQP (will it be utilized or needed by either/both)? This is important; RAM is costly & this is an area where an unnecessary cost could be shaved.
- HD: SAMSUNG 960 EVO M.2 250GB NVMe PCI-Express 3.0 x4 Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
- COOLING: Corsair Hydro Series H6 SF cooler (included in the Bulldog 2.0 Kit)
- GRAPHICS: I’m considering a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OR GeForce GTX 1060 3GB
Because I don’t plan on gaming, the GeForce 1050Ti and/or 1060 3GB are overkill, but a ~ $200 price range makes sense with this level of build.
My Question To You Is:
Will the above PC – with either a Nvidia 1050Ti or 1060-3Gb – be sufficient to allow me to upsample to 512? Or should I be looking at another GPU card? Or changing some of my other build specs?
FWIW, MY PC RESEARCH JOURNEY:
As an aside, I actually ordered a NUC Skull Canyon, but cancelled the order after it was placed. Because of my 24/7 run requirement, I had second thoughts about the Skull Canyon’s proprietary fan. I saw some mention of fan problems and perhaps the inability to easily source or DIY replace it. So, I began looking at Mini ITX builds and began researching cases (e.g. practicality/esthetics). After countless hours, I ran across the Corsair Bulldog 2.0. I liked what it came with, including the water cooler which could be easily replaced if needed. Plus, all other parts are off-the-shelf and could be easily replaced or upgraded – all very good things.