I am considering transitioning my Roon Core from my Intel 7/Gigabyte B85 motherboard/16GB G. Skill Ripsaw memory based PC to a NUC (Specifically a GMKtec Mini PC with Intel Core i7-1185G7 Processor (Up to 4.8 GHz) 16GB DDR4 1TB SSD NIC i226V RJ45 2.5G Iris Xe Graphics USB4.0 Desktop Mini Computers WiFi 6, BT 5.2/ DP, HDMI M2). My internet service is Verizon FIOS 500GB, solid for streaming music and I’m using an Ethernet cable connection to my Modwright modified Cambridge CXN V2 streamer/DAC in my dedicated two-channel system.
While my Roon system has been stable, I do experience the need to reboot the program after Windows updates. I also keep my PC on 24/7, but my PC build is + 10 years old. I’m currently trouble shooting PC freeze ups and have been running my PC 24/7. I’m thinking a stand alone NUC dedicated to running just Roon Core might be a worthwhile move and I’m looking for feedback.
If I move forward, I’d appreciate insight into those who have made the transition to a NUC and installation of Roon Rock. I have a very computer, tech savvy son who will handle the mechanics and install. I’m trying to avoid any pitfalls in the transition process given issues some folks have experienced.
I’d be interested thoughts of those folks who have made the transition to a stand alone NUC to serve as their Roon Core and any links or videos I can share with my son/installer. Thanks.
Also, be aware that if you intend to put your music library on the NUC/ROCK you CANNOT store the OS and the music files on the same drive. (when ROCK updates it overwrites the entire drive). So you will need a Small M.2 drive (128 Gig or 256 Gig for larger libraries) for the OS and a larger SSD (500+ Gig) drive for the music files.
See these KB articles for more info:
Also this is an older series of videos using a NUC but might be helpful (there may be newer ones so search youtube?):
Please excuse my limited knowledge of the somewhat complex world of Roon. I thought that transition of the Roon Core required installation of Roon Rock to a NUC. If it does not, then I won’t do it. Is it easier to simply transition Roon Core from my Windows based PC to a NUC?
I am simply looking for advice on whether transitioning the Roon Core from my aging PC to a suitable NUC (with the least amount of headaches) and guidance on whether the GMKtec NUC I listed will provide a stable, reliable device for my Roon Core. Thanks and apologies for the confusion on my part.
As I said earlier, Roon Optimised Core Kit (ROCK) is the combination of an approved Intel or Asus NUC with Roon OS installed.
Your GMKtec NUC may not run Roon OS. Unless someone else has confirmed that it works, you won’t find out until Roon OS is installed.
However, an i7 Intel NUC, even a 7th generation model, will continue to run Roon Server. Have you considered installing Roon OS on your old NUC? If you do, a little maintenance would pay dividends, e.g. a clean and possibly replacing the thermal paste.
Your hardware should be able to manage Roon server without issue. It may be older but it’s still capable. A cheaper solution you may want to explore is installing a Linux OS like Debian Stable on your PC and then install Docker with the official Roon server docker image inside it. You may find it clears up all your issues without the cash outlay. Unless you want new gear, that is, which is entirely reasonable.
Having just moved from old to new NUC, an important question is, how big is your current library? Open the home screen in Roon remote and tell us how many tracks you have. Then, we can help even more.
I’m thinking about putting my Gen7 nuc up for sale soon.
My PC consultant/son ran diagnostics on my desktop. He is simply upgrading my cooler & DDR memory to resolve issues. No need to transfer my core which has up until recently performed fine on my Windows based desktop PC.
