Streamer/server that works as a Roon core

So far, the list makers of streamers that are also servers and can work as a Roon core includes the following:

 

•           Innuos

•           Antipodes

•           Grimm

•           Small Green Computer (2 components)

•           NUC (e.g., Asus) - not a streamer; DIY

•           Baetis

•           Pink Faun

•           Wolf Audio Systems

•           Lucas Audio

•           JCAT

•           Rockna Wavelight

 

@mapman the link below by the Gabster channel on YouTube nicely shows how to make a NUC for use as a Roon core/server. I believe NUC DIY folks try to use a tall version of the Asus NUC pro with an i3 chip or better, with a fanless case (e.g., Akasa). However, if a more powerful chip is used, more heat is generated, perhaps making the fanless option more challenging to execute. With the NUC, its necessary to get RAM, another  small memory card,and a SSD:

 

Intel Nuc https://amzn.to/3r2ZKGX

 

Crucial 8gb ram https://amzn.to/44w6ZGl

 

Evo 250 GB M.2 https://amzn.to/41cntRl

 

1TB SSD https://amzn.to/42yM3gl

 

Gabster's YouTube 3-year-old video is at:

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=nuc+for+hifi&oq=nuc+for+hifi&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIKCAEQABgKGBYYHjIHCAIQABjvBTIHCAMQABjvBTIHCAQQABjvBdIBCDU3MTdqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:0107a65e,vid:djzWU_gA07M,st:0

 

@bill_k  

https://a.co/d/0aAYJjBp

@bill_k this has a fan but very quiet, not an issue.  Just install Roon, maybe a USB driver if vendor provided for DAC  (that is the case with my Topping DAC) and good to go.   Windows based but lots of headroom, can be used for general purpose computing alongside Roon as needed.  Best to opt out on as many Windows setup options as you can in order to preserve compute power for what matters.   Initial Windows set up may take an hour or so depending but went smoothly for me.  I was up and running with Roon is less than 2 hours.   47000 tracks in my library including local storage (external USB drive) and Qobuz.   Lightning fast, very reliable, sounds great.  Nothing left on teh table with Roon here IMHO.   Cheers!

 

@mapman - Thanks for the tips! Actually I was thinking of installing Roon ROCK instead of Windows, here's a brief overview for those not familiar with it.

ROCK (Roon Optimized Core Kit) is a stripped-down, purpose-built OS created by Roon that turns your Intel NUC into a single-purpose Roon appliance.

• Installs directly on the NUC (wipes the drive)
• Runs “headless” (no monitor/keyboard after setup)
• No extra apps, no Windows overhead
• Best when: dedicated Roon server