Nucleus M.2 SSD Replacement Guide (All Models)

If you're experiencing issues with your Nucleus system drive, this guide will help you understand when and how an M.2 SSD replacement should be performed.

Important: Do You Need to Replace the SSD?

All Nucleus devices ship with a factory-installed M.2 SSD that is properly sized and optimized for system performance. The SSD is used only for RoonOS and the Roon database. It does not store your music library.

We do not recommend, nor do we support upgrading the M.2 SSD.

Replacement should only be considered if there are clear signs of:

• Drive failure
• Data corruption
• System instability is directly related to the SSD

Approval Required (All Models)

M.2 SSD replacement requires prior approval from Roon Technical Support in all cases, regardless of warranty status.

• Do not attempt to replace the SSD without contacting support first
• Our team will confirm whether replacement is necessary and guide you through the process

SSD Replacement Instructions by Generation

Nucleus One / Nucleus Titan SSD Replacement Instructions

SSD replacement for these models is handled exclusively by the manufacturer.

• Do not attempt to replace the SSD yourself
• Contact Roon Technical Support to initiate the process
  

Warranty Considerations
Unauthorized SSD replacement may impact your warranty

Always obtain approval before proceeding

Nucleus / Nucleus Plus (Rev B) SSD Replacement Instructions

1. Remove the bottom lid (4 screws)

2. Unscrew the SSD and remove the SSD from the M.2 slot

Reassembly and ROCK installation:

1. Insert the new SSD into the M.2 slot and secure it with the screw. 

• For Nucleus SSD replacement, the suggested model is Transcend MTE110 128GB M.2.  (the smallest size of 128GB is all you need)
• For Nucleus Plus SSD replacement, the suggested model is Transcend MTS830 128GB M.2  (the smallest size of 128GB is all you need)

2. Reattach the bottom lid using the 4 screws.

3. Restore System Functionality by installing the Roon OS. Following the ROCK installation instructions starting from step #3 of the article.

4. Once the installation is complete and your Nucleus is up and running with the ROCK OS, you’ll need to request a reinstallation of the original Nucleus OS. To do this, please follow these steps:

1. Go to the Roon Community Support section and click the "Get Help" button.
2. Select "My Nucleus isn't working right."
3. Choose your Nucleus model from the list.
4. Select "I've recently replaced my Nucleus SSD, and I need the operating system reinstalled."
5. When prompted, choose "Yes, replacing the SSD allowed the Nucleus to boot, I have ROCK working and I am ready to flash ROCK back to the Nucleus Operating System.
   
6. 
   Continue answering the remaining questions — they are straightforward — and this will generate a request to our RMA team.
   

Important: The RMA team will confirm that the submitted information matches our records. If everything is verified, the team will remotely switch your system from ROCK back to the original Nucleus/Nucleus Plus.

Your Nucleus must remain powered on and connected to the network during this process. If the unit is offline, the switch cannot be performed.

      You will be contacted directly via email if any additional information is required.

Nucleus / Nucleus Plus (Rev A) SSD Replacement Instructions

1. Remove the 5 screws to detach the bottom lid

2. Unscrew the SATA connector (4 screws)

3. Unscrew the hard drive tray (4 screws)

4. Locate the SSD and carefully remove the heating pads on top of it; set them aside

5. Unscrew the SSD and remove it from the M.2 slot

Reassembly and ROCK installation:

• Insert the new SSD into the M.2 slot and secure it with the screw. For Nucleus or Nucleus Plus SSD replacement, the suggested model is Transcend GMTS430S 128GB M.2  (the smallest size of 128GB is all you need)
• Reapply the heating pads in their original position
• Reattach the hard drive tray using the 4 screws
• Reattach the SATA connector using the 4 screws
• Reinstall the bottom lid and secure it with the 5 screws
  
• Restore System Functionality by installing the Roon OS. Following the ROCK installation instructions starting from step #3 of the article.
  
• Once the installation is complete and your Nucleus is up and running with the ROCK OS, you’ll need to request a reinstallation of the original Nucleus OS. To do this, please follow these steps:
  
• Go to the Roon Community Support section and click the "Get Help" button
  
• 
  Select "My Nucleus isn't working right."
  
• Choose your Nucleus model from the list.
  
• Select "I've recently replaced my Nucleus SSD, and I need the operating system reinstalled."
  
• When prompted, choose "Yes, replacing the SSD allowed the Nucleus to boot, I have ROCK working and I am ready to flash ROCK back to the Nucleus Operating System."
  
• Continue answering the remaining questions — they are straightforward — and this will generate a request to our RMA team.
  

Important: 
The RMA team will confirm that the submitted information matches our records. If everything is verified, the team will remotely switch your system from ROCK back to the original Nucleus/Nucleus Plus.
Your Nucleus must remain powered on and connected to the network during this process. If the unit is offline, the switch cannot be performed.
You will be contacted directly via email if any additional information is required.

Expanding Music Storage

If you are looking for more space for your music library, you do not need to replace the system SSD. All Nucleus models support installing an internal 2.5" HDD or SSD for music storage. This is fully supported and does not affect your warranty.

There is a dedicated step-by-step guide that walks you through the whole process: Nucleus Internal Storage.

If you encounter any issues or have any questions during the process, get in touch with Roon Technical Support.

Please note: The Nucleus is sold in a tested and recommended configuration. In the event a user modification results in unexpected behavior or a unit malfunction, warranty coverage can be at risk.

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