ROCK: Updating and Configuring BIOS On Your NUC

ROCK: Configuring BIOS On Your NUC

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for configuring your NUC's BIOS. Proper BIOS setup is essential for ROCK to install and run correctly, ensuring stability and access to all features.

A detailed video walkthrough of the BIOS configuration process


Section 1: Initial Steps

Before changing any settings, you should have your monitor and a USB keyboard connected to the NUC.

  1. Enter the BIOS Setup:

    • Power on your NUC.

    • As soon as it starts, immediately press the F2 key repeatedly until the BIOS configuration screen appears.

  2. Load Factory Defaults:

    • Once in the BIOS, press the F9 key.

    • A confirmation dialog will appear. Select "Yes" and press Enter. This resets all settings to their defaults, providing a clean slate to work from.

Section 2: Essential Settings Configuration

After loading the defaults, you need to make several specific changes. You may need to click on an "Advanced" button or navigate through different tabs (like "Boot", "Power", "Devices") to find these settings.

  1. Boot Settings:

    • Disable Secure Boot: This is required for ROCK to be able to boot.

    • Enable UEFI Boot: Ensure the system is set to UEFI mode and disable the legacy boot mode. This is the recommended setting for full functionality (including features like Tailscale).

    • Set Boot Order:

      • The primary boot device should be your M.2 SSD. You can usually drag and drop it to the first position or use the + and - keys.

      • Enable USB Boot as well, but ensure it has a lower priority than the SSD. This allows you to boot from the installer using the F10 menu without changing the boot order again later.

    • Disable Network Boot: This is not needed and can slow down the boot process.

  2. Power Settings:

    • Enable "Power On After Power Loss" (this might be called "Restore AC Power Loss" or similar). Set it to "Power On". This ensures your Roon server automatically restarts after a power outage.

  3. Device Settings:

    • Enable the M.2 Slot: On some older NUCs, you may need to manually enable the M.2 slot where your SSD is installed. Ensure it is turned on.

Section 3: Save and Exit

Once you have confirmed all the settings above are correct:

  1. Press the F10 key to save your changes and exit the BIOS.

  2. Confirm that you want to save and exit.

  3. Your NUC will now restart with the new settings applied.

You are now ready to proceed with the ROCK installation.


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