That's what I wondered when I went this route. I spent a bit more getting a better CPU. If you're comfortable assembling, plugging in a M.2 drive and memory and installing the OS it's easy.
You are missing a pretty and fanless case. Some people are averse enough to DIY to pay the freight. Others think they will get better sound. Don't go overboard on the size of your M.2 drive thinking that you can store music there. You cannot.
It is nice to see that you are starting to think for yourself...
Look at Intel, Asus and others for a basic NUC style box... Most major computer manufactures make these NUC style PC system... It is pretty easy to compare the features and price/performance... CPU, Memory, Disk and/or SSD and I/O via Ethernet, USB, power supplies and fanless cases verses the Roon Nucleus...
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.