X86 build: external hard drive rom performance on USB 3.0 - worth a shot?

[fauslyfox110]

I am running retropie x86 on an i5 Nuc. I only have 60gb of hard drive space, so moving forward an external hard drive is probably the best way to expand my game library.

I am looking to see what we know so far about USB 3.0 performance for running roms from an external especially for something like a gamecube or ps2 (maybe even Wii if this machine can somehow swing it) which in my mind are pretty powerful. I am assuming that would be the main bottle neck from an external.

I've seen some info on procedures here and some info on resource use here but the focus is mainly on raspberrypi and frankly not sure if that matters. Before I dive into my own testing I wanted to see if anyone had any insights on expected performance. Below are my specs:

Ubuntu 18.04

1 USB 3.0 Port which I would use for the external hard drive. Let's assume the external is SSD if that helps.

[mitu]

Drive performance will not considerably affect emulation performance. If you need more storage, then go for it - since you're using a NUC, I guess there's no room for an internal drive anyway. The drive doesn't have to be an SSD - a normal SATA drive would work too and perform well.

[fauslyfox110]

@mitu
Thanks for the feedback, I shall experiment, see how it performs and report back my findings on this hardware.

[fauslyfox110]

@mitu

Tested with symbolic links as discussed by Parabolaralus here, seemed easier, and for anyone running my specs they should have no issue running gamecube games. Runs flawlessly so far.