Instead of an Xbox 360, this is a hidden PC designed for gaming
In an intriguing twist, a Reddit user named RazQ_ has repurposed a dead Xbox 360 Slim console into a high-performance gaming PC, showcasing the potential of creative tinkering and compact hardware solutions.
Jacob Fox, a former philosophy student with a passion for hardware, pens an engaging article detailing this remarkable build. The gaming PC, tucked neatly within the original console shell, showcases a "sleeper" setup that delivers strong gaming performance despite the console's compact size.
Components
The heart of this build beats with an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, a powerful processor that drives the system's performance. Graphics are handled by a Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile GPU, connected via a GPU extension cord to fit inside the case. The RAM is TeamGroup T-Create 32 GB DDR5-6000, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick response times. Storage duties are handled by a Samsung 990 Pro 4 TB SSD, offering ample space for games and applications. Powering the system is a HDPLEX 250 W ATX PSU, a small form factor unit suitable for such builds.
Cooling Solutions
Cooling such high-performance components within the limited space of the Xbox 360 Slim required careful customization. This includes the use of low-profile or small form factor components, external or modified power supplies, potential custom airflow management, and GPU extension cables to position heat-generating components optimally.
Customizations
The front USB of the case has been upgraded to 3.0, and the power button issue has been addressed by hooking the on/off functionality to the eject button. The system runs on Windows 10 and uses an open-source launcher called Playnite for managing and playing games. It's worth noting that the build has been running strong for over a year, indicating effective cooling solutions have been implemented.
Additional Features
The user has set up profiles and configs for individual games in emulators, and the PC uses the Playnite launcher, which automatically starts when the PC boots up and supports controller navigation. The build also uses a cheap laptop Wi-Fi card with Bluetooth.
Looking ahead, the user plans to install a custom physical button under the power button to improve functionality. Interestingly, the build experiences thermal throttling issues when placed vertically, with the CPU maxing out at 77 °C and the GPU at 80-85 °C on max load.
Jacob Fox, who has been working as a Hardware Writer for PCGamesN since 2020, mentions several other gaming PCs in the article, including the Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT, Minisforum Venus UM790 Pro, Asus ROG NUC 970, Geekom AX8 Pro, Ayaneo Retro Mini AM02, Beelink SER9, and Framework Desktop. The article also highlights the Framework Desktop as a good choice for AI applications.
This innovative build by RazQ_ serves as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the PC gaming community, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with repurposed hardware.
The gaming PC, which utilizes a high-performance AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3d CPU and a Gigabyte RTX 4060 Low Profile GPU, redefined the concept of compact hardware solutions by being housed within the original Xbox 360 Slim console shell. The PC's cooling solutions are designed to manage high-performance components in the console's limited space, incorporating low-profile components, custom airflow management, and GPU extension cables.
Running on Windows 10 and equipped with a Playnite open-source launcher for game management, the PC has additional features such as the use of a cheap laptop Wi-Fi card with Bluetooth and customized settings for individual games in emulators. As the build has been running strong for over a year, it demonstrates effective cooling solutions have been implemented.
Jacob Fox, a hardware enthusiast and a writer for PCGamesN, showcases this remarkable build alongside other impressive gaming PCs, appreciating the innovative design and its potential for pushing the boundaries in repurposed hardware.
Engaged fans and technology aficionados follow the race of creativity in the PC gaming community, with this project by RazQ_ setting new standards for future projects using repurposed gadgets and technology.
