On Reddit, a user showcases his complete overhaul of an Xbox. Since it had suffered a total loss, he decided to replace the entire interior with more powerful hardware.
The original Xbox from 2001 has since had several successors. Yet, to this day, Microsoft’s first gaming console holds a special place in the hearts of its fans. They associate it with a good old time. For instance, the Halo series began on the first Xbox.
A console fan has now shown on Reddit what can be done with an original Xbox console that no longer works. Instead of simply throwing it away, he repurposed the case. It now houses a fully functional gaming PC. You can find out how the tinkerer accomplished this here.
“The development of this project took months” – Xbox overhaul as millimeter work in tight spaces
What did the tinkerer do with the console? In his Reddit post, the user LynzGamer shows the complete overhaul of an Xbox from 2001. As a former console collector, he owned two original models that were no longer functional. Therefore, he decided to create a powerful PC out of one of the consoles.
The search for suitable PC hardware took a lot of time. He wanted to make as few changes as possible to the Xbox case. From the outside, it should not be recognizable what is built inside the case. At the same time, the selected components should offer a certain longevity.
He said: ‘The system needed to be able to play AAA games at reasonable frame rates at 1440p or 4K.’ The selected graphics card would definitely not be his first choice that he would recommend to anyone. However, due to its smaller size, it was the most powerful card that could fit inside the console case.
Which components did LynzGamer use? Since the hardware had to function well in tight spaces, he also opted for a compromise between performance and low operating temperature. To be able to use a low-profile cooler with a low height for the processor, every degree less in temperature inside the case counted for him.
He finally installed the following parts:
- Graphics Card: Zotac RTX 4070 Twin Edge
- Processor: Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- CPU Cooler: Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full Copper with Noctua NF-A9x14 PWM Chromax
- Memory: 2 TB Samsung 990 Pro SSD
- Mainboard: ASROCK B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX/ax
- RAM: 32 GB DDR4 T-FORCE VULCAN Z 3600 MHz
- Power Supply: Silverstone 600W Platinum TFX
How did he proceed further? To fit all components in the case and keep the outward-facing connections compatible, the tinkerer had to make some adjustments. Among other things, he faced challenges with the USB ports to be able to connect the controllers later. He also had to use a soldering iron for the power button and the LED lighting.
Another challenge was the lid of the Xbox. To preserve the aesthetics of the original Xbox, necessary screws should ideally be barely visible or not visible at all. To better secure the screws, he used epoxy resin. However, during a stress test of the whole system, the resin overheated again, and one of the screws came loose. Therefore, he opted for cable ties, which he attached to the side and rear ventilation slots.
Were there any further issues with the project? Yes, in order to ensure adequate fresh air supply for the processor and graphics card, he had to make further changes. The regular ventilation slots were not sufficient to maintain the entire system at a safe operating temperature for the hardware.
For this reason, he cut two holes in the bottom of the case at the height of the graphics card fans. Additionally, he raised the Xbox slightly so that the graphics card could draw in more air. He achieved this thanks to a 3D printer in combination with furniture foot pads. This way, the temperature of the graphics card under load is about 80 degrees. With up to 90 degrees for the processor, however, LynzGamer is still not satisfied.
Tinkerer wants to sell his project
Is the Xbox overhaul now complete? No, not yet. The CPU temperature of 90 degrees is still a concern for him. He fears that the processor could get too hot in the long run. Therefore, he wants to adjust the cooling afterwards. For this, he has ordered additional fans that should better dissipate the generated heat.
Once he considers the project to be completely finished, he wants to sell the system he has named Ex-Box. He has now developed a taste for it and wants to tackle further projects with the proceeds from the sale.
Many users from the Reddit community congratulate him on his work. Some give him tips for final adjustments and want to help him with pricing.
I love PC builds that are converted from consoles.
Well done.
js0uthh on Reddit
The user Haxxxo_o notes that his own gaming PC is not as good:
Dang, it’s way better than my current PC
Haxxxo_o on Reddit
Puzzleheaded-Brief56 tries to convince the tinkerer of a higher selling price:
I would say around 2300 to 2800 euros because the specifications might not be top-notch, but this build is very unique and obviously very custom-made. It would be a sought-after piece. The price cannot be determined solely based on the specifications and components.
Puzzleheaded-Brief56 on Reddit
What do you think of this project? A brilliant idea or do you find the effort excessive?
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