In a remarkable display of ingenuity and determination, YouTuber Socket Science has successfully created a gaming laptop that utilizes only desktop PC parts. As reported by Tom’s Hardware, this one-of-a-kind invention challenges the status quo and demonstrates the potential of DIY projects.

Despite its bulky appearance and lack of battery power, the laptop is a fully functional masterpiece.  The two primary hurdles faced by Socket Science were size and heat management. To overcome these challenges, Socket Science employed a mini-ITX motherboard, an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, an XFX RX 6600 graphics card, a 16-inch 120Hz QHD portable gaming monitor, a scissor-key keyboard, a USB touchpad, and a 300-watt PICO DC-to-DC power supply.

In the process of miniaturizing the various components, Socket Science began by removing bulky plastics and large fans. The motherboard, Wi-Fi card, VRAM heat sink, audio jacks, Ethernet, and select USB ports were also removed. To ensure the motherboard would still function after the modifications, Socket Science took a gamble, and it paid off.

For the graphics card, Socket Science utilized a PCI-E adapter to install it horizontally and removed all heat sink and plastic components, leaving only the circuit board. To protect the 3D-printed base from heat, Socket Science applied a thin layer of J-B Weld, an epoxy adhesive capable of withstanding temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Socket Science crafted a custom cooling system using superthin copper shims, short heat sinks, and crudely bent heat pipes. After failing to find a suitable fan, Socket Science designed and printed a custom fan using the motor from an AMD fan and 3D-printed blades. The keyboard and touchpad were mounted with J-B Weld, and the monitor's LCD panel was placed in a custom case.

Although Socket Science considered adding a battery, the effort required outweighed the benefits, as gaming laptops are seldom used without a power source. Upon completion and testing, the DIY gaming laptop functioned flawlessly, providing real real desktop power and graphics

A Groundbreaking DIY Gaming Laptop: A Revolutionary Feat by Socket Science

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