While rumors suggest Microsoft’s next-gen consoles will natively run PC games, one hardware enthusiast has already turned that dream into reality. YouTuber PhaseTech, known for previously converting an Xbox One S into a PC, has now successfully packed a high-performance gaming rig into the compact shell of an Xbox Series X.
Building a Gaming PC via 3D Printing and Xbox Series X
Since the original chassis was not wide enough for standard motherboards, the creator utilized an Intel NUC 12 Extreme Compute Element. This specialized card houses an Intel Core i7-12700 processor, 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 1 TB NVMe SSD. Its slim profile allowed the core system to fit seamlessly into the console’s vertical structure.
On the graphics front, a low-profile Gigabyte RTX 5060 was selected. The system is powered by a 600W Flex ATX power supply, which sits comfortably just above the compact GPU. To manage thermals, a 120 mm exhaust fan was integrated to pull heat away from the components.
Custom Fabrication and Thermal Performance
To secure the hardware, the YouTuber used 3D printing to create custom brackets and a completely new rear I/O panel, ensuring no components would sag or bend. Impressively, the original DVD-ROM drive and the front power button were modified to function with the PC hardware. In stress tests, the system performed admirably, with component temperatures stabilizing around 75°C.
This project clearly demonstrates the potential of 3D printing in SFF (Small Form Factor) builds. With a total volume even smaller than pre-built systems like the Corsair One i500, this mod offers a glimpse into what the next-gen Xbox (Project Helix) might offer. What do you think of this transformation? Do you prefer a dedicated console or a custom gaming PC for your favorite titles? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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