You Won't Believe How This YouTuber Transformed a Cracked Phone into a $100 Gaming PC!

The latest DIY project by YouTuber ETA Prime has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts, showcasing an innovative way to repurpose a broken smartphone into a functional mini PC. While this setup may not match the performance of inexpensive x86 mini PCs available on the market, its significance lies in demonstrating how capable smartphone hardware can be when paired with the right software.

The centerpiece of ETA Prime's project is a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE with a non-functional display. Despite its broken screen, the smartphone features the Snapdragon 865, a flagship system-on-chip (SoC) from early 2020. By leveraging the Samsung DeX feature, ETA Prime transforms the device into a desktop-like environment, effectively showcasing the potential of older smartphone technology in new contexts.

The hardware costs for this project remain low, involving only a few components: a USB-C to HDMI adapter (specifically the Anker 310 adapter, priced at $16.99 on Amazon), a Raspberry Pi case, and a cooling modifier. Once these items are connected, the modified Galaxy S20 FE displays a desktop environment through DeX, with ETA Prime even managing to output a resolution of 1440p using a software trick.

For those who primarily use computers for productivity tasks, this setup proves to be quite efficient. The Snapdragon 865, paired with 6 GB of RAM, allows users to navigate standard applications seamlessly. Additionally, for casual gamers, ETA Prime demonstrates that this configuration can handle light gaming. Using the GameNative Windows gaming emulator, he successfully runs Hollow Knight: Silksong at a steady 60 frames per second (FPS).

Moreover, the project excels in retro gaming emulation, as ETA Prime showcases several PlayStation 2 and Game Boy titles running at full speed. Native Android games are manageable, although it's important to note that the hardware struggles with more demanding titles. However, the core intent of this project is not high-end performance but rather cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Many older phones, such as the Galaxy S20 FE, often appear on the second-hand market at low prices due to issues like cracked screens.

While setups like this cannot serve as complete desktop replacements, they offer a compelling "desktop-like" experience for users seeking to maximize their existing hardware. This project illustrates a growing trend in technology where older devices can gain new life, emphasizing sustainability and resourcefulness in an age of consumerism.

For those interested in delving deeper into this innovative project, the full video is available on ETA Prime's channel, offering a comprehensive look at how to transform a broken phone into a viable mini PC.