From Broken Smartphone to Functional Mini PC: A DIY Project
A resourceful YouTuber recently demonstrated the potential of electronic waste by transforming a broken smartphone’s mainboard into a fully functional mini PC. The project highlights the possibility of extending the life of discarded electronics and repurposing components for recent uses.
The Core Components
The project centers around the mainboard of a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, equipped with a Snapdragon 865 SoC and 6GB of RAM. The YouTuber noted that the Snapdragon 865, being a flagship chipset from 2020, still offers considerable processing power.1 To facilitate a PC-like experience, the setup leverages the Samsung DeX feature built into the Galaxy S20 FE.
Assembly and Setup
Beyond the smartphone mainboard, the mini PC required a USB-C to HDMI adapter, a Raspberry Pi case for housing the components, and a custom cooling solution. Once assembled, the system successfully booted, displaying a desktop environment through the DeX feature.1
Performance Testing
To assess the performance of the repurposed mini PC, the creator tested it with game emulators. The system was able to run Hollow Knight: Silksong via emulator at a smooth 60 FPS.1 emulators for retro consoles, such as the PlayStation 2 and Game Boy, likewise functioned without significant issues.1
A Focus on Sustainability
The YouTuber emphasized that the primary goal of this project wasn’t gaming performance, but rather demonstrating a way to reuse electronic waste.1 The project serves as an example of how discarded smartphones can be given a second life, reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Are you interested in making a mini PC like this?
1 Modding By Kaupenjoe – YouTube
Worth a look