How to Turn a Broken Samsung Phone Into a Mini PC Using DeX
- A damaged Samsung Galaxy A90 5G purchased on eBay for roughly 26 euros has been converted into a compact mini-PC using a 3D-printed case and internal phone components,...
- The project started with a broken display unit bought from eBay for about 26 euros.
- The core functionality of the converted PC relies on Samsung DeX, a proprietary interface that allows supported Galaxy devices to connect to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
A damaged Samsung Galaxy A90 5G purchased on eBay for roughly 26 euros has been converted into a compact mini-PC using a 3D-printed case and internal phone components, according to reporting by Mobilissimo.ro. The DIY build, assembled by YouTuber GameRig, showcases how retired mobile hardware can be repurposed for desktop use and gaming through native software integration.
Hardware Specifications and eBay Purchase
The project started with a broken display unit bought from eBay for about 26 euros. Inside the chassis, the device retains a 7nm Snapdragon 855 processor, 6 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of internal storage. Mobilissimo.ro notes that this configuration remains capable of handling standard Android applications and routine daily tasks. GameRig disassembled the handset using screwdrivers and a heat gun to salvage the motherboard, power board, and battery. Following functional tests, a custom case with a volume of just 0.7 liters was designed and 3D-printed. The finished enclosure houses the recovered smartphone components alongside a smartphone cooler, a USB hub, and a dedicated power button.
Samsung DeX Integration and Performance Demos
The core functionality of the converted PC relies on Samsung DeX, a proprietary interface that allows supported Galaxy devices to connect to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. DeX presents Android applications within a windowed desktop environment complete with a taskbar. Because the system runs on Android, overall software availability and performance depend heavily on how individual apps handle external displays. During initial demonstrations, the setup reportedly exceeded 400 frames per second in Minecraft. However, Mobilissimo.ro points out that without comprehensive details regarding display resolution, graphical settings, and scene complexity, that figure cannot serve as a standardized performance benchmark. Even so, the project demonstrates that salvaged mobile parts can handle gaming sessions alongside standard productivity software.
Design Feedback and Thermal Considerations
The custom build faced immediate scrutiny from online observers following its release. Critics pointed out a lack of ventilation openings to support proper airflow inside the 0.7-liter enclosure. Others questioned the safety and necessity of retaining the lithium-ion battery within such a confined space, suggesting that removing the battery entirely might be a safer design choice for a desktop setup.