Xbox One S Transformed Into Full Windows Gaming PC While Keeping Optical Drive Intact

A remarkable PC modding project has achieved what many enthusiasts have attempted but few have executed so elegantly: transforming an Xbox One S into a fully functional Windows gaming PC while preserving the console's original aesthetics and features. The project, created by YouTube modder PhasedTech, demonstrates exceptional engineering by fitting a discrete graphics card, internal power supply, and working optical drive into the console's compact 4.4-liter chassis.

The Challenge of Console-Sized PC Building

The Xbox One S presents a particularly challenging canvas for PC modding due to its compact dimensions. At approximately 4.4 liters in volume, it offers roughly the same internal space as high-end mini-ITX cases, but with the added constraint of maintaining the console's original appearance and functionality.

Previous attempts at similar projects have typically relied on external power bricks or integrated graphics solutions to overcome space limitations. PhasedTech's approach was notably more ambitious, aiming to include an internal power supply, discrete graphics card, and optical disc drive while avoiding any modifications to the front, sides, or top panels of the console.

Component Selection and Space Optimization

The hardware configuration reflects careful consideration of the space constraints:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 - A six-core, twelve-thread processor that balances performance with power efficiency
• Cooling: Noctua NH-L9i low-profile cooler - One of the most compact air cooling solutions available
• Memory: 16GB DDR4 ultra-low-profile modules - Essential for fitting within the height constraints
• Storage: Standard NVMe SSD - Compact and fast, requiring no additional power cables
• Power Supply: 250W flex PSU - Provides sufficient power while maintaining a slim profile
• Graphics: Low-profile single-slot Nvidia RTX 3050 - Discrete GPU in a console-friendly form factor
• Motherboard: Mini-ITX form factor - The smallest standard motherboard size

Engineering Solutions

Several innovative approaches were required to make everything fit properly. The modder began by separating the outer chassis from the core internals of the Xbox Series S, then carefully planned the component layout.

To accommodate the hardware, internal supports were shaved off to create additional space. The power supply and motherboard were secured using standoffs drilled into the chassis. A custom right-angle mount with screws was installed to position a USB Type-A extender cable at the front of the console.

Perhaps the most impressive engineering feat was making the optical disc drive functional. The modder soldered two wires to the drive's eject switch, connecting them to a micro switch that interfaces with the original Xbox eject button. This allows the disc drive to be controlled using the console's built-in button, maintaining the authentic user experience.

For the graphics card, a four-lane PCIe riser cable was necessary due to the limited internal space, as opposed to a traditional 16-lane cable. Fortunately, this reduction in PCIe lanes did not impact the performance of the RTX 3050 used in the build.

3D Printing and Custom Fabrication

The project relied heavily on custom 3D-printed components. A two-part custom bracket was designed to securely mount the disc drive, GPU riser cable, power button, and eject button. This bracket made use of existing threaded mounting points and plastic grooves inside the top chassis, ensuring a secure fit without compromising the console's structural integrity.

Custom 3D-printed I/O shields were also created for the rear of the console, completing the professional finish that makes the modified system appear almost stock from the outside.

Performance and Thermal Considerations

While the hardware selection prioritizes size over raw performance, the system delivers respectable gaming capabilities for its form factor. According to PhasedTech, games like Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 can achieve 200 FPS at 1080p using medium settings. The system reaches temperatures up to 80°C under load, which is reasonable given the compact enclosure and the cooling solutions employed.

The choice of a Ryzen 5 3600 and RTX 3050 represents a balanced approach that prioritizes efficiency and size over maximum performance. This configuration is best suited for less resource-intensive and eSports titles rather than demanding AAA games at high settings.

Design Philosophy and Professional Finish

What sets this project apart from similar console-to-PC conversions is the emphasis on maintaining a professional, factory-like appearance. The build avoids the use of glue, ensuring that all components are properly mounted and bolted in place. Only the rear and bottom of the chassis were modified, with no changes allowed to the front, sides, or top panels.

This approach results in a system that could easily be mistaken for an original Xbox One S at first glance, with the modifications only becoming apparent upon closer inspection or when the system is powered on and running Windows.

Implications for Console-Sized PC Building

This project demonstrates that with careful planning and innovative engineering, it's possible to create a full-featured Windows gaming PC within the constraints of a console chassis. The success of this build suggests that console-sized PCs can offer more than just basic computing capabilities - they can provide genuine gaming performance while maintaining the form factor that makes console gaming appealing for living room setups.

The project also highlights the importance of component selection in small form factor builds. Every millimeter counts, and choosing the right combination of parts can make the difference between a functional system and an impossible build.

For enthusiasts interested in similar projects, this build serves as both inspiration and a practical guide to the challenges and solutions involved in console-sized PC modding. The attention to detail, from the functional optical drive to the custom 3D-printed components, sets a high standard for future console conversion projects.

The complete build process is documented in a YouTube video that showcases the meticulous planning and execution required to achieve such a clean result. For those interested in the technical details or considering their own console conversion project, the video provides valuable insights into the practical challenges of working within such tight spatial constraints.

This Xbox One S transformation represents a significant achievement in the PC modding community, proving that the boundaries between console and PC gaming can be blurred without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal and functionality that make consoles attractive in the first place.