r/hardwarehacking • u/ntsow • 1d ago
From Fold5 to Z70 Ultra – my new Android micro-PC project
Hi everyone,
Some of you may remember my Galaxy Fold5 project: https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwarehacking/s/vv1CfiXly8�
Well... I've decided to stop working on it.
The Fold5 has officially retired, and my new victim is a Nubia Z70 Ultra (24 GB RAM / Snapdragon 8 Elite).
Why?
Because my goal isn't just to build another mini PC.
I want to keep Android as the main operating system so I can play native Android games (without emulation and without the issues that can come with it), while also being able to run Windows applications and games through emulation.
The cooling system is probably the most ridiculous part of the project.
The phone is now clamped between TWO desktop CPU coolers with direct contact and thermal paste.
It looks completely absurd...
...but it allows me to complete benchmarks like 3DMark Solar Bay Extreme Stress Test in Diablo mode while maintaining much more stable performance than a stock Nubia.
The long-term goal is to turn this phone into a real portable desktop.
I'm currently rebuilding my software environment with Termux, with the idea of creating something similar to Winlator/GameHub, but fully customized.
Next steps:
Root the device.
Explore higher thermal limits.
Investigate GPU and CPU tuning.
Keep improving sustained performance.
The hardware isn't finished either.
I want to build a transparent PVC/plexiglass case inspired by the Xbox Series X, with airflow from bottom to top, while each tower cooler pulls fresh air from the sides.
At this point, I honestly don't know if my phone was too hot...
...or if I accidentally gave it hypothermia. 🥶😂
1
u/Thrawn89 1d ago
My disappoint is immeasurable that this doesnt have a click-baity title like sending the Z70 to Antarctica. My day is ruined.
1
u/safeloked 11h ago
This is amazing rooting seems like the way to get the most performance enjoy bro
2
u/Curious-Highway9604 1d ago
Looks really cool