How a Mini PC Can Run APEX: The Incredible DIY Project

Do you all remember the mini computer that hacker Kiko assembled in the prison in “Detective Chinatown”? A few accessories were removed, and it transformed into a computer.

To be honest, Tony also wanted to build such a computer after watching it.

Today, driven by curiosity, I searched around and found a MacBook Air that is the same size as a palm. However, after the blogger fiddled with it for a long time, the MacBook showed no response, and later found out it was just a mirror.

There was also a computer so small that it could only fit one key. Pressing A means pressing once, and pressing Z means pressing 26 times.

But until that person pulled out a “new product” smaller than earwax and smashed the previous computer, Tony realized it was just a parody video.

However, the last one called Michael Pick, a YouTube creator, made a mini computer that is truly authentic.

Although the computer host is not bigger than a can of cola, it can not only watch videos but also play large games like APEX.

Believe it or not, it runs smoother than the old machine at Tony’s home.

Besides the mini PC, this guy has also made mini MacBooks and iMacs.

The key is that they can all run.

Tony initially thought that making a mini and smooth computer would definitely not be easy.

But after watching the video, he found that the process wasn’t as complicated as he imagined. Even friends with strong hands-on skills can follow along and make one.

Don’t worry, let’s take a look at how this mini PC that can play APEX is made.

First, the creator used a 3D printer to print a small case.

After coloring it, he polished it a bit.

He cut the dust filter and acrylic plate according to the case size, and a case shell is roughly done.

Then the creator took out a Raspberry Pi 3B+ and soldered the power line. The Raspberry Pi is essentially a motherboard that can run Linux and Windows 10 IoT.

After fixing the Raspberry Pi to the case, he also added a cool RGB fan.

Finally, he installed a GPU.(When did the Raspberry Pi support GPU?)

After connecting the power lines of the motherboard, GPU, and fan, the complete host is done.

After connecting a mini keyboard and monitor, the guy happily watched his YouTube channel and played APEX.

Ah, is this the end?

Looking at it this way, it doesn’t seem like there’s any particularly difficult operation.

But the question arises, how can just a Raspberry Pi run APEX, and the Linux system can’t run APEX right now, right?

Could it be the GPU added earlier?

But Tony went back and found that this GPU was actually connected to the Raspberry Pi with double-sided tape, and there were no other pins. So… it was probably just a decoration.

So how did this thing manage to run APEX?

Later, in a series of video introductions, I found out that this guy played APEX through the Parsec streaming software. This means that APEX is actually running on another computer, and this mini PC is only responsible for receiving the screen and transmitting commands.

As for that GPU and RGB fan, it’s just to make the computer look more like a high-end gaming computer.

Look, this high-end looking mini computer is actually not that difficult to make.

Similarly, this mini Macbook that can play “Minecraft” also has a production process that is not as complicated as imagined, and can even be said to be a bit simple and crude.

For example, the MacBook’s shell is also made with a 3D printer, and the motherboard is just a simple Raspberry Pi 4B.

And to make the size smaller, he directly cut off the excess parts of the Raspberry Pi.

Even the keyboard of the MacBook was directly connected to the small keyboard of the previous mini PC.

Hmm… it has that handmade flavor, I would call him a mini digital craftsman.

However, recently the creator changed his style, no longer making big things small, but started making small things big.

For example, this Switch is as big as a table and is a 4K display.

This big Switch is not a model; you can play games on it.

Of course, based on previous experience, Tony advises you not to think that there are very intricate and complex circuits inside, or that the production process is very difficult.

Sure enough, after opening the shell, I found that the creator had stuffed the Switch’s joy-con controller inside.

The internal sensor converts its buttons into commands, which then control a striker that hits the corresponding buttons on the controller.

Goodness, this operation is indeed a bit impressive.

Although this creator’s several videos do not have any operations that seem very impressive, it even feels a bit “opportunistic”.

But Tony believes that, on the one hand, he is sharing his creative inspiration with everyone, and in life, many seemingly incredible things may not be that difficult to accomplish from another perspective.

On the other hand, if there is something you want to do, you can try it, and you might achieve unexpected success, just like this creator who, although not a professional engineer, was selected into the Raspberry Pi’s top 100 moments with his creative ideas.

As the number one player in the hardware review section, Tony watched this creator’s video and felt like he had learned it. No more talking, I’m going to buy a Raspberry Pi on a certain treasure.

Image and video sources:

Youtube@Michael Pick, Tencent Video “Detective Chinatown 2”