# A DIY Computer That Utilizes a Lamp as Its Enclosure – And It Truly Lives Up to Its Name
Those who know me understand that I have a particular preference for compact computers. There’s something inherently appealing about integrating powerful hardware into a small, efficient design. That’s why I’m thrilled to present to you an extraordinary DIY PC project that I believe many of you will appreciate as much as I do. It’s a computer ingeniously housed within a lamp – yes, you read that correctly – and it’s attracting considerable interest online.
## Which Computer Are We Referring To?
This project originates from YouTuber **MXC Builds**, who has designed a DIY PC that is cleverly disguised as a chic lamp. This extraordinary creation has been creating a buzz on Reddit, especially in the **PC Master Race** and **SFFPC (Small Form Factor PC)** communities, where it’s being lauded for its creativity and cleverness.
### Highlights of the Build:
– **Custom Lamp Enclosure**: By employing a mix of woodworking tools and a 3D printer, MXC Builds fashioned a circular PC enclosure that, at first sight, resembles a modern, minimalist lamp. The design is both stylish and functional, making it an excellent talking point for any space.
– **Robust Hardware**: Despite its diminutive proportions, the lamp-PC is equipped with a fully functional gaming rig. It contains a mini-ITX motherboard, a PCI Express riser cable, and other high-performance parts.
– **Cost Overview**: According to MXC Builds, the total expense for the internal components amounts to approximately **1,900 euros**. However, the materials for the custom case itself are surprisingly budget-friendly, coming in at around **150 euros**.
MXC Builds has also produced a comprehensive video on YouTube, guiding viewers through the entire lamp-PC building process, from designing the case to setting up the hardware. It’s an intriguing watch for anyone interested in DIY ventures or custom computer constructions.
## What’s Inside the Computer and How Does It Perform?
When discussing compact PCs, two crucial elements often come to mind: **heat management** and **noise levels**. With such powerful components crammed into a small area, these are legitimate concerns. So, how does MXC Builds’ lamp-PC perform?
### Hardware Details:
Here’s a brief overview of the remarkable hardware packed inside the lamp-PC:
– **Processor**: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
– **Graphics Card**: Asus ProArt GeForce RTX 4070 Ti
– **Motherboard**: Asus ROG Strix B650E-I Gaming WIFI (Mini-ITX)
– **Memory**: 32GB DDR5 RAM
These high-end components can easily handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. But how does this hardware perform in such a confined and unconventional case?
### Temperature and Noise Levels:
MXC Builds assessed the lamp-PC under various conditions, and here’s what they discovered:
– **Synthetic Full Load**: When both the CPU and GPU are pushed to their maximum in synthetic benchmarks, temperatures can hit **85 to 90 degrees Celsius**. This is expected in such a compact enclosure, but it does have a downside – the fans need to operate at near maximum power, leading to a noise level that MXC Builds describes as “almost unbearable.”
– **Gaming**: Thankfully, performance improves significantly during gaming sessions. The CPU stabilizes around **70 degrees**, while the GPU remains between **50 to 60 degrees**. The noise levels are also greatly diminished, making it far more bearable for day-to-day use.
### Suggested Hardware Adjustments:
While the current build is impressive, MXC Builds suggests that a more modest configuration may be better suited for the lamp-PC enclosure. Specifically, they recommend using an **Nvidia RTX 4060** or similar GPU, paired with a **Ryzen 5** or **Intel Core i5** processor. This combination would achieve a better balance among performance, heat management, and noise levels, rendering the PC more practical for long-term usage.
## Is the Lamp-PC Case Available for Purchase?
Currently, the lamp-PC case is a unique DIY project and is not available for sale. However, MXC Builds has hinted that they may consider marketing the case in the future due to the significant interest it has garnered.
In a Reddit comment, the YouTuber noted that they are “seriously considering” making the case available for purchase. That said, prospective buyers should brace themselves for a relatively steep price. MXC Builds estimates that the case alone could cost **at least $500**, factoring in the materials and labor involved in its production.
## Concluding Thoughts: A Lamp-PC That Radiates Brilliance
MXC Builds’ lamp-PC serves as a perfect illustration of how innovation and creativity can merge seamlessly.