Transforming a Broken Smartphone into a $100 Budget Mini PC
The YouTube channel ETA Prime conducted a project which shows an affordable method to transform electronic waste into functional hardware. A complete mini PC system was built for under $100 by using internal parts from a damaged Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. The system functions as an effective substitute for entrylevel budget computers in office environments and light gaming activities.
The build relies on the motherboard of a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Although the display did not work, the device contained functional internal components which could power a desktop system. The project uses these main components
- Processor Snapdragon 865.
- Memory 6 GB of RAM.
- Enclosure A Raspberry Pi Foundation case adapted for the motherboard.
The system uses a USB TypeC to HDMI adapter which provides video output and connects external devices. The system requires extra cooling components which ensure constant performance during heavy usage periods.
The software foundation for this mini PC is Samsung DeX. This builtin feature allows the Android operating system to transition into a desktop interface, complete with a taskbar, windowed applications, and full support for a mouse and keyboard. The system achieved successful testing results by delivering 1440p resolution output to an external monitor which created a clear work area for web browsing and productivity activities.
The Snapdragon 865 processor still maintains strong performance capabilities which allow it to manage particular gaming and emulation tasks in 2026. The project demonstrated exceptional performance results across different systems
- Windows Emulation Hollow Knight: Silksong achieved a consistent 60 fps.
The system can emulate both PlayStation 2 and Game Boy platforms which are considered old gaming systems. The system provides smooth performance for office applications while streaming highdefinition videos.
The total cost for the conversion stayed under the $100 threshold, assuming the user already possesses a device with a damaged display but a working motherboard. This project stands out as one of the cheapest DIY computing options for people who want to create an emulation station or a second home office workspace.
This project serves as a practical example of hardware sustainability, proving that flagship smartphone motherboards can offer a second life as desktop units long after their mobile service life has ended.
