A crafty Framework enthusiast has turned a pile of “mystery box” parts into a sleek, console-style gaming PC that blends modular design, 3D printing, and serious horsepower. The build centers on a Framework 13 mainboard paired with an Oculink-connected eGPU and wrapped in a custom, actively cooled enclosure—proof that open hardware can look great and perform even better.
At the heart of the project is a Framework Ultra 7 165H mainboard feeding an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX through a DEG1 Oculink dock. The Oculink link runs PCIe Gen 4 x4 via the M.2 slot, delivering roughly 90% of the GPU performance you’d expect from a full desktop PCIe slot in real gaming scenarios. Power comes from a Corsair 850W PSU, while cooling is handled with care: the builder added active cooling on the mainboard and triple 120 mm fans on the GPU side to keep thermals in check during long sessions.
The enclosure itself is a standout. Designed and 3D printed over multiple iterations, it evolves beyond a one-off shell into a genuinely practical form factor. The mainboard lives in its own 3D-printed “cartridge” that slides out for grab-and-go computing, while the GPU sits in a separate housing. This split design makes upgrades and maintenance straightforward and keeps the system portable without sacrificing performance.
On the software side, the builder tested the setup on Fedora and later moved to Bazzite, a Steam Deck–based OS that shines for both desktop use and couch gaming. The result is a living-room-friendly machine that’s still flexible enough for everyday tasks and experimentation.
The build log reveals the kind of lessons only hands-on projects teach. Older 12th-gen Framework boards can run into bandwidth constraints compared to current-gen options. Choosing the right filament matters: PETG and ASA offer better heat resistance but require careful print settings. Airflow tuning is critical for stable temps, and firmware adjustments on the mainboard help squeeze out reliable performance. The eGPU housing also needed careful attention to keep the 7900 XTX quiet and cool.
Key highlights of the project:
– Framework 13 mainboard with Ultra 7 165H CPU
– Oculink eGPU via a DEG1 dock, PCIe Gen 4 x4 over M.2
– AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX with triple 120 mm fans
– Corsair 850W PSU for clean, ample power
– Custom 3D-printed, actively cooled enclosures
– Fedora and Bazzite OS for desktop and living-room gaming
– Around 90% of full desktop PCIe GPU performance in real-world use
This isn’t a retail product—it’s a passion project executed with polish. But it perfectly showcases what’s possible when you embrace a modular ecosystem. Mix-and-match mainboards, adapters, OS options, and GPUs, then tie it all together with a smart enclosure and thoughtful cooling. For makers and PC gamers alike, it’s an inspiring blueprint for a portable, console-style rig that doesn’t compromise on power or personality.
