PC Built Mid-Air: World Record Set 40,000 Feet Up
A team has set a world record by building a gaming PC at 40,000 feet. They carefully selected power-efficient components like the Ryzen 5 9600X and RTX 4060 Ti. The build faced challenges with limited aircraft power and unreliable Wi-Fi.
PC Built Mid-Air: World Record Set 40,000 Feet Up
Building a computer is usually done at a desk, but one team decided to take it to new heights – literally. They’ve set a new world record for the highest PC build ever, constructing a functional gaming machine at 40,000 feet in the air. This ambitious project wasn’t just about setting a record; it was about optimizing for extreme conditions, focusing on low power use and weight efficiency.
The team chose parts carefully to meet these demands. For the CPU, they selected the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X.
This chip offers great power efficiency, using less energy than more powerful options like X3D chips. This choice is crucial when power sources are limited, ensuring the PC can run without draining precious energy.
The motherboard chosen was the Asus ROG Strix X870i, a compact Mini-ITX board. Its small size was essential for fitting into the tight spaces available on the aircraft. Every component had to be chosen with weight and size in mind, as modifications to planes are strictly forbidden.
For storage, a 1TB drive was used, though the team noted that more space might be needed for future game downloads. However, downloading games mid-flight is not an option due to the unreliable and slow in-flight Wi-Fi. The internet connection, provided by ground towers, is inconsistent and often disconnects.
Cooling was handled by the Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 cooler. This small cooler is perfect for the build’s compact nature. The team also planned to reduce the CPU’s default power draw from 95W to 45W to further save energy.
Powering the build was a significant challenge. The aircraft had very limited 120-volt power, with the only AC outlet being for the galley’s kettle. The plan was to plug the PC into this outlet, carefully managing power draw so the cabin crew could still use their equipment.
The graphics card selected was the MSI Ventus RTX 4060 Ti. While not the most powerful card, it offers excellent performance per watt. By undervolting the GPU and using DLSS upscaling, the team aimed for high frame rates with minimal power consumption, targeting around 250W total system power.
The build process itself faced hurdles, including a forgotten PC case and the need to work in confined spaces. Despite these challenges, they successfully assembled the PC, even applying thermal paste at 40,000 feet for the first time for one of the builders.
Once assembled, the team prepared to boot up the system. They aimed to play games like Counter-Strike 2 and Cyberpunk 2077. The goal was to achieve a playable experience while staying within their strict power budget.
Testing the system, they found that even with screen recording and background applications, the PC performed well. The custom power profiles for the CPU and GPU helped keep the total power draw close to their 250W target. Temperatures remained manageable, with the CPU staying below 70°C.
The experience highlighted the difficulties of modern gaming on limited hardware, even in a private jet. Download issues and the need for online connectivity for some games proved frustrating. However, they managed to get Cyberpunk 2077 running using cloud saves, showcasing the PC’s capabilities.
This record-setting build demonstrates what’s possible with careful planning and component selection. It opens the door for future projects in unusual locations, pushing the boundaries of PC building and gaming experiences.
Specs & Key Features
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (chosen for power efficiency)
- Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix X870i (compact Mini-ITX form factor)
- RAM: 6,000 MT/s CL36 (balanced speed and power)
- Storage: 1TB SSD (expandable)
- GPU: MSI Ventus RTX 4060 Ti (optimized for performance per watt)
- CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9a-AM5 (low-profile for compact builds)
- Power Supply: Corsair SF650 (650W, 80+ Gold)
- Case: Fractal Design Terra (chosen for aesthetics and ventilation)
- Target Power Draw: ~250W
- Key Features: Optimized for low power consumption and weight, world record for highest PC build.
The team plans to explore more unique build locations, taking suggestions from viewers. They also aim to recreate famous photos, like the one of the 1999 San Antonio Spurs playing basketball on a plane.
Source: The Highest PC Build EVER – World Record (YouTube)
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