According to reporting from Wccftech and Gamebrott, a modder known as "ntsow" successfully transformed a ZTE Nubia Z70 Ultra running Android into a fully functional Linux desktop capable of playing Windows games like The Witcher 3 at 1080p on Ultra settings. The experiment demonstrates that flagship mobile hardware possesses enough processing power for heavy desktop workloads, provided it has adequate active cooling to prevent thermal throttling.
Turning the Nubia Z70 Ultra Into a Linux PC
The modification project utilized a ZTE Nubia Z70 Ultra powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 24GB of RAM, according to Wccftech. To achieve stable desktop performance, the modder removed the phone’s screen and attached two CPU coolers directly to the shielding of the Snapdragon chip, as detailed by Gamebrott.
Gamebrott notes that ntsow housed the components inside a custom acrylic case and powered the setup with an external power bank. On the software side, the Android device ran native Termux and the XFCE4 version of Linux. This configuration allowed the system to maintain high GPU utilization without overheating during intensive tasks.
The modder noted that active cooling modifications require direct contact with the chip’s shielding to maintain stability under heavy loads, according to source reports.
Running The Witcher 3 at Ultra Settings
With the hardware and software modifications in place, the makeshift PC tackled demanding PC games. According to Wccftech, the system ran The Witcher 3 at 1080p resolution with visual settings pushed to Ultra.
The Adreno GPU operated at approximately 99 percent utilization during gameplay, according to both Wccftech and Gamebrott. The framerate hovered between 20 FPS and 30 FPS. Gamebrott adds that the system achieved this through Wine, Box64, and occasional use of GameNative emulators, connecting smoothly to an external monitor alongside standard keyboard and mouse support.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite features an octa-core configuration with a maximum clock speed of 4.32GHz, according to source reports, which highlights its capability to handle desktop-like workloads.
Thermal Constraints vs. Compute Power
The experiment highlights a core limitation in modern mobile hardware design. According to source reporting, smartphone chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite are technically capable of handling workloads identical to traditional desktop computers. However, maintaining that performance over extended periods requires robust thermal management solutions that standard smartphone chassis cannot accommodate.
While benchmarks previously tested by ntsow using the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test proved the chip’s stability, this latest conversion demonstrates that software ecosystems remain the final frontier. While the hardware excels, the software side still requires additional polishing to bridge the gap between Android architectures and desktop Linux environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardware powers the modded Nubia Z70 Ultra?
The device features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 24GB of RAM, housed alongside a dual-CPU cooling setup.
How was Linux installed on the Android smartphone?
According to source reports, the modder utilized native Termux and ran the XFCE4 desktop environment version of Linux.
What game was tested on the makeshift PC?
The modder successfully ran The Witcher 3 at 1080p resolution on Ultra settings, achieving between 20 FPS and 30 FPS.
Can the smartphone connect to normal desktop accessories?
Yes, the modified device successfully connected to an external monitor, supporting both a keyboard and a mouse.
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