Gaming laptops have traditionally offered less power than their desktop counterparts, with mobile GPUs that never quite match the performance of their namesake desktop versions. A new Kickstarter project aims to solve this compromise with a radical approach: cramming full desktop components into a portable form factor with built-in water cooling.
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| A user actively engages with the innovative water-cooled gaming laptop, highlighting its advanced features and design |
The UHPILCL Concept
The Ultra High Performance Integration Liquid Cooled Laptop (UHPILCL) is positioning itself as the world's first built-in split type water-cooled gaming laptop. This ambitious project breaks the conventional boundaries between laptops and desktops by supporting full-sized Mini-ITX motherboards and desktop-grade components. The system is designed to accommodate high-end processors like AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D and graphics cards as powerful as the RTX 5090, components that typically wouldn't be found in any traditional laptop.
Technical Specifications
The UHPILCL comes in two variants: the standard T1000 model weighing 4.8kg and the more robust T1000 Super at 5.2kg. The Super variant features a double-layer water cooling system that's 7mm thicker at the rear, specifically designed to handle the extreme power demands of components like the RTX 5090. The cooling system employs an 18W water pump with impressive specifications—a 7-meter lift and flow rate of 900L/h—while maintaining noise levels below 25dB.
Hybrid Design
What makes this device particularly interesting is its hybrid functionality. An optional configuration offers two separate computing systems within the same chassis—one high-performance setup for demanding tasks and another low-power configuration that can run on battery power for up to three hours. This approach attempts to solve the eternal problem of gaming laptops: the choice between performance and portability.
Display and Features
The UHPILCL doesn't skimp on other features either. It sports a 17.3-inch 3K display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an unusual 21:10 aspect ratio. The audio system consists of four sets of 5W mid-bass speakers paired with two sets of 5W tweeters. Other notable features include an RGB mechanical keyboard, a touchpad positioned on the right side of the keyboard, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and even a 4K webcam.
Storage and Expandability
Storage options are equally impressive, with support for up to 32TB spread across multiple M.2 and SATA slots. The system can accommodate up to 48GB of DDR5 RAM and is compatible with a wide range of processors, including AMD's entire AM5 lineup and Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th generation CPUs, as well as the newer Core Ultra chips.
Practicality Concerns
Despite fitting technically within a backpack, the UHPILCL is undeniably bulky. With large air vents on the sides and a built-in stand on the bottom, the design prioritizes cooling and performance over aesthetics. The promotional video shows the device booting up in 45 seconds and running demanding titles like Black Myth: Wukong, though the boot time isn't particularly impressive for modern standards.
Availability and Pricing
As with many ambitious tech projects, the UHPILCL is currently seeking funding through Kickstarter. The campaign hasn't officially launched yet, so pricing details remain unknown. Potential backers should approach with caution, as crowdfunding projects always carry inherent risks regarding final product delivery and specifications.
Market Position
The UHPILCL represents an interesting niche in the portable computing market—a device that refuses to compromise on performance while maintaining some degree of portability. It's not going to replace ultrabooks or traditional gaming laptops for most users, but for those who need desktop-grade power in a semi-portable package, it presents an intriguing, if somewhat impractical, solution.