Laptops are known for being slim, mobile, and increasingly powerful. However, for raw performance and component swapping, desktops have traditionally reigned supreme. Now, a company out of Hong Kong is challenging this with something different: the UHPILCL (Ultra High Performance Integration Liquid Cooled Laptop).
Don't be entirely fooled by the "laptop" name. The UHPILCL folds and includes a keyboard, screen, and battery. Inside this beast, however, is desktop-class firepower. It aims to deliver the best of both worlds, for those ready to redefine "portable".
UHPILCL Laptop Prototype: Desktop Power, "Laptop" Form Factor
Forget svelte profiles and feather-light builds. The UHPILCL is unapologetically chunky. This is necessary to accommodate a full-size ITX motherboard. It supports processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, desktop processors. For graphics, it can handle up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 with 32GB of VRAM.
A serious liquid cooling system with over 735 watts of heat dissipation manages the heat from these components. This cooling potential surpasses many full-tower desktop PCs.
Storage and Expandability
Storage is not an afterthought. Internally, the UHPILCL provides space for:
- 1 x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4
- 1 x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4
- 2 x SATA 3.0
Two Flavors: T1000 and T1000 Super
The UHPILCL will be available in two models, each with a unique take on portability:
| Model | UHPILCL T1000 | UHPILCL T1000 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | <4 .8="" kg="" pounds="" td=""> | <5 .2="" kg="" pounds="" td=""> |
| Height (Back) | 39mm (1.5 inches) | 46mm (1.8 inches) |
| Height (Front) | 30mm (1.2 inches) | 30mm (1.2 inches) |
| Width | 420mm (16.5 inches) | |
| Length | 340mm (13.4 inches) | |
Both models feature a 17.3-inch, 3K display with a 21:10 aspect ratio and 120Hz refresh rate. They also include an RGB backlit mechanical keyboard and touchpad.
Connectivity Galore
The UHPILCL is equipped with numerous ports:
- 1 x DisplayPort
- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x Thunderbolt 4
- 2 x USB Type-C
- 3 x USB 3.0
- 2 x USB 2.0
- 1 x 2.5 GbE LAN
- 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks
Additionally, it includes six speakers, a 4K webcam, and Wi-Fi 7 support.
The "Hybrid" Concept: Two Computers in One
The UHPILCL proposes a "hybrid" concept: two complete computer systems inside. One system uses desktop-grade components for maximum power. The other uses power-saving laptop-grade components.
The idea is seamless switching. When plugged in, the desktop monster is unleashed. On battery, it switches to the power-conserving laptop system, utilizing the same screen and peripherals. Both systems could share storage, allowing users to work on the go and then tackle intensive tasks at a desk, on the same machine with the same files.
Battery Life Considerations
Realistic expectations are needed regarding battery life. Desktop components and battery life are not easily combined. Expect the battery to function more like a UPS for light use, rather than for extended gaming sessions. Wall power will be necessary for most use cases.
Coming Soon to Kickstarter
The UHPILCL is currently a prototype, and the final design is pending. A Kickstarter campaign is planned to launch soon to fund its realization. Pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.
Who is This For
The UHPILCL is designed for a niche audience. It is not for typical commuters. It targets power users and gamers needing desktop-class performance on the go, even if "go" means moving between rooms or to LAN parties. It also appeals to those seeking ultimate customizability in a portable form factor.
This ambitious concept pushes the boundaries of what a "laptop" can be. Its impact remains to be seen. However, the UHPILCL is undeniably not an average notebook.
