PC builder turns TARDIS into gaming PC

A Doctor Who enthusiast and skilled PC builder has designed the ultimate TARDIS-themed gaming computer complete with functioning flashing lights and a lit police box sign.

Doctor Who and technology have a strong connection. Throughout the 60 years since the popular science fiction series began, it has had 19 video games available on a variety of platforms, ranging from the BBC Micro PC to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Despite this, the franchise has yet to produce its own dedicated gaming hardware, apart from customized skins and decals.

This has recently changed with the creation of an unofficial TARDIS PC by a skilled modder, complete with accurate lighting effects similar to the original.

User ScottyArrgh shared photos of their impressive Doctor Who-inspired custom case on the subreddit r/PCMasterRace. The iconic blue police box, known as the TARDIS, is displayed in all its glory. However, instead of the current Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, the inside is adorned with a state-of-the-art gaming PC setup.

The custom PC contains a small, compact mini-ITX PC equipped with an Asus motherboard and an Intel i3 processor. The PC builder specifically chose to use a blue series Prolimatech Megahalems cooler system in order to replicate the iconic TARDIS color scheme.

Image of the custom TARDIS PC by Reddit user ScottyArrgh.

Image of the custom TARDIS PC by Reddit user ScottyArrgh being held by the Doctor from Doctor Who.

According to ScottyArrgh, the custom PC case was designed entirely from scratch as a present for his father who is a fan of Doctor Who. Utilizing SketchUp software and 3D printing, the remarkable case was brought to life. Later on, thin strips of wood were carefully glued to the case to accurately emulate the wood appearance of the real TARDIS prop.

The 2005 TARDIS design, used by the 9th and 10th Doctors, Eccleston and Tennant, served as the inspiration for the PC. The TARDIS design has been meticulously replicated, including the illuminated “Police Box”sign and flashing roof light.

The TARDIS sign has been modified to serve as the power button for the PC. Additionally, the text on the sign now reads ‘push to start’ instead of the usual ‘pull to open’ seen in the show.

Although it may appear to be an exact replica, the personalized TARDIS computer is only 1/7th of the original size. Despite being too small for physical time-travel adventures, its impressive specifications are more than capable of handling the season 14 finale.