inspiraton

The roots of PTERODACTL began 10 years ago, when I assembled my first custom built computer with the help of my friend. As the years went by, I grew to despise the industry's uninspiring designs, ever-increasing prices, and persistent thermal issues, which made me reluctant to build more computers.

We set out on a journey to create something completely different. Something modern, something versatile, something for the sight of sore eyes.

A 3D printer on a wooden workbench with tools including screwdrivers and a clamp nearby.

BUILT FOR YOU.

Our focus on easy internal accessibility for everyday users stem from the very first iterations of PTERODACTL. We want you to have a computer that is not only easy to use, but also easy to apply maintenance and upgrades when the time comes.

Early prototyping.

  1. GPU Compartment

  2. Motherboard Shield

  3. Drive Bay

  4. Fan Hub

Overhead view of a white table with a Sharpie marker, a pink memo notebook, and a white correction tape dispenser. In the top right corner, part of an office chair with a gray armrest is visible.

MEET OUR TEAM

Michael Wu

Lead / Design

Joe Widmer

Design

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Young man smiling taking a selfie at Zion National Park with red rock cliffs and forested valley in background, wearing a white and navy baseball cap and green shirt.
A young man with glasses sitting on a woven chair, smiling, in a tropical outdoor setting with bamboo decor and green foliage.

Pranesh M.

Editor

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Ambrose Tan

Collaborator

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UTAH

The birthplace of great ideas… and scenery.

A person walking through a shallow desert stream with red rock canyon walls and green bushes around.

Glenn Canyon National Park

BALANCE AND COHERENCe

Utah’s rocky landscape has never ceased to amaze me. Grand, flowing canyons in combination with the floating stone structures within strikes a balance between stability and excitement. This unique equilibrium unapologetically makes its way into our design - the upside down L. This gravity defying shape is made possible with a total internal upgrade of the desktop computer, evenly distriubuting weight to all corners.

Bryce Canyon National Park

CHALLENGES

Rear view of a black electronic device with a textured surface, set against a dark gray background

Traditional PC cases are stubborn and far from efficient. The answer to airflow deadzones resides in the L-shape; translating that into a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and structurally sound enclosure was a monumental task.

A modern, abstract wall art piece composed of black and gray geometric shapes with vent-like details against a gray background.

That's why we turned to 3D printing. It offered the freedom to iterate quickly and create complex internal geometries. However, selecting the right composite material – one that's lightweight, incredibly strong, and thermally resistant enough for demanding PC components – required extensive research and testing. We pushed the boundaries of what was possible with a carbon fiber composite, ensuring it could withstand heat while remaining durable for years to come.

Then there was the challenge of materials and manufacturing. Traditional injection molding, while great for mass production, simply didn't offer the flexibility we needed for such an innovative design, nor the cost-effectiveness for rapid prototyping.

3D printer printing a plastic object

After countless trials and errors, a new system, that not only contains hardware but is intuitive enough for the everyday user, is born.

Every curve, every angle, had to be meticulously planned to ensure a seemless fit together.