The I-Cock Plus

you could use an adapter like this one for the x4 to x1: https://www.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/Slot-Extension/PCI-Express-X1-to-X16-Low-Profile-Slot-Extension-Adapter~PEX1TO162 then, use this one to extend the above into its own slot: https://www.amazon.com/Express-Extender-Extension-Gold-Plated-Connector/dp/B07JMNYNFF

you asking how to do a deal that avoids taxes is like asking how you can commit a crime. I'm surprised this post hasn't been deleted. you should just ask straight-up; it's going to be a buyer's market soon, so just remind them you can take it elsewhere for a better deal, and don't do anything stupid.

the builds of your friends that you describe are really not that similar, as you lack the hyperthreading they have. In any event, if you're really concerned, you could do a process dump on the high cpu users while the game is playing and share it here for analyses. Use the MS tool to do this: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/procdump This may or may not contain the answer, but it is a start.

why pureos? I'd try ubuntu or some other distro that is more likely to have the closed-source drivers that a surface laptop would probably need...

I blackout a lot when working on my pc, so I feel for you. I've learned to turn a video camera on when I first start drinking, so when I drink myself to the point of a blackout, I have a clear record of all the changes I make to my pc, etc. You might consider doing the same. Hopefully, unlike me, you didn't urinate on your pc, because the VRM's hate that.

I'm not going to lie - being a software tester bored the shit out of me when I did it. However, I could see an accountant being much better built to live with the monotony of the job. Some people are much more fascinated with gathering data than I am and that mindset makes the job a breeze. Good luck to you.