Third Party Docking Stations For Steam Deck

[Balderick]

Using the info at https://www.steamdeck.com/en/tech for the official docking station am surprised at the lack of choice of available alternatives.

For 4K @ 120 hz the minimum specs seem to be usb 3.2 gen 2 port (and suitable usb c video+power+data cable), DP 1.4 port and cable for 4K @ 120 hz support, gigabit ethernet and at least 45 watts of charging power.

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/9i4z

Dell USB C Dock seems to fit the bill though is only USB C 3.1 Gen 2 to connect to Steam Deck but has the all important DP 1.4 . Should give us idea of what to expect for cost of official Steam Dock will be too.

[Ender]

They stated that any standard USB-C dock will work, so there really isn't a need for official alternatives.

[kilésengati]

It appears to be a stand with an integrated hub more that a proper dock anyway (which is nice, because docks tend to have stupid proprietary connectors). Should the official dock be unreasonably prices, we could still print a stand with a chassis for a generic hub ourselves.

[Balderick]

Yes but 4K @ 120 fps with Steam Deck needs DP 1.4, and there are not many DP 1.4 docks too choose from. DP 1.2 only supports 4K @ 60 hz

So if you have a monitor or tv that supports 4K @ 120 hz (DP 1.4 or HDMI 2.1) you need to shop very carefully if not opting to choose the official Steam Dock option.

My new monitor seems to only suport 4K@120hz or 144 hz through its single DP 1.4 port but also has usb-c port but not sure if hooking up suitable usb-c device like Steam Deck will give 4K @ 120 hz gaming and charging on larger display without any dock.


Most docks seem to support thunderbolt 3- not DP 1.4 for 4K @ 120 hz


Not quite as simple as Valve suggest if 4K @ 120 hz is high on the agenda. Sure any usb 3.0 dock will just work but not at 4K @ 120 hz with suitable display.

Originally posted by kilésengati:

... we could still print a stand with a chassis for a generic hub ourselves.

That is a good suggestion. Reminds m eof what original Steam Universe announcements were going to bring - community shared 3D models for hardware ideas.

[kilésengati]

Originally posted by Balderick:

Yes but 4K @ 120 fps with Steam Deck needs DP 1.4, and there are not many DP 1.4 docks too choose from. DP 1.2 only supports 4K @ 60 hz

So if you have a monitor or tv that supports 4K @ 120 hz (DP 1.4 or HDMI 2.1) you need to shop very carefully if not opting to choose the official Steam Dock option.

My new monitor seems to only suport 4K@120hz or 144 hz through its single DP 1.4 port but also has usb-c port but not sure if hooking up suitable usb-c device like Steam Deck will give 4K @ 120 hz gaming and charging on larger display without any dock.


Most docks seem to support thunderbolt 3- not DP 1.4 for 4K @ 120 hz


Not quite as simple as Valve suggest if 4K @ 120 hz is high on the agenda. Sure any usb 3.0 dock will just work but not at 4K @ 120 hz with suitable display.

Originally posted by kilésengati:

... we could still print a stand with a chassis for a generic hub ourselves.

That is a good suggestion. Reminds m eof what original Steam Universe announcements were going to bring - community shared 3D models for hardware ideas.

Are you sure it only supports 4K @ 120 Hz? Most screens can upscale images fairly competently and decrease their frequency.
Unless you are streaming, playing a modern game at this resolution and framerate on the Deck won't be possible anyway. I'd argue best you could get with the Deck is FHD at minimum settings.
Having terrible eyesight is a blessing when it comes to game performance and screen resolution. ;)

[Balderick]

Originally posted by kilésengati:

Are you sure it only supports 4K @ 120 Hz? Most screens can upscale images fairly competently and step down their frequency.
Unless you are streaming, playing a modern game at this resolution and framerate on the Deck won't be possible anyway. I'd argue best you could get with the Deck is FHD at minimum settings.
Having terrible eyesight is a blessing when it comes to game performance and screen resolution. ;)

Obviously games run natively at 1280x800@60 hz on Steam DEck but its apu in docked mode using the yet to be made available Steam DOck supports up to 3840x2160@120 hz when hooked up to a suitable display that supports that resolution and refresh rate.
https://www.steamdeck.com/en/tech

I have a gaming monitor that supports those high resolutions and intend using SteamDeck as a streaming client. I see using Steam Deck as a potential upgrade and replacement of Shield TV (2015 model) which only supports 4K@60 hz

If it works out i can play my favourite Steam games at those high resolutions and high refresh rates albeit using Steam Deck video encoding upscaling without using cloud gaming services then that might prove an interesting user case scenario for Steam Deck.

Regardlees, am sure i will be using Steam Deck in docked mode more than its intended portable mode.


I agree with you, those high res and high refresh rates are not the be all and end all, i just want to get the most from my new monitor and Steam DEck in docked mode.