Jsaux M.2 Steam Docking Station review – a superb Steam Deck Dock

The Jsaux M.2 Steam Deck dock is a juggernaut that makes room for its very personal NVMe SSD, which may make all of the distinction in relation to desktop utilization. Identical to earlier variations of the corporate’s hub, the newcomer gives the moveable with USB ports, HDMI output, and wired ethernet connectivity, however its newfound storage skills are accompanied by a a lot larger price ticket.

Beginning at $130 (round £112 GBP), the Jsaux M.2 Steam Deck dock asks for fairly the premium simply to provide the potential to plonk an SSD inside. This value climbs even larger whenever you purchase a 1TB or 2TB Jsaux NVMe bundle, however it helps as much as 4TB you probably have a drive mendacity round.

It’s arguably a distinct segment characteristic, given you possibly can’t take any downloads on the NVMe with you on the go, however it’s one thing that’ll enchantment to these seeking to craft the proper Steam Deck TV setup or remodel it into one of many best cheap gaming PC setups round.

That’s to not say the Jsaux’s souped-up accent isn’t definitely worth the cash, because it shares the identical qualities as the present best Steam Deck dock. It’s value noting that Valve’s official accessory prices $89 USD (yikes), so paying $40 extra for an M.2 SSD slot is a comparative discount.

Jsaux M.2 Steam Deck dock specs

The Jsaux M.2 Steam Deck dock is armed with HDMI 2.0, two USB 2.0 ports, USB-C 100W energy supply, and a Gigabit Ethernet socket – an improve over the unique’s slower providing.

Jsaux M.S Steam Deck dock specs:

Execs

• Nice Steam Deck dock capabilities.
• Gigabit Ethernet.
• M.2 SSD slot integration.

Cons

• Costly in comparison with the unique.
• Awkward Ethernet placement.
• SSD help isn’t plug-and-play.

Quicker ethernet connection apart, the new hub just about performs like its Jsuax Steam Deck dock predecessor and up to date SteamOS updates have improved performance throughout the board. Naturally, that is one thing each docking station on the market will profit from, however it nonetheless contributes to my general impressions of the gadget.

After all, the Jsaux M.2 dock has higher ambitions, and pairing it with a storage drive helps unleash its true potential. Would I counsel choosing up the best SSD for gaming to go along with? Completely not, because the gadget’s slot caps out at 900Mbps. As an alternative, I’d suggest choosing one of many firm’s bundles, which could be barely cheaper than choosing up a Gen 3 drive your self.

For those who’re eager about one thing a bit of extra inexpensive, you also needs to learn our Jsaux Docking Station review, for a take a look at a mannequin one other rung down on the ladder.

Jsaux M.2 Steam Deck dock design

Spectacular specs don’t at all times imply a larger type issue, however Jsaux’s newest add-on has a variety of junk within the trunk. By that, I truly imply there’s room to accommodate an SSD drive bay on prime, accompanied by a tribal design that invokes mid-2000s Recreation Boy Advance SP vibes.

As garish because it sounds, I truly fairly just like the sample printed on the M.2 dock’s gun metallic posterior, however I’m much less thrilled about its drive hatch. That is admittedly one thing that’ll have an effect on me greater than most, however the tight match of the metallic SSD lid makes me squirm, as its ballbearing catch setup ends in momentary metal-on-metal scratching. It’s not a deal breaker, however prying off the duvet with my nails is much from a pleasing person expertise.

Unappealing SSD covers aren’t Jsaux’s solely sin this time round, as the corporate seems hellbent on sticking its ethernet port on the facet of the dock. To chop it some slack, each docking station the corporate has launched does the identical, however it nonetheless quashes my efforts to manage cables.

Jsaux M.2 Steam Deck dock efficiency

For those who’ve ever tried to build your own gaming PC, likelihood is you’ve needed to set up an SSD or arduous drive. Identical to the best gaming motherboard, the Jsaux M.2 dock helps quite a lot of NVMe and SATA drives, and its socket helps most key sorts. So, there’s not a lot stopping you from popping off its lid (other than grinding sounds) and repurposing previous storage.

Slotting an SSD into the Jsaux M.2 dock is straightforward, and the toolless rubber stopper means you gained’t even want a screwdriver. The one extra motion includes making use of a small thermal pad to the entrance of your drive – a step that applies if you happen to’re putting in your individual or utilizing one from the corporate’s bundle.

As for practical efficiency, the Jsaux M.2 dock will work as described. Nonetheless, whereas the accent is technically plug-and-play, you’ll should tinker with SteamOS and mess with automated Linux scripts to benefit from its gaming SSD methods.

Fortunately, Fortunately, the corporate lists the initial instructions to set issues up, and there’s a script you possibly can set up that automates the method so that you don’t must undergo these steps each single time you re-dock the Steam Deck.

Verdict

All in all, the Jsaux M.2 Steam Deck dock is a nifty accent that transforms Valve’s handheld into a real hybrid. Certain, the unique dock kind of does that too, however the added SSD storage help provides a contact of gaming PC pizazz that’ll assist persuade you that you just’re utilizing a traditional desktop machine. For those who nonetheless don’t actually get it, then this accent undoubtedly isn’t for you. As for everybody else? Nicely, you’ve all in all probability already bought one sitting in your cart.