What’s New in Our M.2 SSD Docking Station?

Hi there,

We’re happy to meet you here once again! A few weeks ago, we released an article explaining the main differences between hard disks and SSD memories, and what benefits an M.2 SSD memory card may offer you versus the classic 2.5’’ and 3.5’’ models. We also gave you a sneak peek at what it will be like to add an M.2 SSD to one of our Steam Deck docking stations, so today's text is an expanded and more detailed explanation of what we discussed then.

In case you didn’t hear the good news, this new model of docking station with an M.2 SSD slot (ref. name ‘HB0604’) will be a reality this very month. Its launch campaign starts next week, and we’re making final preparations as we look for the most effective way to let everyone know about this new way to experience gaming on Steam Deck.

In a nutshell, it will allow players to store games within the dock itself instead of using the internal memory of the Steam Deck and load them in a faster way. As for the loading speed, it will be something that you will notice to a greater or lesser extent according to the Steam Deck you purchased.

• 64GB models come with an eMMC flash memory (PCIe Gen 2 x1), which cannot be expanded. At this point, remember that dissembling the device to change any parts automatically cancels Valve's product warranty, so be careful.
• 256GB models feature several SSD NVMe units (PCIe Gen 3 x4, or PCIe Gen 3 x2).
• 512GB models come with high-speed storage SSD NMVe units (PCIe Gen 3 x4, or PCIe Gen 3 x2).

As we told you in the article previously mentioned, it’s more convenient to work with PCIe interfaces because they work much faster than SATA, with transfer speeds up to 1000 Mbps. For that reason, our new docking station will work with a PCIe 3.0 slot. It’s ready to support 30mm, 42mm, 60mm, and 80mm long M.2 SSD models with up to 2TB storage capacity.

Installing an M.2 SSD card is as easy as screwing it into the corresponding slot. You don’t need to weld it to the motherboard of the docking station or connect any cable to make it work.

In addition to this new memory card slot, our M.2 SSD docking station comes with all the ports featured in our previous model HB0603 but one of the USB-A 3.0 ports.

• USB-C port with 100W maximum power delivery, enough to charge the Steam Deck at full speed (45W).
• USB-A ports to connect your keyboard and mouse (x2).
• HDMI connection port that offers 4K graphics at 60Hz, or 2K graphics at 120Hz when the Steam Deck is docked and connected to an external screen.
• A Gigabit Ethernet port. Download and connection speeds will depend on the Internet service you hired.

Last but not least, we want to remind you that our docking stations are compatible with any smartphone or tablet with a USB-C connection port, so we’re sure you’ll find many to enjoy its features and take your digital life to the next level.

As we said, this new docking station will be available on our website next week. The first 100 people to place will get their orders at an early bird price of $99, plus a free skins, keycap sets and a portable stand. All the docks will be shipped within a week.

Additionally, we’ll cooperate with a famous electronics company to offer a bundle with an M.2 SSD memory, included with the dock. The SSD we’ll offer supports NMVe 1.4 and a read speed up to 3300Mbps.

Stay tuned for further news. See you in our next entry!

The JSAUX team