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Sabrent Releases 7-in-1 Steam Deck Dock With M.2 SSD Slot
Sabrent has released a refined and expanded update to its first Steam Deck Dock (the DS-SD6P) in the shape of the new DS-SDNV, available now on Amazon. Also described as the ‘Sabrent 7-in-1 Steam Deck Dock with M.2 SSD Slot’, this device packs quite a lot of features into a familiar-looking device stand form-factor.
The Sabrent DS-SDNV isn’t restricted to use with the Steam Deck. It is claimed to be equally happy docking with a ROG Ally or other USB Type-C devices with DisplayPort Alternate (DP Alt) Mode support for output through HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 1.4). Linux, Windows, and macOS are supported.
If you have a compatible device/OS, there is quite a lot of convenient expandability offered here. The following ports are all easily accessible on this USB-C dock:
The slower USB port might be ideal for a mouse/keyboard, while the faster ports can be used for data transfer or other high-speed peripheral usage. Having a wired gigabit network port might also be appealing, with typically improved reliability, speed, and latency compared to wireless connectivity.
Moving on to what might be the Sabrent DS-SDNV’s raison d’être – it can fit an M.2 SSD inside. Under the device’s base, users can remove a cover panel and fit in their choice of M.2 drive. It looks like it can accept any size drive up to 80mm in length (M.2 2280), and Sabrent shows it with a roomy 8TB in place.
(Image credit: Sabrent)
The dock's M.2 slot is equally happy with an M.2 SATA or NVMe drive. Its quoted maximum speed is 5 Gbps, so it sounds like there would be no speed advantage offered by the NVMe option here. If you need more storage and must keep it portable and as fast as possible, you may be better off replacing the Steam Deck's internal M.2 2230 SSD.
Finally, Sabrent has some words about its dock's build quality. It says it is rugged, yet minimalist to blend in with your décor. Additionally, non-slip anti-scratch pads are present on the device's base, and within its docking cradle.
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The Sabrent 7-in-1 Steam Deck Dock with M.2 SSD Slot DS-SDNV is currently listed at $84 on Amazon, with four in stock. That's a lot more expensive than the first Sabrent Steam Deck Dock was pitched at (with no M.2 slot). However, it is roughly the same price as the official Valve Steam Deck Dock, which we thought was both uninspiring and a poor value.
Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.
First of all, calling this "similarly priced" is disingenuous, as its normal price is $140.
Second I went back and checked the review where you said the Deck Dock was "we thought was both uninspiring and a poor value."
So the two alternates you suggested in that article were both lacking features of the dock (the Anker lacked DP and Ethernet, the other from the company you've never heard of had Ethernet but still lacked DP).
BOTH of them are also missing the 45W charging brick that comes with the Dock. So yeah, there's a reason those are cheaper. Additionally, neither one can be used as a stand. You don't mention it in that article but Valve has the Dock built in such a way that you can plop the Deck right in and still be able to use it with your hands if you're so inclined.
Is it more than a lot of people will need? Yes. If the popularity of the Switch Lite indicates anything it's that plenty of people are just fine with their handhelds staying handhelds.
