Chizha Mount Ling Dock
The gaming world may have moved forward, but Valve’s Steam Deck remains a formidable force. To elevate this classic device, Dockcase has introduced the Chizha Mount Ling Dock, and it promises to enhance the gaming experience. After spending several days with this new dock, it is clear that it’s an essential accessory for any Steam Deck enthusiast, adding tremendous value and functionality.
As the market for Steam Deck accessories has matured, competition among docking stations has intensified, with companies like UGREEN and JSAUX offering impressive products. Yet, Dockcase’s Chizha Mount Ling stands tall with its premium features and innovative design, ensuring users receive the optimal gaming experience.
With a single docking station, you can expand your Steam Deck’s storage to ‘terabytes,’ allowing a vast library of AAA games. The Chizha Mount Ling Dock boasts USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 Gbps connectivity, making data transfer between the handheld storage and the onboard SSD seamless. Here’s a quick rundown of the dock’s specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host connection | USB-C link to Steam Deck |
| Power Delivery (PD) | Up to ~100 W |
| Display Output | HDMI 2.0 supporting 4K @ 60Hz |
| Storage Expansion | M.2 2280 SSD slot, up to 4 TB |
| Cooling / Ventilation | Active 40 mm fan, dual convection channels |
| Front Display | 3-inch touchscreen (170 × 560 pixels) for monitoring/controls |
| Ports – USB & Peripherals | 1 × USB-C port (10 Gbps) 2 × USB-A ports (one of which is 10 Gbps) |
| Ports – Network & Audio | Gigabit Ethernet (LAN) Optical audio out (TOSLINK) |
| Physical Cradle / Fit | Adjustable cradle design (fits Steam Deck with many cases) |
Steam Deck Chizha Mount Ling Dock – Unboxing & First Look Experience
The dock’s packaging, adorned in sleek black and purple, sets the stage for what lies within. As you unbox, you’re greeted by the dock itself and an additional package containing a critical component: a separate M.2 SSD enclosure for expanded storage. This bundle provides two M.2 2280 SSD slots, enhancing the storage options available.
Connecting the Chizha Mount Ling Dock is straightforward. Simply link it to your Steam Deck’s charging port and the ‘Host’ port on the dock. The included USB Type-C port with 60W power delivery powers the dock. A standout feature is the onboard screen, which not only displays the status of each port but also allows control functions for the Steam Deck, such as volume adjustment.
The dock’s build quality is impressive, featuring a nearly 3-inch display with a vibrant RGB touch along the sides. Upon powering the dock, you’re welcomed with an engaging animation, followed by an interface showing connected devices and port status.
The onboard SSD slot is a game-changer. Using GiGimundo’s 2TB SSD drive, which boasts stellar performance, the M.2 slot is found under the dock and operates as external media. Initially, my SSD wasn’t detected, requiring a switch to SteamOS ‘Desktop’ mode where it needed formatting.
After formatting, gaining an additional 2 TB of storage was thrilling. Downloading games from Steam to the SSD was a breeze, and titles like Control and Hitman: World of Assassination loaded smoothly. For SSD setup, the dock’s manual provides valuable guidance.
Steam Deck Chizha Mount Ling Dock – External Display via HDMI 2.0 & LAN Connection
The Chizha Mount Ling Dock simplifies using external displays with the Steam Deck through its HDMI 2.0 connection. Equipped with an ASUS VG30VQL1A curved monitor, I achieved a 2560 x 1080 resolution at 60 FPS. Gaming on an external display is a matter of preference, but the dock streamlines access to HDMI and USB ports for peripherals.
With this setup, input lag was nonexistent, thanks to the dock’s superior performance, and during an extended gaming session, the Steam Deck’s battery dipped from 94% to 18%, which was impressive since the screen was off. Fortnite tests confirmed excellent LAN connectivity with stable pings. Wireless gaming on the Steam Deck is suboptimal; the dock’s 100W PD port ensures extended play by preventing battery drain, even during intense gaming, and noticeably improves charging times.
Dockcase designed the dock to handle multiple connections without overheating, thanks to dual convection airflow channels and a ‘turbo fan’ that operates consistently when linked to an external display.
Steam Deck Chizha Mount Ling Dock vs Other Options In the Market
Comparing the Chizha Mount Ling with other docks reveals its unique advantages, such as onboard M.2 SSD slots, a dedicated touchscreen, and multiple USB Gen 3.2 interfaces. While popular models like the JSAUX Steam Deck dock are favored, they fall short in features. **The Chizha Mount Ling emerges as one of the most advanced options, addressing the Steam Deck’s limitations with a single docking station.**
As for the pricing of the Chizha Mount Ling, it’s currently under a Kickstarter campaign, so the price remains undisclosed. For those interested, further details are available on Dockcase’s campaign here.