OVERVIEW

i have already been using my steam deck as a daily driver for a few years now, both for gaming and for studying. for programming work i would usually go to any comupter around my university and plug the keyboard, mouse and monitor into my steam deck's dock. at home or on the go i don't really have a way to do that, so programming has become something i've stopped practicing. i don't know if i was fully aware of cyberdecks previously but Ube Boobay's cyberdeck build video brought them to my attention and they seem like a practical solution for me but also they look sick. in her video i particularly liked that she repurposed an old wooden box and decorated it very nicely. for this build i wanted to do the same but unfortunately i couldn't find any second-hand boxes with the right dimensions. however, i still tried my best to use second-hand parts and this is something i want to continue for future projects. this build is based off my steam deck, so everything is just plugged together with no soldering, etc. it is still in the works so i am excited to finish it! :)

notable parts:

  • second-hand steam deck for £300 from CeX
  • second-hand Snpurdiri V800 for £20 from CeX
  • second-hand SABRENT USB hub for £7.31 from Amazon
  • Anker USB hub (good enough to be used as a docking station) for £9.99 from Amazon

LOGBOOK

  • tested that the steam deck fits into the casing and measured the interior dimensions -17/06/2026
  • tested how the portable monitor connected and setup with the steamdeck. figured out all the port connections i need -20/06/2026
  • ordered docking station, port hub, hdmi 90 degree adapter and usb-c 90 degree adapter -22/06/2026
  • tested all port connections: working, however the case no longer closes due to the hdmi cable sticking out - need to order a more flexible one? orded the keyboard first to make sure everything will fit -25/06/2026
  • charging may be an issue as i am currently using a phone usb-c charger. the docking staton is loaded to the max, i need a charger with a bigger brick in order to consistently supply the 90 watt maximum so everything can get the power it needs. temperature may also be an issue especially this weather (June 2026). -26/06/2026
  • tested keyboard fits: it does, however it is not working. the lights flash when plugged in then turn off and there are no inputs when i type. the monitor also sometimes does not show anything. need to troubleshoot these issues when i have time. i got all the wires to fit including the hdmi cable that was sticking out. however, there may be heat issues as currently the steam deck's exhaust vent is pointing directly at the bundle of wires. -27/06/2026
  • troubleshooted the keyboard: seems to be just a wire issue thankfully. the monitor issue seems to be due to the hdmi cable bending too much to fit into the case probably? will leave it for now but if the issue pursues i will definitely order a more flexible hdmi cable. discovered that when the dock is not plugged into a mains, there is not enough power draw to power the monitor, keyboard and external SSD - i have to consider a powerbank into the build now. -28/06/2026