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 steamdeck for £300 from CeX
  • second-hand Snpurdiri V800 keyboard for £20 from CeX
  • second-hand SABRENT usb hub for £7.31 from Amazon
  • second-hand Anker 25000mAH powerbank with 100W ports for £66.49 from Amazon
  • second-hand VUOHOEG 120w charger for £15.29 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
  • ordered 120W charger (only need 90W but 120W one is cheaper and second hand). having issues with the monitor. i suspect that is is due to either insufficient power or the hdmi cable is damaged from bending -06/07/2026
  • tested charger: works. monitor still has some issues, must be due to a damaged hdmi connection somewhere, hopefully a new hdmi cable will fix that -07/07/2026
  • i'm pretty sure that the higher wattage charger is causing more issues rather than solving issues. the external SSD has an unstable connection to the steamdeck when the fast charger is plugged in but not when my normal charger is plugged in. this is probably the same issue happening with the monitor. i will see how this progresses once i get the powerbank -08/07/2026
  • ordered 100W powerbank and flexible/short HDMI cable -24/07/2026
  • tested new hdmi cable: much better! ports will definitely last a lot longer. tested powerbank: works well with everything plugged in, it even has a watt meter! the meter reads that the whole docking station is only taking up to 33W out of 90. not sure why, but that makes sense with the monitor sometimes turning off due to power draw issues. -27/07/2026
TO-DO:
  1. travel test to make sure it is portable and nothing breaks
  2. decorate! :D