Unitek, a Hong Kong-based computer and mobile accessories manufacturer, has released the Cooler Dock Pro for Steam Deck, which gamers should definitely check out!
This is basically Valve's official dock, except it has a thermoelectric cooler built into the back to prevent the device from overheating, throttling, or crashing. It is similar to the one included with the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate.
Features
According to Engadget, Unitek's version has a silicone pad to protect the Steam Deck or any other portable device, plus a short USB-C connection that extends from the rear to the console.
The thermoelectric cooler, RGB-lit fan, and metallic contact plate are inside a hinged module that allows for minimal tilt angle adjustment while holding the Steam Deck.
Performance
Results may vary depending on the game users are playing, but the real goal is to make the Steam Deck's performance last as long as possible.
Based on the report, Unitek states that the typical surface temperature of the Steam Deck when running Apex Legends was roughly 46°C (114.8°F), but that this reduced to 34.5°C (94.1°F) when equipped with the Cooling Dock Pro. Not that it is still within the acceptable ambient temperature range.
After running Forza Horizon 5 on super graphics settings, which would ordinarily cause the Steam Deck to crash before the start of a race, Engadget found that the handheld gaming computer lasted for almost six minutes when placed on the Cooling Dock Pro.
The company noted that even with the dock, the game would crash after 45 minutes of playtime when set to high frame rates settings but would continue to function normally for an additional hour.
Compatibility
Unlike Valve's dock, which has all its connectors on the back, the Cooler Dock Pro has some on the front. These include two USB-A ports and one USB-C port (up to 10Gbps), as well as two RGB lights.
Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C PD plug (up to 100W passthrough) are on the rear.
In the Linux desktop version of the console, this dock allows several monitors to be connected in a daisy chain.
Single-video-output support extends to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz. Meanwhile, dual-video-output support is limited to either dual 4K at 60Hz or 8K at 30Hz on one port and 1080p at 60Hz on the other.
Unitek's cooling module features a left-side USB-C port. If the user simply wishes to use the cooling function while on the road, they may plug a power bank into the 10W USB-C port.
Price
Pre-orders for the $119 Unitek Cooling Dock Pro begin in mid-December. An $89 Cooling Dock with an HDMI 2.0 connector (4K at 60Hz) will launch in 2023. Both models come with a 2-meter 100W USB-C cable.
Unitek recommends a 60W or higher power supply for the Cooler Dock Pro.
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This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Trisha Kae Andrada
