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A spare 256GB SSD from a Steam Deck can become a compact USB-C portable drive when paired with a compatible external enclosure. How-To Geek author Goran Damnjanovic described using that setup to move game files and screenshots between handheld gaming PCs and a desktop. His experience suggests it can be handy for large transfers, but it is not a controlled test proving that this build—or external SSDs generally—will beat every USB flash drive.
What the DIY drive consists of
The build repurposes the Steam Deck’s original 256GB 2230 SSD after the handheld was upgraded. The bare SSD is not a portable drive by itself: it needs an enclosure that accepts the drive and provides a USB connection to a computer or other host.
Damnjanovic describes his enclosure as a small aluminum USB-C model with a multicolor activity light, a magnetic cap and a short thermal pad. He says he left the pad unused. The key part to match when shopping is the SSD: look for a 2230 NVMe SSD enclosure with USB-C and confirm that its specifications support your particular drive. The article mentions a similar 10Gb/s enclosure, but does not establish that it was the exact enclosure used in the build.
What the author’s transfer tests do—and do not—show
In Damnjanovic’s own tests, large, multi-gigabyte sequential transfers came close to the enclosure’s stated 10Gb/s limit. Transfers involving many smaller files were about half as fast. Those observations are specific to his setup: the article gives no benchmark table, detailed test protocol or independent replication, so they should not be treated as guaranteed speeds or as a head-to-head result against USB flash drives.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The practical takeaway is that workload matters. A drive that moves a few large files quickly may take noticeably longer with a folder full of small files. The enclosure’s 10Gb/s rating is a connection specification, not a promise that every computer, SSD, file transfer or USB port will deliver that rate.
How it worked across the author’s devices
The author formatted the drive as exFAT and reports using it with Windows PCs, a Mac mini and two Android phones. In his case, the Mac mini did not initially work with the drive; formatting it on that Mac resolved the problem. That is a report about his devices and setup, not a guarantee of compatibility with every computer or phone.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If you plan to move files among different operating systems, check that the hosts support the drive’s file system and that the phone supports external USB storage. Keep a separate copy of important files while setting up or reformatting the drive: formatting can erase data already on it.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTradeoffs to consider before copying the build
- You need a compatible SSD. The build makes particular sense if you already have a spare 2230 NVMe drive. Buying both an SSD and an enclosure is a different cost decision from reusing an upgrade spare.
- There is no USB-A port on the described enclosure. The author had USB-C ports available. If your computer only has USB-A, you would need a suitable adapter or hub; it is optional, not part of the reported build.
- The lanyard hole is on the magnetic cap. Damnjanovic notes that the cap could detach from the enclosure if carried on a keyring, so the lanyard arrangement may not secure the drive itself.
- It warmed during transfers. The author says it did not feel uncomfortably hot during his test. That is a subjective observation, not a measured temperature or a guarantee under other workloads.
What the enclosure cost at publication
In the How-To Geek article published August 23, 2026, Damnjanovic said his Temu enclosure cost the equivalent of about $12 and cited about $19 for a similar enclosure on Amazon in the US. Those are article-time figures, not current price quotes; the Amazon item was described as similar, not necessarily the exact enclosure he tested.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Who this approach suits
This is most compelling for someone who already has a compatible spare SSD and wants a small drive for moving large files between devices with USB-C. Before buying, check the SSD form factor and interface against the enclosure, confirm that your host has a compatible port or adapter, and consider whether your typical transfers are mostly large files or many small ones. If you need built-in USB-A or a cap that stays attached when carried, the described enclosure has practical limitations.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
