ASUS ROG Ally Review: Gaming Performance, Thermals, and More!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Gaming Performance
3. Battery Life
4. Noise Levels
5. Frequency Spectrum and Thermals
6. SD Card Situation
7. Disassembling the Asus Rog Ally
8. Hardware Impressions
9. Software Experience
10. Benchmarking Methodology
11. Performance Comparison with Competing Handhelds
12. Battery Life testing
13. Thermals and Fan Behavior
14. SD Card Reader Issues
15. Conclusion

Introduction

🎮 The Asus Rog Ally is a highly anticipated handheld gaming device that promises exceptional performance and portability. In this review, we will delve deep into various aspects of the Ally, including gaming performance, battery life, noise levels, thermals, and more. We will also discuss the reported issues with the SD card reader and provide an in-depth analysis of the hardware and software experience. So, grab your favorite gaming snack and let's dive into this comprehensive review of the Asus Rog Ally!

Gaming Performance

🎮 Let's start by discussing the gaming performance of the Asus Rog Ally. The Ally is equipped with powerful hardware, boasting a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and Zen 4 plus RDNA3 APUs. It offers two models, with the higher-end option featuring eight cores and 16 Threads, while the other model has six cores and 12 threads.

💡 Pros:

• Impressive gaming performance with high-end specifications.
• Smooth gameplay experience with the 120Hz Freesync screen.
• Compatibility with AAA games at 1080p resolution.
• Competitive performance compared to other handheld gaming devices in the market.

⛔ Cons:

• The device may struggle to run AAA games above 60 FPS at 1080p.
• Certain games may experience frame time inconsistencies.
• Performance may vary depending on the power mode and battery status.

Battery Life

🔋 Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a handheld gaming device. With the Asus Rog Ally, you can expect decent battery life depending on your usage and power settings. When plugged in and running in Turbo mode, the Ally provides excellent gaming performance but drains the battery quickly. On battery power, the Ally's performance is slightly lower, but it offers better battery longevity. However, if you cap the refresh rate to 60Hz, the battery life improves significantly.

💡 Pros:

• Good battery life on performance mode when on battery power.
• Dual power modes (plugged in and battery) allow for flexibility in gaming Sessions.
• Customizable power settings to optimize battery life based on individual preferences.

⛔ Cons:

• Turbo mode draining the battery quickly when plugged in.
• Limited battery life when running games at higher performance settings.
• Battery life may vary depending on the Game and power mode being used.

Noise Levels

🔊 Noise levels can greatly impact the gaming experience, especially in handheld devices where compactness is a priority. The Asus Rog Ally takes a balanced approach to noise levels to maintain a balance between performance and acoustics. However, under heavy gaming load, the fans on the Ally can become audible, producing a higher-pitched noise compared to other handheld devices. While the noise might be noticeable, it does not reach unbearable levels. It is worth noting that noise Perception can vary among individuals, and some may find the fan noise more tolerable than others.

💡 Pros:

• Balanced fan noise levels under normal gaming load.
• Fans ramp up to maintain optimal thermals, preventing overheating.
• Fan noise is manageable and does not significantly impact the gaming experience.

⛔ Cons:

• Fans can become audible under heavy gaming load.
• Higher-pitched fan noise may be bothersome to some users.
• Perception of fan noise can vary among individuals.

Frequency Spectrum and Thermals

🌡️ The frequency spectrum and thermals are crucial aspects to evaluate when assessing the performance and cooling capabilities of the Asus Rog Ally. Our tests reveal that the Ally exhibits noticeable frequency spikes when pushed to its limits. These spikes are particularly prevalent in the 2000 to 5000 Hertz range, resulting in a higher-pitched fan noise. While the Ally's thermals remain within acceptable limits during most gaming scenarios, it is important to note that some instances of temperature spikes were observed during initial fan ramp-up. This suggests that the fan curve could be optimized for more efficient cooling and a smoother gaming experience.

💡 Pros:

• Within acceptable temperature range during most gaming scenarios.
• Frequency spikes indicate effective fan cooling.
• Thermals are successfully managed to prevent overheating.

⛔ Cons:

• Occasional temperature spikes during initial fan ramp-up.
• Higher-pitched fan noise during frequency spikes may be bothersome.
• Fan curve optimization could enhance cooling efficiency.

SD Card Situation

💾 The SD card situation with the Asus Rog Ally has garnered significant attention due to reported issues. Asus has acknowledged the problem, stating that under certain thermal stress conditions, the SD card reader may malfunction. This issue has been widely reported, with users experiencing difficulty in detecting micro SD cards. Our review unit also encountered the same problem, leading us to believe that it has already been affected by the micro SD card issue. While Asus has released updates to address this issue, we recommend monitoring user feedback to assess the effectiveness of these updates.

⚠️ Important Note: If you are currently experiencing issues with your SD card reader, please be aware that this is a known problem and Asus is actively working on resolving it. We recommend checking for firmware updates and keeping an eye on user reports for further updates on this issue.

Disassembling the Asus Rog Ally

🔧 Disassembling the Asus Rog Ally revealed a surprisingly modular design, making it relatively easy to access and maintain different components. The back shell can be removed by unscrewing six screws, allowing for easy access to the internal components. The Allies' hardware, such as the thumbsticks and battery, can be replaced without removing other pieces, further enhancing its maintainability. Additionally, the heatsink and fans can be easily removed for replacement or cleaning purposes. Overall, the disassembly process is user-friendly and showcases Asus's commitment to providing a device that is accessible for maintenance.

💡 Pros:

• Modular design allows for easy access and replacement of components.
• User-friendly disassembly process without the need for specialized tools.
• Components such as thumbsticks and battery can be replaced individually, reducing costs for potential repairs.

⛔ Cons:

• Limited upgradeability options beyond replacing certain hardware components.
• Disassembling the device may void the warranty, so caution is advised.

Hardware Impressions

💪 The Asus Rog Ally boasts impressive hardware specifications designed to deliver high-performance gaming experiences. With options for either the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor or a cut-down Ryzen Z1, the Ally offers a powerful handheld gaming solution. The packaging of the Ally is simple yet effective, with the device itself featuring a 1080p 120Hz Freesync screen, which sets it apart from its competitors. The device's grips and weight offer a comfortable gaming experience, although there may be some personal variation in preference. However, it is worth noting that the lack of multiple built-in USB ports and limitations on SSD compatibility can be potential downsides to consider.

💡 Pros:

• Powerful hardware specifications for a high-performance gaming experience.
• 1080p 120Hz Freesync screen for smooth visuals.
• Comfortable gaming grip design and manageable weight.
• Easy assembly and disassembly for maintenance purposes.

⛔ Cons:

• Limited built-in USB ports, which may require the use of additional accessories.
• Restricted SSD compatibility, limiting storage expansion choices.
• Individual preferences may vary regarding the grip and weight of the device.

Software Experience

🖥️ The software experience is a critical aspect to consider when evaluating a handheld gaming device. The Asus Rog Ally offers a Windows-based operating system, which provides compatibility with a wide range of games and applications. The inclusion of Windows 11 enhances the user experience, with features such as the touch keyboard significantly improving usability on a handheld device. However, some users may find the presence of bloatware and multiple software hubs frustrating. Additionally, the forced BIOS updates without warning and difficulties in controlling the MyASUS app may cause inconvenience. Nevertheless, the Ally's software experience remains largely positive, offering customization options and preset macros for enhanced functionality.

💡 Pros:

• Windows-based operating system provides compatibility with a wide range of games and applications.
• Windows 11 touch keyboard improves usability on a handheld device.
• Customization options and preset macros enhance functionality.
• High level of compatibility with existing Windows software.

⛔ Cons:

• Presence of bloatware and multiple software hubs may cause frustration.
• Forced BIOS updates without warning may lead to compatibility issues.
• Difficulties in controlling the MyASUS app may result in inconvenience for some users.

Benchmarking Methodology

📊 Accurate benchmarking is essential to evaluate the performance of the Asus Rog Ally against other handheld gaming devices. Our benchmarking methodology involved testing the Ally in various scenarios and settings to provide a comprehensive analysis. We used a combination of synthetic benchmarks and real-world gaming tests to assess gaming performance, thermals, and battery life. It is important to note that benchmark results can vary depending on individual system configurations and settings, so these results should be used as a reference point rather than absolute values.

Performance Comparison with Competing Handhelds

🔥 The performance of the Asus Rog Ally was compared against other competing handheld gaming devices to assess its standing in the market. The Ally demonstrated strong performance, particularly in plugged-in turbo mode. It outperformed the steam deck in various gaming tests, offering better frame rates and smoother gameplay. However, in handheld mode, the Ally's performance was slightly behind the steam deck, indicating the influence of power modes on gaming performance. While the Ally still offers competitive performance, it faces fierce competition from devices like the GPD Win 4 and Aya Neo Quinn, which may offer similar performance at a lower price point.

Battery Life Testing

🔋 In our battery life testing, the Asus Rog Ally demonstrated decent battery longevity depending on power settings and usage Patterns. When running in performance mode on battery power, the Ally showed adequate battery life, comparable to the steam deck. However, the steam deck's advantage came in the form of a more optimized power draw, allowing longer battery life under similar circumstances. The Ally's battery life was further improved when capping the refresh rate to 60Hz, resulting in a balance between performance and battery longevity. It is worth noting that battery life can vary depending on specific usage patterns and power settings.

Thermals and Fan Behavior

🌡️ The thermals and fan behavior of the Asus Rog Ally play a crucial role in maintaining optimal performance and preventing overheating. Our tests revealed that the Ally effectively manages its thermals during gaming sessions, with temperatures staying within acceptable limits for most scenarios. However, initial fan ramp-up could be optimized to mitigate temperature spikes during intense workload situations. While the Ally's fans may become audible under heavy gaming load, the noise levels remain tolerable and do not significantly impact the gaming experience. Overall, the Ally demonstrates a reasonable balance between thermals and fan noise, ensuring a stable gaming experience.

SD Card Reader Issues

💾 The Asus Rog Ally has been plagued by issues with the micro SD card reader, as widely reported by users. Our testing confirmed the existence of this problem, with multiple SD cards failing to be detected by the device. Asus has acknowledged this issue, attributing it to certain thermal stress conditions affecting the SD card reader's functionality. While Asus has released updates to address this issue, we recommend monitoring user feedback and official communications from Asus for further updates on the resolution of this problem. It is important to note that individual experiences may vary, and not all devices may be affected by this issue.

Conclusion

🎮 In conclusion, the Asus Rog Ally offers a powerful and feature-packed handheld gaming device that can deliver exceptional gaming performance and portability. The Ally's hardware specifications, including the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 120Hz Freesync screen, are commendable and provide an immersive gaming experience. However, the device faces strong competition from other handheld gaming devices in terms of value and battery life. While the Ally showcases a solid software experience and maintainable hardware, the reported issues with the SD card reader and fan behavior should be considered. Ultimately, the choice between the Ally and its competitors depends on individual preferences, budget, and desired gaming experience.