Asus ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally: Hands-on with the new, improved handheld (Via: eurogamer.net)
Asus ROG Ally X Review Summary
Asus ROG Ally X: What's New?
Asus has announced the ROG Ally X, a refresh of last year’s Ally. While it has faced criticism for lacking performance upgrades, many believe it is a solid step forward.
Memory Upgrade
The ROG Ally X now boasts 24GB of memory, up from 16GB, addressing issues in newer games and doubling battery size to tackle the infamous battery life problem.
Processor and Performance
The Ally X retains the same Z1 Extreme processor as the previous model, featuring an octo-core Zen 4 CPU and a 12 CU RDNA 3 GPU. However, there's a slight performance boost due to increased memory capacity and bandwidth. The 16GB of 6400MT/s LPDDR5 has been replaced with 24GB of 7500MT/s LPDDRX, leading to a 2-9% performance improvement in certain games.
Gaming Performance
Higher memory also offers notable gaming performance improvements. For instance, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora runs without stuttering on the Ally X, unlike its predecessor. This is thanks to the efficient memory distribution, with 16GB allocated to system memory and 8GB to VRAM by default.
For more details, check out the original article.
Robbie's Take
Asus ROG Ally X Review
Asus ROG Ally X: A Subtle Yet Impactful Upgrade
The Asus ROG Ally X might not bring a revolutionary performance boost, but it definitely comes with some essential improvements that could make a difference for gamers. The move from 16GB to 24GB of memory is a smart choice. A growing number of games demand more memory, and the Ally X addresses this need efficiently.
Battery Life Upgrade
One of the main issues with PC Windows handhelds has always been their abysmal battery life. The Asus ROG Ally X effectively tackles this issue by doubling the battery capacity. This upgrade makes it a lot more viable for extended gaming sessions without being tethered to a power outlet.
More Memory, Better Performance
The Asus ROG Ally X retains the same Z1 Extreme processor as its predecessor, featuring an octa-core Zen 4 CPU paired with a 12 CU RDNA 3 GPU. While these specs remain unchanged, the additional memory capacity and increased bandwidth lead to noticeable performance gains. Faster RAM can significantly enhance gameplay, as seen in other devices like the Steam Deck OLED.
Improved Gaming Experience
Real-world gaming scenarios benefit from the increased memory. Take Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora as an example: it stutters on the original Ally but runs smoothly on the Ally X. This improvement is due to the enhanced system memory and video RAM configuration. By default, the device splits the 24GB into 16GB of system memory and 8GB of VRAM, ensuring a smooth gameplay experience.
If you're interested in diving deeper into the specifics, make sure to read more on Eurogamer.
Final Thoughts
While some might criticize the lack of a new processor, the Asus ROG Ally X brings meaningful improvements where it counts: memory and battery life. These enhancements make it a worthy upgrade for gamers seeking a more reliable handheld gaming experience.
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