Tag: Asus ROG Xbox Ally X

  • Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Gets 64GB RAM Upgrade for Portable Power

    Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Gets 64GB RAM Upgrade for Portable Power

    Key Takeaways

    1. Current DRAM prices make significant memory upgrades less favorable, yet SlickBuys upgraded the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X to 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM.
    2. The standard 24 GB of memory is sufficient for most users, but those using the device for demanding tasks may benefit from additional memory.
    3. Upgrading the memory requires advanced soldering skills; SlickBuys replaced 6 GB modules with 16 GB modules.
    4. BIOS modifications were necessary to recognize the new memory, utilizing resources from the modding community on Discord.
    5. While gaming performance may not improve significantly, the device’s desktop performance enhances considerably with the memory upgrade.

    Considering the current situation with DRAM prices, it might not be the best time to boost system memory significantly. Still, SlickBuys Mods and Repairs didn’t let that stop them; they upgraded their Asus ROG Xbox Ally X to a massive 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM.

    Memory for Most Users

    No doubt, the 24 GB of memory that comes standard with the Ally X is more than enough for most users. However, for those aiming to use their handheld as a full PC for demanding tasks, having more memory can be essential rather than just a nice addition.

    Upgrade Process

    Upgrading the ROG Xbox Ally X’s LPDDR5X memory isn’t a simple task. SlickBuys is quite experienced with soldering and had the skills necessary for this upgrade. The process was actually pretty clear-cut; they swapped out the 6 GB LPDDR5X modules from Micron for 16 GB LPDDR5X modules from SK Hynix.

    BIOS Modifications

    After making some important changes to the BIOS, which included taking the BIOS chip off the motherboard to modify it using a USB programmer, as SlickBuys mentioned. Thanks to a modding community on Discord, they were able to access a modified APCB from a previous project. Once this step was completed, the Ally X handheld powered right up and recognized the full 64 GB of RAM.

    For those expecting to see notable benchmark gains, they might be let down, as SlickBuys didn’t provide any results. That said, gaming performance is likely to remain unchanged since the memory speed hasn’t improved, and the original memory was already enough for handheld gaming.

    Enhanced Desktop Performance

    However, when it comes to using the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X for desktop tasks that require more memory, it’s definitely a more powerful machine now. The standard Xbox Ally, priced at $589.99 on Amazon and equipped with only 16 GB of LPDDR5X memory, could gain even more from a similar upgrade in the future.

    SlickBuys Mods and Repairs shared their findings on YouTube, which caught the attention of Tom’s Hardware.

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  • Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: YouTuber Installs Bazzite Linux for SteamOS

    Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: YouTuber Installs Bazzite Linux for SteamOS

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X features a gaming-optimized version of Windows 11, marking a significant upgrade from the previous model.
    2. SteamOS’s growing popularity has prompted Microsoft to enhance Windows 11 for better gaming performance, as seen with the launch of similar devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S.
    3. Initial attempts to install the Linux distribution Bazzite on the Ally X faced technical issues, including BitLocker encryption preventing SSD formatting.
    4. While Bazzite improved responsiveness and navigation, some hardware features and controls were unresponsive, indicating the need for further optimization.
    5. Performance tests showed that while Linux provided a smoother interface, it did not significantly outperform Windows 11 in raw gaming performance.

    We just got our hands on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X for a review, and it clearly looks like a big step up from the previous model, the ROG Ally X. This latest handheld, which is Xbox-branded, comes with Windows 11 already installed—more specifically, a version that’s tweaked for gaming. However, some users still lean towards Linux-based systems like SteamOS for a smoother, more console-like feel.

    A Shift in Focus

    You could say that SteamOS has jolted Microsoft into action. It might even explain why Windows 11 got such a gaming-centric update, especially since SteamOS is gaining popularity among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For example, Lenovo recently teamed up with Valve to launch the Lenovo Legion Go S, which comes equipped with SteamOS.

    Testing the Waters

    To check if the ROG Xbox Ally X could match that experience, YouTuber Dawid Does Tech Stuff tried installing Bazzite, a Linux distribution inspired by Fedora and closely resembling SteamOS. Their aim was to see if Asus’s new handheld could provide a smoother interface and better performance without depending on Windows.

    They grabbed the Bazzite image for the Ally series from the official site and used Rufus to create a bootable USB. The first installation attempt hit a snag with an “unknown error.” After some investigation, they realized that BitLocker encryption was stopping the SSD from being formatted. After turning off the encryption and dividing the SSD into two partitions for dual-booting, they moved on to install Bazzite.

    Initial Challenges

    When the ROG Xbox Ally X first booted into Bazzite, none of the controller inputs worked. After a few moments, the system started recognizing them, although several buttons, including the menu keys, remained unresponsive. They manually reassigned inputs through Steam’s interface, which gave them partial control back.

    Even with these troubles, the YouTuber quickly noticed a major boost in responsiveness. “It almost feels like I’ve decalcified its brain,” they remarked, explaining how menus opened instantly, inputs felt quick, and navigation was way smoother than on Windows 11. Still, some essential hardware features—like RGB lighting around the thumbsticks, power mode controls, and Armoury Crate integration—completely stopped working.

    Performance Testing

    Dawid conducted performance tests in Cyberpunk 2077 and Shadow of Mordor. In Cyberpunk, he struggled to get the performance overlay to show up until he installed MangoHUD, later switching to Steam’s tool. Initially, the game displayed a blank resolution field, but he figured it was running at 1080p. Overall, gameplay felt smoother, with slightly better frame rates and lower input lag compared to Windows 11.

    Shadow of Mordor acted as a more dependable benchmark, accurately detecting the display resolution. Frame rates were almost identical on both operating systems, indicating that while Linux enhanced interface fluidity, it didn’t provide a considerable edge in raw performance.

    After switching back to Windows and rebooting into Bazzite again, Dawid discovered that the controls had stopped working once again, only to miraculously function normally the next day, with RGB lighting oddly back on.

    Conclusion

    At this point, based on the YouTuber’s experience, installing a Linux gaming distro like Bazzite on the ROG Xbox Ally X doesn’t seem like a wise move. The video clearly shows that Bazzite still requires a lot of optimization for the latest Xbox-branded handheld to work well. If you’re considering trying it out yourself, it’s probably best to hold off for a bit, given that these new handheld devices have only just been released.

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    Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: YouTuber Installs Bazzite Linux for SteamOS

     

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  • Intel Panther Lake iGPU Outshines ROG Xbox Ally X Ryzen Z2

    Intel Panther Lake iGPU Outshines ROG Xbox Ally X Ryzen Z2

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X shows improved performance over the standard ROG Ally, with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme being 10-15% faster in gaming.
    2. Intel’s Panther Lake iGPU may outperform the Ryzen Z2 Extreme by 72%, based on leaked benchmark results.
    3. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme operates at a maximum TDP of 55 W, while the Panther Lake Core Ultra X9 388H has a limit of 45 W, suggesting potential efficiency benefits for Intel.
    4. If Intel’s performance claims hold true, upcoming handheld consoles with Panther Lake APUs may compete strongly against AMD-based devices.
    5. Final validation of Intel Panther Lake’s performance will come with retail samples, indicating potential advancements in handheld gaming technology.

    Initial impressions of the first Xbox-branded handheld gaming device, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, are now available. From our evaluations, this console shows enhancements over the standard Asus ROG Ally in nearly every noticeable aspect. This includes performance, with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X featuring the Ryzen Z2 Extreme and its Radeon 890M being approximately 10-15% quicker in gaming compared to the ROG Ally X’s Z1 Extreme SoC.

    Performance Comparison

    Even though this performance gap is promising, it appears that Intel’s latest Panther Lake iGPU could be significantly faster based on leaked 3DMark Time Spy Graphics results. In our review of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, we observed that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, when in “Turbo” mode with a maximum TDP of 55 W, achieved a score of 3,620 points in the 3DMark Time Spy Graphics benchmark. According to the recently leaked scores from Intel’s Panther Lake, the 12 Xe-core Panther Lake iGPU leads by an impressive 72% over the Radeon 890M found in the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. It’s important to mention that the Intel chip used in the test was paired with faster memory (8,533 MT/s compared to 8,000 MT/s), which likely contributes to its superior performance.

    Power Consumption and Future Prospects

    Additionally, we must remember that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme was allowed to use a maximum TDP of 55 W, while the top-tier Panther Lake chip, the Core Ultra X9 388H, is said to have a limit of 45 W. Thus, the Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra X9 388H may not only outperform the Ryzen Z2 Extreme in gaming but could also operate more efficiently in terms of power consumption. If these synthetic test results hold true for actual gaming scenarios, upcoming portable consoles featuring Intel Panther Lake APUs will likely compete strongly against AMD-based handheld devices.

    In conclusion, we will need to wait for retail samples of Intel Panther Lake to validate these claims. As of now, Intel Panther Lake APUs might just be the handheld gaming processors that Team Blue has been promising us.

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  • Best Buy Reveals Higher ROG Xbox Ally Pricing Before Preorders

    Best Buy Reveals Higher ROG Xbox Ally Pricing Before Preorders

    Key Takeaways

    1. Best Buy listings suggest possible prices for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally ($599.99) and ROG Xbox Ally X ($999.99), but their authenticity is uncertain.
    2. Both devices are labeled as “coming soon,” with no official pricing confirmed by Asus or Xbox yet.
    3. Consumer reactions to the $1,000 price for the Ally X are largely negative, with many considering it “dead on arrival.”
    4. Previous pricing reports indicated different price ranges, with some suggesting the U.S. prices could be lower than the Best Buy listings.
    5. Shoppers should be cautious with these prices until an official announcement is made by Asus or Xbox.

    New images from Best Buy have recently appeared on Reddit, revealing possible prices for the upcoming Asus ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld devices – $599.99 and $999.99, respectively. These listings are certainly grabbing a lot of attention on Reddit, but it’s still unclear if these are real launch prices or just placeholders until something official is announced. When we looked at the Best Buy website for the same details, though, the prices were not shown.

    Availability Status

    Both the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and the regular ROG Xbox Ally are still labeled as “coming soon.” These numbers popped up just a few hours ahead of the expected official announcements from Asus and Microsoft. It’s worth noting that these prices might not be set in stone, as retailers frequently use temporary prices until the manufacturers give them the actual figures. The lack of an official statement from Asus or Xbox during this report means that the “placeholder” idea remains a possibility.

    Consumer Reactions

    The feedback regarding the $1,000 price tag on the Ally X has been quite negative. Some users are calling this potential price “DOA” (dead on arrival) if it turns out to be true. The general agreement appears to be that these handhelds will appeal to a very specific, niche group. Unless Asus can provide a strong reason for the high price, many customers are likely to hesitate.

    Previous Pricing Insights

    Earlier reports, backed by international retailers like Argos in the UK, had indicated that the Ally X was priced closer to £900 ($1,140 USD) and the standard Ally around £500 ($667 USD). Meanwhile, other sources suggested that the U.S. versions would launch at lower prices ($550 for the Ally and $900 for the Ally X), but the listings from Best Buy suggest otherwise.

    Until Asus or Xbox makes an official announcement, shoppers should approach this pricing information with caution, especially since an official MSRP reveal is expected soon.

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    Best Buy Reveals Higher ROG Xbox Ally Pricing Before PreordersBest Buy Reveals Higher ROG Xbox Ally Pricing Before Preorders

     

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  • ROG Xbox Ally X Review: UI Issues and Console Interface Lacks Polish

    ROG Xbox Ally X Review: UI Issues and Console Interface Lacks Polish

    Key Takeaways

    1. The user interface (UI) of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X needs significant improvement for a better gaming experience.
    2. Reports of bugs and crashes, including issues with unresponsive analog sticks and game crashes, highlight performance concerns.
    3. The handheld struggles with managing Windows resources, leading to sluggishness when switching between games.
    4. Mixed reviews suggest that the UI is more unstable than expected, raising doubts about improvements before the release date.
    5. Despite the challenges, the device offers the advantage of combining multiple marketplaces into a single display, but may frustrate gamers seeking a console-like experience.

    One challenge that Microsoft faces with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is making the Windows interface better suited for gaming. Impressions from the recent Gamescom event indicate that the user interface (UI) has significant room for enhancement. A member from Digital Foundry reported encountering various bugs and even some crashes. Although tech podcasters see some promise, the ROG Xbox Ally X currently lacks the intuitiveness that gamers are accustomed to with Xbox consoles.

    Concerns About User Interface

    Richard Leadbetter expressed the most troubling thoughts regarding the handheld’s UI. The Xbox Ally X aims to simplify the process of finding and loading games on a portable Windows device. However, at one point, the analog sticks used for navigating menus completely stopped responding. Additionally, Doom: The Dark Ages crashed, which hindered gameplay navigation.

    Performance Issues Under Testing

    The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are designed to manage Windows resources to enhance gaming performance. Nevertheless, during Digital Foundry’s testing, this approach led to some unexpected issues. After playing Gears of War: Reloaded and switching over to Doom: The Dark Ages, the handheld gaming PC failed to properly close Gears of War. Consequently, the device became sluggish when trying to run two games simultaneously.

    Mixed Reviews Ahead of Launch

    From other previews, it’s not shocking that the latest handhelds don’t provide a flawless console interface. These devices operate on a conventional Windows OS, which is built for a variety of tasks beyond gaming. Still, Digital Foundry discovered that the UI is in a more unstable condition than many gamers might have anticipated. It raises doubts about whether Microsoft can resolve these issues by the release date of the ROG Xbox Ally X on October 16th.

    In spite of the negative feedback, Digital Foundry believes that the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds also demonstrate some strengths. They combine multiple marketplaces into a single display, which is a limitation found in current handheld gaming PCs. However, other elements of the UI seem more disjointed. Gamers who are looking for a smoother Xbox console-like experience may quickly find themselves feeling frustrated.

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