Revolutionize Your Asus ROG Ally: How to Upgrade Your SSD for Maximum Performance

The ASUS ROG Ally is a powerful handheld gaming machine that delivers a truly immersive gaming experience. However, its built-in storage might not be enough to hold your entire game library. If you’re feeling cramped and want to expand your gaming horizons, upgrading the SSD is the perfect solution. This guide will walk you through the process of how to upgrade ASUS ROG Ally SSD, ensuring a seamless and successful upgrade.

Why Upgrade Your ROG Ally SSD?

The ROG Ally comes with either a 512GB or a 1TB NVMe SSD. While this provides ample space for a decent game library, you might find yourself wanting more. Here are some compelling reasons to consider upgrading your ROG Ally’s SSD:

• More Game Storage: With a larger SSD, you can store your entire gaming library, freeing yourself from the constant need to manage and delete games.
• Faster Loading Times: Upgrading to a faster SSD can significantly reduce loading times, allowing you to jump into the action quicker and enjoy a smoother gaming experience.
• Enhanced Performance: A high-performance SSD can improve overall system responsiveness, making the Ally feel even snappier.

Understanding the ROG Ally’s SSD

The ROG Ally utilizes a proprietary M.2 2230 NVMe SSD, which is smaller than the standard M.2 2280 SSDs found in most laptops and desktops. This specific size is crucial to consider when choosing your upgrade.

Choosing the Right SSD for Your ROG Ally

When selecting an SSD for your ROG Ally, you need to consider factors like speed, capacity, and form factor. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations:

• Form Factor: As mentioned earlier, the ROG Ally uses an M.2 2230 SSD. Ensure you purchase a compatible SSD with this specific form factor.
• Speed: Opt for an NVMe SSD with high read and write speeds for a noticeable performance boost. Look for SSDs with at least 3,500 MB/s read speeds and 3,000 MB/s write speeds.
• Capacity: Consider your gaming needs and future plans. A 1TB or even a 2TB SSD will provide ample storage for a large game library.

Upgrading the ROG Ally SSD: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have the right SSD, let’s dive into the upgrade process:
1. Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, a small anti-static bag or a clean cloth, and a non-conductive surface to work on.
2. Back Up Your Data: Before proceeding, back up all your important data, including game saves, settings, and any other files you want to keep.
3. Power Off and Disconnect: Completely power off your ROG Ally and disconnect it from any power sources.
4. Remove the Back Panel: Carefully pry off the back panel of the ROG Ally using a spudger or a thin plastic tool. Start from the bottom edge and work your way up, gently separating the clips holding the panel in place.
5. Locate the SSD: The SSD is located on the left side of the motherboard, secured by a single screw.
6. Remove the Old SSD: Unscrew the SSD and carefully remove it from its slot.
7. Install the New SSD: Align the new SSD in the slot and gently press it down until it clicks into place.
8. Secure the SSD: Screw the SSD back into place.
9. Reassemble the ROG Ally: Carefully reattach the back panel, ensuring all clips are properly secured.
10. Power On and Test: Power on your ROG Ally and verify that the new SSD is recognized and functioning correctly.

Formatting the New SSD

Once the new SSD is installed, you need to format it before you can use it. This process wipes the drive clean and prepares it for use with the ROG Ally.
1. Access the Settings Menu: Navigate to the Settings menu on your ROG Ally.
2. Select “Storage” or “Disk Management“: Locate the option that allows you to manage storage devices.
3. Format the New SSD: Select the new SSD and choose the “Format” option. This will erase all data on the drive, so ensure it’s empty before proceeding.
4. Choose a File System: Select a file system compatible with the ROG Ally, typically NTFS or exFAT.
5. Complete the Formatting: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the formatting process.

Transferring Your Data

After formatting the new SSD, you can transfer your data from the old SSD to the new one. There are several ways to do this:

• File Transfer: Connect the old SSD to your computer using an external adapter and manually copy your data to the new SSD.
• Cloud Storage: Back up your data to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox and then download it to the new SSD.
• Data Transfer Software: Use data transfer software designed for SSD migrations, which can automate the process.

The Final Touch: Enjoy Your Upgraded ROG Ally

After successfully upgrading the SSD, you can now enjoy a faster, more responsive, and spacious gaming experience. With more storage space, you can download all your favorite games and dive into the world of gaming without any limitations.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q1: Can I use a standard M.2 2280 SSD in the ROG Ally?
A: No, the ROG Ally uses a proprietary M.2 2230 SSD, which is smaller than the standard M.2 2280 SSDs. You cannot use a standard M.2 2280 SSD in the Ally.
Q2: How do I know if the new SSD is working properly?
A: After installing the new SSD, power on the ROG Ally and check if the new SSD is recognized in the storage settings. You can also run a benchmark test to verify the SSD’s performance.
Q3: What happens to my old SSD after the upgrade?
A: You can either keep the old SSD as a backup or recycle it responsibly.
Q4: Can I install a second SSD in the ROG Ally?
A: The ROG Ally only has one SSD slot. You cannot install a second SSD directly. However, you can use an external SSD connected via USB-C for additional storage.
Q5: Is upgrading the SSD void my warranty?
A: Upgrading the SSD should not void your warranty, as long as you do it carefully and don’t damage the device. However, it’s always best to consult with ASUS support to confirm.