What To Know
- Upgrading the SSD is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your Ally’s performance, giving you faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive experience.
- Upgrading to a larger SSD allows you to store more games and other files, freeing up space on your internal storage.
- Align the new SSD with the slot, ensuring the notch on the SSD aligns with the slot’s key.
The ASUS ROG Ally is a powerhouse gaming handheld, offering a truly immersive experience. But, what if you could make it even better? Upgrading the SSD is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your Ally’s performance, giving you faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive experience. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right SSD to successfully installing it.
Why Upgrade Your SSD?
The stock SSD in the ROG Ally is perfectly capable for most games. However, upgrading to a faster NVMe SSD can significantly improve your gaming experience. Here’s why:
- Faster Loading Times: A faster SSD drastically reduces loading times, allowing you to jump into the action quicker and spend less time waiting.
- Enhanced Gameplay: The improved read/write speeds of a high-performance SSD translate into smoother gameplay, especially in demanding titles.
- Increased Storage Capacity: Upgrading to a larger SSD allows you to store more games and other files, freeing up space on your internal storage.
Choosing the Right SSD
Before you embark on your upgrade journey, it’s crucial to select the right SSD for your ROG Ally. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Form Factor: The ROG Ally uses an M.2 2230 NVMe SSD. This is a smaller form factor than the standard M.2 2280, so ensure you choose a compatible SSD.
- Speed: Look for an NVMe SSD with high read and write speeds. The faster the SSD, the more noticeable the performance improvement will be.
- Storage Capacity: Consider your gaming library and other storage needs when deciding on the SSD’s capacity. You can choose from various options, ranging from 512GB to 2TB or more.
Required Tools and Materials
To upgrade the SSD on your ROG Ally, you’ll need the following:
- A compatible M.2 2230 NVMe SSD: Choose the SSD based on the factors mentioned above.
- T5 Torx Screwdriver: This specialized screwdriver is required to open the ROG Ally.
- Anti-static Wrist Strap (Optional): An anti-static wrist strap helps protect your device from static electricity.
- A small Phillips head screwdriver (Optional): This is used to remove the back cover screws if you need to access the SSD slot.
Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your SSD
Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the upgrade process:
1. Power Off and Disconnect: Turn off your ROG Ally and disconnect it from any power sources.
2. Remove the Back Cover: Use the T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the back cover of the ROG Ally. Carefully lift the back cover off, taking care not to damage any cables or components.
3. Locate the SSD: The M.2 2230 SSD is located in a slot near the top of the motherboard. It’s secured by a single screw.
4. Remove the Old SSD: Unscrew the SSD and gently pull it out of the slot.
5. Install the New SSD: Align the new SSD with the slot, ensuring the notch on the SSD aligns with the slot’s key. Screw the SSD securely in place.
6. Reassemble the Ally: Carefully place the back cover back on the device and secure it with the four screws.
7. Power On and Format: Power on your ROG Ally. You’ll need to format the new SSD before you can use it. This is a simple process that can be done through the device’s settings.
8. Install Games and Enjoy: Once the new SSD is formatted, you can start installing your games and enjoy the improved performance.
Important Considerations
- Data Backup: Before upgrading your SSD, back up all your important data to avoid losing it.
- Warranty: Upgrading the SSD may void your warranty. Check your warranty terms and conditions before proceeding.
- Static Electricity: Take precautions against static electricity by using an anti-static wrist strap and working on a non-carpeted surface.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Upgrade
Upgrading the SSD on your ASUS ROG Ally is a simple yet effective way to unlock its true potential. With a faster SSD, you’ll experience quicker loading times, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive gaming experience. However, remember that the Ally is a powerful device even in its stock configuration. The SSD upgrade is an optional enhancement that allows you to tailor the device to your specific needs and preferences.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I use any M.2 2230 SSD?
A: Not all M.2 2230 SSDs are compatible with the ROG Ally. Ensure you choose an SSD that is specifically designed for use in handheld devices and meets the device’s power and performance requirements.
Q: How do I format the new SSD?
A: Once you’ve installed the new SSD, you can format it through the ROG Ally‘s settings. Go to **Settings > Storage > Format**.
Q: What happens to my games after I upgrade the SSD?
A: You’ll need to reinstall your games on the new SSD. However, you can transfer your game library from the old SSD to the new one using a file transfer tool.
Q: Will upgrading the SSD affect the battery life?
A: Upgrading the SSD is unlikely to have a significant impact on battery life. However, using a high-performance SSD with demanding games may consume more power than a slower SSD.
