ASUS has revealed how much slower the younger version of the ROG Ally portable console is than the older one

ASUS has revealed how the ROG Ally portable gaming console based on the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor differs from its younger version based on the accompanying AMD Ryzen Z1 chip. As a reminder, the first one costs $699 while the second one costs $599.

Image source: ASUS

The main difference between the consoles is the processors. The $699 model is based on an eight-core, 16-thread Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip with Zen 4 cores clocked at up to 5.1 GHz and integrated RDNA 3 graphics with 12 execution units (768 Stream processors) clocked at up to 2.7 GHz. The $599 console features a Ryzen Z1 processor with six Zen 4 cores (4.9 GHz) and just four RDNA 3 units (2.5 GHz). Both chips have a dynamic TDP of 9 to 30 W. The integrated graphics of both processors support the upscaling technologies FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) as well as the image synchronization technology AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Both consoles received screens that support 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.

With more cores, higher clock speeds, and more integrated graphics execution units, the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor delivers faster gaming performance. However, this does not mean that the version of the console based on the AMD Ryzen Z1 chip cannot cope with the latest games. ASUS internal gaming tests show the six-core Ryzen Z1-powered console delivers 30 frames per second or more in AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Diablo IV in Turbo mode. In many others the console shows more than 45-60 frames per second. Of course, the older version offers significantly higher performance – from 45 FPS.

Which model is ultimately suitable for purchase depends on the games coming onto the market, the desired frame rate and image quality settings and the user’s available budget. But both consoles are ready to offer a quality gaming experience. However, the older version has greater performance reserves for the future.

The model of the console with the AMD Ryzen Z1 chip recently went on sale and therefore received all the software updates released since the launch of ROG Ally with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. This contains:

• additional settings for the console controls, including a joystick and trigger calibration tool, an anti-dead zone slider and a hold-to-repeat function;
• More useful interface elements in Armory Crate and Command Center, including information about battery level, Wi-Fi network status, and current system time;
• more settings in the Command Center, a new “End task” function;
• a more convenient game library with more convenient manual selection of wallpapers, more convenient operation of the functions of adding and deleting games;
• Increased compatibility with USB-C docking stations for console use in 30W power mode (when connected to a power outlet);
• more frame limiter settings in games and dedicated memory for the built-in GPU;
• Screen dimming settings when using the console in the dark;
• updated GPU drivers with support for new games including Starfield, as well as a number of minor bug fixes and bugs.

ASUS also posted this on its official website detailed instructionsin which he explains, for example, how best to optimize gaming performance, how to play on the console without the Internet and also gives various recommendations for gaming on ROG Ally consoles.