The Asus ROG Ally is a handheld gaming console that has gained a lot of attention since its announcement in 2022. Its custom AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip with 8 CPU cores and an iGPU with 6 WGPs (12 CUs) has been touted as a game-changer in the world of handheld gaming consoles. However, a new Geekbench listing has revealed the existence of a second, slightly-less-powerful variant of the Asus ROG Ally. This variant is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1, which has six cores/twelve threads and an iGPU with 2 WGPs (4 CUs).
The Ryzen Z1 powering the unknown Asus ROG Ally variant has a boost clock of 4.9 GHz, marginally lower than its Extreme-branded version. This may not seem like a significant difference, but it is worth noting that the iGPU in the Ryzen Z1 has half the number of WGPs (4 CUs) as compared to the Ryzen Z1 Extreme (12 CUs). This means that the iGPU in the second variant of the Asus ROG Ally will be significantly less powerful than its sibling.
Geekbench listings are not always reliable, as they can be faked or manipulated. Therefore, it is essential to take the above listing with some scepticism. It would make little sense for Asus to release a crippled version of its first console, especially in an era when there are plenty of Ryzen 7000-powered handhelds on the market. However, it is possible that Asus may be testing different configurations of the Asus ROG Ally, and this second variant could be one of these test models.
If this second variant of the Asus ROG Ally is indeed a test model, it is possible that Asus is exploring different options for the console's hardware. As with any hardware device, the choice of hardware components is a trade-off between performance and cost. It is possible that Asus is trying to find a balance between these two factors with the Asus ROG Ally.
While the Ryzen Z1 may not be as powerful as the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, it is still a formidable chip in its own right. The Ryzen Z1 has six cores and twelve threads, which is more than enough for most games. The iGPU with 2 WGPs (4 CUs) may not be as powerful as the iGPU with 6 WGPs (12 CUs) in the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, but it is still capable of running most games at reasonable frame rates.
It is worth noting that the choice of hardware components is not the only factor that determines the performance of a handheld gaming console. The console's software also plays a significant role in determining its performance. Optimising the software for the hardware is crucial in getting the most out of the hardware components.
In conclusion, the second variant of the Asus ROG Ally has been spotted on Geekbench, running a less powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 chip with 6 cores and an iGPU with 2 WGPs (4 CUs). It is not clear whether this variant is a test model or a production model. If it is a test model, Asus may be exploring different options for the console's hardware. While the Ryzen Z1 may not be as powerful as the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, it is still a formidable chip that is capable of running most games. The iGPU with 2 WGPs (4 CUs) may not be as powerful as the iGPU with 6 WGPs (12 CUs) in the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, but it is still capable of running most games at reasonable frame rates. Ultimately, the performance of the Asus ROG Ally will depend on how well the hardware and software are optimised for each other.
