ASUS has finally started selling the ROG Ally with an AMD Ryzen Z1 APU, months after it started shipping Ryzen Z1 Extreme units. The new version is cheaper than the existing Ryzen Z1 Extreme model but retains a 120 Hz display, 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and a 40 Wh battery. The cheaper ASUS ROG Ally makes sacrifices in other areas, though.
Introduction to ASUS ROG Ally
ASUS has been a prominent name in the world of gaming laptops and devices, and their ROG (Republic of Gamers) series has garnered a dedicated following among gamers. The ASUS ROG Ally is one of the latest offerings in this lineup, and it's generating quite a buzz with its updated hardware configuration.
Until recently, ASUS exclusively offered the ROG Ally with the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU. This APU provided exceptional performance, putting it in line with some of the top processors in the market, such as the Ryzen 7 7840U. However, ASUS has now introduced a new variant of the ROG Ally, featuring the AMD Ryzen Z1 APU, which offers similar capabilities but at a more affordable price point.
The Ryzen Z1 APU Specifications
Let's delve into the specifications of this newly introduced Ryzen Z1 APU. It comes equipped with six CPU cores, falling just short of the maximum eight-core configuration seen in the Ryzen Z1 Extreme. This slight reduction in core count means that the Ryzen Z1 APU should provide CPU performance similar to that of the Ryzen 5 7540U and Ryzen 5 7640U, which are known for their efficiency and power.
Furthermore, the Ryzen Z1 APU features an integrated GPU with 4 Compute Units (CUs), narrowing down performance comparisons to models like the Ryzen 5 7540U, which is often chosen for its balance of power and efficiency.
Gaming Optimization and Performance
Gaming enthusiasts will be pleased to know that both Ryzen Z1 APUs, the Extreme and the standard Z1, come with optimizations tailored for gaming handheld devices. These optimizations include tweaked voltage curves that are designed to enhance runtime, ultimately leading to a better gaming experience on the go.
However, it's essential to note that the Ryzen Z1 APU, while offering commendable performance, does give up some of the sheer power found in the Ryzen Z1 Extreme. Early performance data, as reported by respected tech reviewers like ETA Prime and Retro Game Corps, suggests that there is a noticeable difference between the two APUs, especially when it comes to demanding gaming scenarios.
Despite these variations in performance, ASUS has managed to significantly reduce the price of the Ryzen Z1 version of the ROG Ally. The standard model is now available at a competitive price of just US$599, making it an enticing option for gamers who are looking for top-notch gaming performance without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Ally with the AMD Ryzen Z1 APU is a testament to ASUS' commitment to delivering quality gaming experiences to its users. While it may not match the sheer power of the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, it offers a highly competitive performance-to-price ratio, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious gamers.
For a comprehensive evaluation of the ROG Ally, including in-depth insights into its performance, design, and overall gaming experience, we recommend checking out our detailed ROG Ally review. This review covers ASUS' first gaming handheld beyond its Zen 4 and RDNA 3-based APUs, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.
Keywords
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