The ROG Ally is an exceptional portable gaming device, but having 512GB of storage may not suffice in the year 2025. Fortunately, since it operates like a regular computer, you can enhance its storage capacity. However, it’s worth noting that a swapped-out SSD will typically perform faster than the original drive.
Improving performance often leads to an increase in heat, a persistent challenge faced by PC gamers globally. In my situation, I opted for a Crucial P310 1TB SSD, and under heavy use, it reached temperatures up to 73C (163F), which is quite warm. To safeguard the drive for longevity, I began investigating potential cooling solutions.
Within the confines of the ROG Ally, you can add a heatsink directly onto the SSD without needing any alterations or swapping out the original backplate. Not only does this seem to function effectively, but the process is budget-friendly and straightforward, making it an advisable solution for those in a similar predicament.
Choosing a heatsink for an m.2 2230 SSD
In some cooling projects, people attach large heat sinks onto their SSDs. However, in my approach, I chose to emulate others who placed a slim copper heat sink that snugly covers the top of the drive, similar to a skin.
I approximated that I spent around £10 on it, and it came equipped with all necessary components for installation, such as suitable screwdrivers for disassembling the ROG Ally and extracting the SSD. Additionally, it includes thermal pads which are placed between the SSD’s surface and the copper to facilitate heat conduction.
Simplifying the process for you: To replace the SSD on your ROG Ally, first, take off the backplate. Next, unscrew the screw securing the SSD (and if there’s any protective layer, remove it too). Lastly, gently push down on the SSD and slide it backwards to take it out.
After that, it’s just a matter of attaching the thermal pads according to the provided instructions. My kit comes with a pair, each with guidance on their respective placements, followed by aligning and adhering the heatsink appropriately so it fits snugly around the SSD.
To get your SSD functioning again, simply retrace the steps you took for removal, insert the SSD, and reattach its backplate. However, before powering up your ROG Ally, make sure to connect the authentic charger first. There’s a sensor within that recognizes when it’s been closed, and only the genuine charger can activate it to turn on.
Surprisingly effective cooling performance
In this scenario, I was hoping that the addition of a heat sink wouldn’t merely appear beneficial without any real impact. Fortunately, in my specific instance, it appears to have made a tangible difference.
Additionally, let me mention that I made a modification to my backplate by eliminating the dark material covering the vents. This minor adjustment enhances airflow slightly. Notably, the SSD is positioned near the fan, which could potentially mean that it’s experiencing some slight benefits as well.
While pushing my computer to its limits with intense gameplay on Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones, I noticed the temperature of the SSD without a heatsink reached a peak of approximately 163F (73C). However, after applying a heatsink, the peak temperature dropped substantially to around 143F (62C). Similarly, when writing large game files, or what I call ‘games’, the peak temperature also decreased from a pre-heatsink high in the low 70s to a more manageable 62C (143F) with the heatsink in place.
Temperatures during idleness are now slightly lower, although not significantly so. Previously ranging from approximately 104F to 107F, they have dropped to around 95F. In summary, this seems like a beneficial adjustment.
If you’re using the standard SSD that comes with your ROG Ally, you might not reap as many performance benefits compared to upgrading to an SSD like Crucial or WD_Black. However, if you’re expanding storage with a faster drive, it doesn’t seem to harm the system. The new SSD runs cooler and I haven’t observed any adverse effects on overall device temperatures. For its price, it’s definitely worth considering an upgrade.
Read More
- HBAR PREDICTION. HBAR cryptocurrency
- IMX PREDICTION. IMX cryptocurrency
- TRB PREDICTION. TRB cryptocurrency
- XDC PREDICTION. XDC cryptocurrency
- MNT PREDICTION. MNT cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- FLOKI PREDICTION. FLOKI cryptocurrency
- JTO PREDICTION. JTO cryptocurrency
- POL PREDICTION. POL cryptocurrency
- CAKE PREDICTION. CAKE cryptocurrency
2025-01-08 15:39