The Ultimate Guide: How to Install SSD on Asus ROG Ally for Peak Performance
What To Know
- Thankfully, upgrading the SSD is a breeze, allowing you to install more games and enjoy faster loading times.
- This guide will walk you through the process of how to install SSD Asus ROG Ally, ensuring a smooth and successful upgrade.
- You can then use a USB drive to install Windows on the new SSD.
The ASUS ROG Ally is a powerful handheld gaming machine, but its internal storage might not be enough for your ever-growing game library. Thankfully, upgrading the SSD is a breeze, allowing you to install more games and enjoy faster loading times. This guide will walk you through the process of how to install SSD Asus ROG Ally, ensuring a smooth and successful upgrade.
Gather Your Tools
Before diving into the installation, make sure you have the following tools:
- A Phillips head screwdriver: This is essential for removing the screws holding the back panel in place.
- A new SSD: Choose a compatible SSD with the desired storage capacity. The ROG Ally supports NVMe PCIe SSDs with a 2230 form factor.
- Anti-static wrist strap (optional): This helps prevent static discharge that could damage your components.
- A soft cloth: Use this to clean any dust or debris before and after the installation.
Back Up Your Data
Before you begin the upgrade, it’s crucial to back up your important data. This includes your game saves, system settings, and any other files you want to preserve. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a USB drive for this purpose.
Disassembling the ROG Ally
1. Power Off and Disconnect: Make sure the ROG Ally is completely powered off and disconnected from any power source.
2. Remove the Back Panel: Locate the screws holding the back panel in place. They are usually located around the edges of the device. Use your Phillips head screwdriver to carefully remove these screws.
3. Gently Pry Open: Once the screws are removed, gently pry open the back panel. Be careful not to force it, as it might damage the clips holding it in place.
Installing the New SSD
1. Locate the SSD Slot: Inside the ROG Ally, you’ll find the SSD slot. It’s usually located near the top of the device.
2. Remove the Old SSD: Carefully remove the existing SSD from its slot.
3. Insert the New SSD: Align the new SSD with the slot and gently push it into place. Ensure it’s securely seated.
Reassemble the ROG Ally
1. Replace the Back Panel: Gently snap the back panel back into place, ensuring all the clips are properly engaged.
2. Secure the Screws: Replace the screws you removed earlier, making sure they are tightened securely.
Formatting and Installing Windows
1. Format the SSD: Once the ROG Ally is reassembled, you need to format the new SSD. This involves partitioning and creating a file system on the drive. You can do this using the Windows Disk Management tool or a third-party partitioning software.
2. Install Windows: Download the Windows 11 installation media (ISO file) from Microsoft’s website. You can then use a USB drive to install Windows on the new SSD.
3. Install Drivers: After Windows is installed, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers for your ROG Ally. These drivers can be found on the ASUS support website.
Final Touches
1. Transfer Data: After installing Windows and drivers, you can transfer your backed-up data from your previous storage device to the new SSD.
2. Install Games: Now you’re ready to install your favorite games on the new SSD. Enjoy faster loading times and a smoother gaming experience.
Beyond Storage: Optimizing Your ROG Ally
While a new SSD significantly improves performance, there are additional ways to optimize your ROG Ally:
- Update Drivers: Keep your device’s drivers up-to-date to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
- Close Unnecessary Programs: Minimize background processes to free up system resources and improve performance.
- Adjust Graphics Settings: Lowering graphics settings in games can improve performance and extend battery life.
- Use a Cooling Stand: A cooling stand helps keep your ROG Ally cool and prevents throttling, improving performance.
The End of the Journey: Your Ally is Ready
Congratulations! You’ve successfully upgraded your ROG Ally’s SSD, unlocking its full potential. Now you can enjoy a vast game library, blazing-fast loading times, and an immersive gaming experience.
What People Want to Know
Q: What type of SSD should I use for my ROG Ally?
A: The ROG Ally supports NVMe PCIe SSDs with a 2230 form factor. Make sure to choose a compatible SSD with the desired storage capacity.
Q: Do I need to reinstall Windows after upgrading the SSD?
A: Yes, you need to reinstall Windows on the new SSD. You can use a USB drive with the Windows installation media.
Q: What happens to my existing game saves after upgrading the SSD?
A: Your game saves will not be transferred to the new SSD. Make sure to back up your saves before upgrading, and reinstall games after the upgrade to ensure your progress is preserved.
Q: Can I use the old SSD as external storage?
A: Yes, you can use the old SSD as external storage by connecting it to the ROG Ally via a USB adapter. However, keep in mind that the performance might be slower compared to the internal SSD.