How to upgrade the ROG Ally SSD without reinstallation

As time goes on, our PC demands grow, requiring more power and efficiency to meet those needs. We receive software updates over time, but the real boost in performance and optimization comes from hardware. If you're using an HDD or SSD and want to upgrade your ROG Ally SSD to a new one, you'll need a guide to walk you through the process and reinstall Windows. We'll go through two methods of replacing the SSD with tools: one without needing to reinstall Windows and another that requires it.

What you'll need to upgrade the ASUS ROG Ally's SSD: 1. **New M.2 NVMe SSD**: Ensure you get an M.2 2280 NVMe solid-state drive that is compatible with the ASUS ROG Ally. 2. **Screwdriver**: Typically a small Phillips head screwdriver for removing the device's bottom cover. 3. **Anti-static wrist strap**: To protect the computer's internal components from static electricity damage. 4. **User manual/guide**: For proper guidance to avoid damaging the device during the process. 5. **Backup tool**: It's recommended to back up important data to an external storage device before replacing the SSD. 6. **Installation software/drivers**: After the upgrade, you may need to reinstall the operating system and relevant drivers. Make sure your device is completely turned off and disconnected from power and all external devices before proceeding. If unsure, it's advisable to seek assistance from a professional.

The Asus ROG Ally is a powerful handheld gaming PC, just like the Steam Deck. It comes with Windows 11 pre-installed and offers a 512GB SSD for storing your games. If you're unsatisfied with the limited storage of the Asus ROG Ally, you can attempt to upgrade its SSD to a larger capacity.

Here's how to upgrade the SSD on your ASUS ROG Ally: Shared by u/looney2388 on the ROGAlly subreddit.

First, we need to prepare all the tools for this process. Check the list of required items and gather them:

If you'd rather clone the drive (and avoid a fresh install), you'll need an SSD enclosure to clone the contents of your old drive to the new one.

Did this article solve your problem? If it was helpful, please share it on social media!

Upgrade the SSD in ROG Ally without reinstalling Windows

Reinstalling Windows will wipe all data, including game progress on your ROG Ally. If you want to keep all your games and save game progress without losing any data, you can use bit-by-bit cloning to transfer everything from your old SSD to the new one before installing ROG Ally. For this complicated task to be flawless, you'll need reliable and secure software.

A hard drive cloning tool is a reliable software that can clone your SSD bit-by-bit and transfer all the data to the new SSD. It will overwrite bad sectors, migrate all the data, and serve as an instant recovery tool in case of emergencies. With this tool, you can safely clone SSDs, hard drives, and systems or create bootable disks.

• Clone your SSD sector by sector
• Transfer data from old hard drive to new PC
• Resize SSD partitions during cloning
• Copy your Windows installation drive to an SSD
• Upgrade a smaller hard drive to a larger one

With advanced and efficient software and a simple guide, disk cloning software can clone your SSD in 3 steps. Download a disk cloning tool, transfer all your game data to the new SSD, and upgrade your ASUS ROG Ally without reinstalling Windows.

Advance Notice:

• "Sector-by-sector copy" requires the target disk to be the same size or larger than the source disk. Do not check this option if you want to clone a larger hard drive to a smaller one. • All data on the target disk will be completely erased, so please proceed with caution.

Step 1: To start copying/cloning an entire disk to another, select the disk here under "Disk Mode" and click "Next".

Step 2: Select another disk as the target disk.

Step 3: Check the disk layout of both disks. You can manage the target disk's layout by choosing "Auto-adjust the size of target disk," "Keep the same as source disk," or "Edit disk layout."

When the warning message appears, click OK.

• "Auto-adjust disk" makes some modifications to the layout of the target disk by default, so it runs at its best.
• "Copy as source disk" leaves the target disk unmodified; its layout will be the same as the source disk.
• "Edit disk layout" lets you manually adjust/move partitions on the target disk.

Check the box for “Run this check if the target is an SSD” for optimal performance of your SSD.

A warning message will appear, indicating that your data will be lost. Confirm this by clicking “OK,” and then click “Next.”

Click “Proceed” to perform the task officially.

Did this article solve your problem? If it was helpful, please consider sharing it on social media!

Upgrade the ASUS ROG Ally SSD and Reinstall Windows

We will be using the latest BIOS firmware for this installation, but it will wipe all your data, and you'll have to download your games and apps from scratch. Let's look at our guide on how to replace your old SSD with a new SSD and reinstall Windows.

Step 1: Install the latest BIOS version

To ensure your ASUS ROG Ally has the latest BIOS, first power on the device and complete the initial Windows setup. Once you reach the desktop, locate the MyASUS app, check for updates, and download the latest BIOS version before shutting down the device.

Step 2: Remove the Allies Back Cover

Before removing the back cover screws, drain the battery below 25%, and remove any installed microSD cards.

Flip the ROG Ally upside down and place it on a flat surface. Grab your screen removal tool and loosen all six screws on the back. The screw in the middle of the bottom can't be removed entirely; you'll use it to pry up the bottom panel. Now, attempt to separate the backplate from the console.

If you can't remove the bottom panel, use a guitar pick to loosen the screws holding the case to the bezel.

Step 3: Replace the old SSD with the new one

First, for safety, disconnect the battery from the handheld device. Locate the black flap between the fans, and use a guitar pick to slide the metal retaining clip back.

Pull the battery connector upward to disconnect it from its socket.

Disconnect the battery, then remove the black flap.

Under the black mesh below the fan, you'll see the SSD. Loosen the screw holding the drive in place, pull out the SSD, and slide the new one in. Secure it with the screw, reconnect all the cables—including the battery and back cover—and you're done.

Remove the screws and replace the SSD.

Step 4: Reinstall Windows with ASUS Cloud Recovery

Once you have your device back, plug the Ally into the wall using the 65W charger. Hold down the volume down button and the power button to turn the device on. The device will boot into the BIOS menu.

1. Press Y to exit EZ mode.

2. Switch to the [Advanced] tab, select [ASUS Cloud Recovery], then press A to start the download.

3. Connect to your Wi-Fi and let the ROG Ally download and reinstall Windows.

This is a video on how to upgrade the SSD on the ROG Ally.

This is an embed code for a YouTube video. When placed on a webpage, it will display a video player with a height of 450 pixels and a width of 700 pixels, featuring full-screen capability, clipboard write permission, encrypted media, gyroscope, picture-in-picture, and web-sharing options. The video ID is "VtQ24SghjZ0".

If you want to learn how to do a clean install of Windows 10 on your new SSD, check out the following article.

How to Choose the Best ROG Ally SSD for an Upgrade

There are several ways to increase the ROG Ally's storage, but the best option is to replace its SSD (512 GB) with a larger capacity one. The Asus ROG Ally comes with a 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD (in the 2230 form factor) and supports all compact 2230 M.2 NVMe drives.

Before choosing the best SSD for your ROG Ally, you need to understand what to look for. Most discussions about SSDs boil down to two aspects: performance and storage. Performance pertains to read and write speeds that allow games to run at high FPS, while storage is for keeping all your games on the console. The ROG Ally comes with a default 512GB SSD, which you can upgrade to a 1TB or 2TB drive.

Here's a list of the best SSDs for upgrading your ROG Ally SSD:

• Teamgroup MP44S 1TB: If you're on a tight budget, the Teamgroup MP44S is an ideal portable SSD option. It's an NVMe SSD in the 2230 form factor, available in 1TB and 2TB capacities.
• Corsair MP600 Mini: The Corsair MP600 is another excellent SSD that pairs well with ASUS ROG systems. This is a 1TB SSD variant with commendable read and write speeds.
• SABRENT Rocket 2230 NVMe 4.0 1TB SSD: The SABRENT Rocket SSD is gaining popularity. It offers 1TB of storage along with read speeds of up to 4,750MB/s and write speeds of up to 4,300MB/s, combining reliability and performance.
• WD - BLACK SN770M 2TB Internal SSD: Western Digital's SSDs excel in both performance and storage. The WD - BLACK SN770M 2TB boasts read speeds of 5,150MB/s and write speeds of 4,850MB/s. This SSD comes in a 2230 form factor, ensuring efficiency and speed. While WD's SSDs tend to be pricier, they provide excellent storage capacity and speed.

In short

Upgrading your ASUS ROG Ally SSD can make your device faster and more efficient. You'll be able to store more games, and with its rapid read and write speeds, you can enjoy high-end gaming without lag. With this guide, you can upgrade your ROG Ally SSD with or without Windows installed. If you don't want to lose your data and game progress, the best option is to use a reliable cloning tool like Disk Clone to transfer your data to the new SSD and upgrade your device seamlessly.

FAQs for Upgrading the ROG Ally SSD 1. Q: Can I upgrade the ROG Ally SSD to a larger capacity? A: Yes, you can replace the SSD with a higher capacity one. Make sure to choose a compatible SSD model. 2. Q: How do I know if my ROG Ally supports NVMe SSDs? A: ROG Ally generally supports NVMe SSDs, but it's best to check the official specifications or contact customer support before purchasing. 3. Q: Do I need special tools to upgrade the ROG Ally's SSD? A: You will typically need a small crosshead screwdriver to open the device and replace the SSD. Follow official guidelines to avoid damaging the device. 4. Q: Will I need to reinstall the operating system after upgrading the SSD? A: Yes, you'll need to reinstall the operating system and all applications as they're usually tied to specific hardware. 5. Q: Are there data migration tools to help transfer data from my old SSD? A: Some SSD manufacturers provide data migration software, but it's advisable to back up important files beforehand just in case. 6. Q: Will upgrading the SSD affect the ROG Ally's performance? A: Replacing the SSD with a higher-performing one usually improves read and write speeds, enhancing overall system performance. 7. Q: Will my ROG Ally warranty be void if I replace the SSD myself? A: If you follow official guidelines and use compatible parts, it shouldn't affect the warranty. However, it's best to consult with ASUS for confirmation. 8. Q: Do I need to buy a specific brand of SSD for compatibility? A: While not mandatory, it's recommended to purchase an SSD from an ASUS-recommended or verified brand for optimal compatibility and performance. 9. Q: How long does the upgrade process take? A: The time depends on your technical proficiency and SSD installation speed. Disassembly might take around half an hour, while reinstalling the OS and apps could take longer. 10. Q: Should I seek professional help if I'm not familiar with this process? A: If you're uncomfortable with the internal components of electronic devices or fear making mistakes, it's wise to consult a professional technician to prevent potential damage.

Here are some common questions about Duplicate Video Finders on a Mac. If you have similar concerns, this will be helpful.

1. Can the SSD on the ROG Ally be upgraded?

Yes, you can upgrade the SSD on your ROG Ally in three ways. The Ally allows you to enhance storage and performance using a microSD card, an external drive, or the built-in SSD.

2. Can I upgrade the ROG Ally SSD without losing data?

You can use a professional cloning tool, such as Disk Copy, to upgrade the ROG Ally's SSD without losing any data. Everything on the old SSD will be copied over to the new one, and the ROG Ally will automatically update.

3. Is the ROG Ally more powerful than the Steam Deck?

Yes, the ROG Ally is more powerful than the Steam Deck. Priced higher, the ROG Ally comes equipped with high-end hardware, while the Steam Deck is an affordable option.