Move over, power banks. A resourceful Redditor has performed a significant, unofficial surgery on their ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, swapping out the standard 40Wh battery for a massive 80Wh unit, claiming near-doubled playtime and potentially solving the handheld PC's most common gripe. The results, if replicable, could be a game-changer for on-the-go gamers.
The mod, detailed extensively by Redditor u/randomdude1234 (name changed for privacy), wasn't for the faint of heart. It involved meticulous disassembly, careful removal of the original battery, and the challenging integration of a physically larger, higher-capacity battery pack – reportedly sourced from a high-end laptop – into the Ally's compact chassis.
"It's night and day," u/randomdude1234 declared in their now-viral post. "Where I was getting maybe 1.5 to 2 hours in demanding games like Elden Ring at 15W, I'm now easily hitting 3.5 to 4 hours on the same settings. For indie games or emulation at lower TDPs? Forget about it, I'm looking at 6+ hours easily. It feels unreal."
"The weight increase is noticeable but manageable, and honestly, worth every gram for this kind of freedom. This feels like the Ally we always wanted."
- u/randomdude1234, Redditor and ROG Ally Modder
The ambitious project required more than just swapping batteries. u/randomdude1234 documented the need for custom 3D-printed brackets to securely mount the larger cell and careful rerouting of internal cables. Crucially, they confirmed that the Ally's firmware and charging circuitry correctly recognized and charged the new 80Wh battery, a non-trivial hurdle in such modifications.
Visual proof accompanied the claims. In a detailed YouTube video (jump to 28:17 for the battery mod section), the modder showcased the installation process and provided real-time gameplay tests comparing the original and upgraded batteries, visibly demonstrating the extended session times.
While the modder credits their own technical skills, they also leaned heavily on community resources. The comprehensive iFixit ROG Ally Battery Replacement Guide provided the essential roadmap for safely accessing the Ally's internals, proving invaluable even for this far more complex upgrade.
Implications and Caveats:
- Not for Everyone: This is an advanced, warranty-voiding modification requiring significant technical skill, specialized tools (like a 3D printer), and sourcing a compatible, high-quality 80Wh battery. One wrong move could damage the device.
- Physical Changes: The larger battery adds noticeable weight and thickness. The modder used custom backplates to accommodate the bulge, altering the Ally's sleek profile.
- Thermal & Safety: While the modder reported stable temperatures during testing, integrating a much larger energy source necessitates careful monitoring. Using uncertified or low-quality batteries poses serious safety risks.
- Official Support? Unlikely: ASUS designed the Ally around the 40Wh battery. There's no indication they will offer an official battery upgrade kit, leaving this firmly in the realm of enthusiast tinkering.
The Verdict:
This 80Wh mod represents the bleeding edge of ROG Ally customization. u/randomdude1234 has demonstrated a proof-of-concept that directly addresses the biggest limitation of powerful x86 handhelds: battery life. The claimed results – effectively doubling usable playtime – are nothing short of remarkable and represent the holy grail for portable gamers.
While this specific mod won't be appearing on store shelves, it serves as a potent demonstration of what's possible. It pushes the boundaries of the platform and will undoubtedly inspire other technically adept users. More importantly, it sends a clear message to manufacturers like ASUS: the demand for significantly longer battery life in next-gen handhelds is immense. For now, the "unreal" extended playtime belongs solely to the boldest of tinkerers.
Post a Comment