Maximize Your Gaming Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change VRAM on Asus ROG Ally

The ASUS ROG Ally is a powerhouse of a handheld gaming console, offering a truly immersive experience for gamers on the go. However, like any powerful device, it can benefit from optimization, and one key area for improvement is its VRAM. This guide will walk you through the process of how to change the VRAM on an ASUS ROG Ally, unlocking the full potential of your console.

Understanding VRAM and its Impact on Performance

VRAM, or Video RAM, is a special type of memory directly connected to your graphics processing unit (GPU). It’s responsible for storing textures, shaders, and other graphical data that the GPU needs to render images on your screen. More VRAM means the GPU can access more data quickly, resulting in smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and improved visual fidelity.

Why Change the VRAM on your ASUS ROG Ally?

The ASUS ROG Ally comes with a dedicated amount of VRAM, but you might find that it’s not enough for certain demanding games, especially at higher resolutions or with advanced graphics settings. Changing the VRAM allocation can help you:

• Improve performance: By dedicating more memory to the GPU, you can experience smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and reduced stuttering.
• Play more demanding games: Games that previously struggled to run smoothly might become playable with increased VRAM.
• Enjoy higher resolution and graphics settings: You may be able to run games at higher resolutions or with more demanding graphics settings without sacrificing performance.

How to Change the VRAM on your ASUS ROG Ally

Important Note: Modifying VRAM allocation is an advanced setting and should only be attempted by users comfortable with system configuration. Incorrect changes can lead to instability or performance issues.
Here’s how to change the VRAM on your ASUS ROG Ally:
1. Access the BIOS:

• Power off your ROG Ally.
• Press and hold the power button while simultaneously pressing the volume up button.
• Release both buttons when you see the ASUS logo appear. You should now be in the BIOS menu.

2. Navigate to the Advanced Settings: Use the arrow keys on your keyboard or gamepad to navigate through the BIOS menu. Find the “Advanced” or “Advanced Settings” option.
3. Locate the VRAM Allocation Setting: Within the Advanced Settings, look for an option related to VRAM allocation, graphics memory, or similar. The exact wording may vary depending on your BIOS version.
4. Adjust the VRAM Allocation: Use the arrow keys to adjust the VRAM allocation to your desired value. Remember to start with a small increase and test the performance before making larger adjustments.
5. Save and Exit: Once you’ve adjusted the VRAM allocation, navigate to the “Save & Exit” option and select it. The BIOS will save your changes and reboot your system.

Tips for Adjusting VRAM Allocation

• Start Small: Begin by increasing the VRAM allocation by a small amount, such as 50-100MB. Test your games and see if you notice any improvement.
• Monitor Performance: Keep a close eye on your game’s performance after making changes to the VRAM allocation. Look for increased frame rates, smoother gameplay, and reduced stuttering.
• Experiment and Fine-Tune: Adjust the VRAM allocation in small increments until you find the optimal setting for your games and system.
• Revert if Necessary: If you encounter any issues or performance degradation, you can always revert to the default VRAM allocation by repeating the steps above and setting the value back to its original setting.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While changing the VRAM allocation can boost performance, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:

• System Instability: Incorrect VRAM allocation can lead to system instability, crashes, or even blue screens of death.
• Performance Degradation: In some cases, increasing VRAM allocation might actually decrease performance if the system doesn’t have enough resources to handle the increased memory demands.
• Hardware Limitations: The maximum VRAM allocation might be limited by your hardware, so don’t expect to allocate an unlimited amount of memory.

Beyond VRAM: Other Performance Optimization Tips

While changing the VRAM allocation can be beneficial, it’s just one aspect of optimizing your ASUS ROG Ally. Here are some additional tips for improving performance:

• Update Drivers: Ensure you have the latest drivers for your graphics card and other system components.
• Close Unnecessary Programs: Close any background programs that you’re not using to free up system resources.
• Adjust Graphics Settings: Lower the graphics settings in your games to reduce the load on your GPU.
• Monitor System Temperatures: Make sure your system isn’t overheating, as this can lead to performance issues.
• Clean Your System: Regularly clean your system’s fans and vents to prevent dust buildup, which can affect cooling and performance.

The Final Stretch: A Smoother Gaming Experience

By following these steps and applying the tips provided, you can unlock the full potential of your ASUS ROG Ally and enjoy a smoother, more immersive gaming experience. Remember to proceed with caution and experiment to find the optimal settings for your specific needs and games.

What You Need to Know

Q1: Is it safe to change the VRAM allocation on my ASUS ROG Ally?
A: Changing the VRAM allocation can be safe if done correctly. However, it’s an advanced setting that should only be attempted by users comfortable with system configuration. Incorrect changes can lead to instability or performance issues.
Q2: Will changing the VRAM allocation void my warranty?
A: Modifying the BIOS settings on your ASUS ROG Ally may void your warranty. It’s best to consult with ASUS support before making any changes.
Q3: What is the optimal VRAM allocation for my ASUS ROG Ally?
A: The optimal VRAM allocation depends on your specific games and system configuration. It’s best to start with small increments and experiment to find the best setting for your needs.
Q4: If I encounter issues after changing the VRAM allocation, how do I revert to the default settings?
A: You can revert to the default VRAM allocation by following the steps outlined in this guide and setting the value back to its original setting.
Q5: Is there any other way to improve performance on my ASUS ROG Ally besides changing the VRAM allocation?
A: Yes, there are other ways to improve performance, such as updating drivers, closing unnecessary programs, adjusting graphics settings, monitoring system temperatures, and cleaning your system.