Summary
- In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of the ASUS ROG Ally Extreme vs Normal debate, analyzing their key features, performance, and overall value to determine which one emerges as the ultimate victor.
- When it comes to gaming, the RTX 3080 Ti in the Extreme model reigns supreme, offering up to 20% higher frame rates than the RTX 3070 in the Normal model.
- The Extreme model also benefits from a dedicated MUX switch, which allows the laptop to bypass the integrated graphics and directly connect the display to the dedicated GPU, further boosting gaming performance.
In the realm of gaming laptops, the ASUS ROG series stands tall, offering a formidable lineup of machines tailored to meet the demanding needs of hardcore gamers. Among these, the ROG Ally Extreme and ROG Ally Normal emerge as two distinct offerings, each with unique strengths and target audiences. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of the ASUS ROG Ally Extreme vs Normal debate, analyzing their key features, performance, and overall value to determine which one emerges as the ultimate victor.
Specifications and Design
| Feature | ASUS ROG Ally Extreme | ASUS ROG Ally Normal |
| — | — | — |
| Display | 15.6-inch, 240Hz, 3ms response time | 15.6-inch, 144Hz, 5ms response time |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-12900HX | Intel Core i7-12700H |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 |
| Memory | 32GB DDR5 | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD | 512GB NVMe SSD |
| Weight | 4.9 pounds | 4.6 pounds |
At first glance, the specifications of the ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and ROG Ally Normal reveal a clear hierarchy. The Extreme model boasts a superior display with a higher refresh rate and faster response time, providing an immersive and fluid gaming experience. It also packs a more powerful processor and graphics card, ensuring exceptional performance in demanding AAA titles. Additionally, the Extreme model offers a generous 32GB of DDR5 memory and a spacious 1TB NVMe SSD, providing ample capacity for multitasking and game storage.
Performance
Benchmark tests paint a clear picture of the performance gap between the ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and ROG Ally Normal. In synthetic benchmarks like Cinebench R23, the Extreme model’s Core i9 processor unleashes its full potential, delivering significantly higher multi-core performance than the Core i7 in the Normal model. This translates into faster rendering times and smoother multitasking.
When it comes to gaming, the RTX 3080 Ti in the Extreme model reigns supreme, offering up to 20% higher frame rates than the RTX 3070 in the Normal model. This difference becomes particularly noticeable in high-resolution gaming and when running demanding graphics settings. The Extreme model also benefits from a dedicated MUX switch, which allows the laptop to bypass the integrated graphics and directly connect the display to the dedicated GPU, further boosting gaming performance.
Cooling and Battery Life
Both the ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and ROG Ally Normal feature robust cooling systems to dissipate the heat generated by their powerful components. The Extreme model employs a larger vapor chamber and six heat pipes, while the Normal model relies on a more compact cooling solution. In practice, the Extreme model runs slightly cooler under load, but both laptops maintain acceptable temperatures during extended gaming sessions.
Battery life is a crucial aspect for laptops intended for on-the-go use. The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and ROG Ally Normal both feature large batteries with capacities of 90Wh and 92Wh, respectively. However, due to the Extreme model’s more power-hungry components, it offers slightly shorter battery life than the Normal model. Expect around 5-6 hours of mixed use on the Extreme model and 6-7 hours on the Normal model.
Build Quality and Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and ROG Ally Normal share a similar design language, with angular lines and sharp accents. Both laptops are constructed from durable materials and feature sturdy hinges that provide a reassuring feel when opening and closing the lid.
In terms of connectivity, both models offer a comprehensive array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and an Ethernet port. However, the Extreme model adds a dedicated DisplayPort and a microSD card reader, providing greater flexibility for external displays and file transfers.
Software and Features
The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and ROG Ally Normal come pre-installed with Windows 11 Home and a suite of ROG-exclusive software. This includes the Armoury Crate software, which provides comprehensive control over performance settings, lighting effects, and fan profiles. Additionally, both laptops feature built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos support, delivering immersive audio for gaming and entertainment.
Value and Target Audience
The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and ROG Ally Normal represent different value propositions for different types of gamers. The Extreme model is a no-compromise beast, offering the ultimate gaming experience with its top-of-the-line hardware and exceptional performance. It is ideal for professional gamers, hardcore enthusiasts, and those who demand the absolute best in their gaming laptops.
The ROG Ally Normal, on the other hand, strikes a balance between performance and affordability. It provides a solid gaming experience with its capable hardware and decent performance, making it a suitable choice for casual gamers, students, and those on a budget.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and ROG Ally Normal ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for the absolute best gaming laptop with no compromises, the Extreme model is the clear winner. However, if you’re seeking a more affordable option that still offers a solid gaming experience, the Normal model is a great choice.
Alternatives to Consider
If the ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and ROG Ally Normal don‘t quite meet your requirements, consider these alternatives:
- Razer Blade 15 Advanced: A high-end gaming laptop with a sleek design and powerful hardware.
- MSI GE76 Raider: A large-screen gaming laptop with a powerful cooling system and customizable RGB lighting.
- Alienware m15 R7: A premium gaming laptop with a thin and lightweight design and excellent performance.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Which laptop has a better display?
The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme has a superior display with a higher refresh rate and faster response time.
2. Which laptop is more powerful?
The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme is more powerful, featuring a more powerful processor and graphics card.
3. Which laptop has better cooling?
The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme has a larger vapor chamber and six heat pipes, providing slightly better cooling than the Normal model.
4. Which laptop has longer battery life?
The ASUS ROG Ally Normal has slightly longer battery life due to its more efficient components.
5. Which laptop is better for professional gamers?
The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme is the better choice for professional gamers due to its superior performance and features.