ROG Xbox Ally X Dock Mode Review – Unlocking 45W Sustained Performance

Introduction

The ROG Xbox Ally X has quickly become a focal point for handheld gaming enthusiasts, especially now that ASUS has introduced a full‑screen Windows experience for larger displays. While the device performs admirably on the go, many users wonder how much additional power can be extracted when the handheld is docked. This article examines the dock‑mode performance, walks through the necessary software tweaks, and presents real‑world benchmark results at a sustained 45 W power envelope.

Setting Up Dock Mode

Connecting to an External Display

• The Ally X supports USB‑C video‑in directly to a monitor. If a monitor lacks a USB‑C port, a simple adapter or a third‑party dock (similar to the Steam Deck dock) can be used.
• Docking eliminates concerns about battery life, allowing the system to run at higher TDP values without throttling.

Adjusting Power Settings in Armory Crate

1. Open Armory Crate → Performance.
2. Choose a preset or switch to Manual mode.
3. Set the Fast Power Limit (FPPPT) to 55 W (10‑second boost), Sustained Power Target (SPT) to 45 W for up to 2 minutes, and Sustained Power Limit (SPL) to 35 W for long‑term operation.
4. Increase the iGPU VRAM allocation from the default 8 GB to 10 GB (or up to 16 GB if needed).
5. Adjust the fan curve to accommodate the higher sustained wattage.

Note: The Z2 Extreme APU performs efficiently at lower TDPs, but raising the sustained limit to 45 W yields a noticeable uplift, particularly at higher resolutions.

Pushing Beyond the Default Profiles

While Armory Crate provides solid presets, a more aggressive configuration can be achieved with third‑party tools. The author used Universal x86 Tuning Utility to lock the power limits at a constant 45 W:

• APU Power Limit: 45 W (sustained)
• Slow Power Limit: 45 W
• Fast Power Limit: 45 W
• AMD Boost Profile: Performance
• Windows Power Mode: Best Performance
• ASUS Power Profile: Turbo

With these settings, the device maintains a steady 45 W TDP throughout extended gaming sessions, bypassing the automatic drop to 35 W after two minutes.

Benchmark Results at 45 W Sustained Power

The following games were tested at 1080p (or native resolution where noted) using a mix of FSR 3 and Frame Generation where applicable. All results represent average frame rates.

Cyberpunk 2077

• Settings: Medium, FSR 3 Quality, Frame Generation enabled
• Average FPS: ~78 fps (mid‑80s with frame gen, 60 fps without)

Mortal Kombat 1

• Settings: Medium, FSR 3 Quality
• Average FPS: ~85 fps – stable 60 fps lock easily achievable.

Street Fighter 6

• Settings: High, 60 fps lock
• Performance: Consistently 60 fps with smooth input response.

Spider‑Man 2

• Settings: Medium, FSR 3 Frame Generation
• Average FPS: ~78 fps – higher resolutions require aggressive scaling.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• Settings: High/Medium mix, FSR 3 Balance
• Average FPS: ~76 fps – playable with slight compromises on texture quality.

Borderlands 4 (Steam version)

• Settings: Low, Frame Generation on
• Average FPS: ~70 fps – noted occasional audio glitches; a Steam file verification resolved the issue.

Marvel Rivals

• Settings: Medium, FSR 3 Quality
• Average FPS: ~58 fps – lower than expected; performance varied across recent patches.

Forza Horizon 5

• Settings: 1440p Medium, no upscaling
• Average FPS: ~82 fps – strong performance even without FSR or XeSS.

Comparative Perspective

At a sustained 45 W, the Ally X comfortably outperforms its default 35 W configuration and edges closer to the output of a Xbox Series S, though it still trails the Series X by a noticeable margin. The handheld’s flexibility—low‑power mode for battery‑conscious play and high‑power docked mode for desktop‑class gaming—makes it a versatile contender in the portable market.

Conclusion

Docking the ROG Xbox Ally X unlocks a meaningful performance boost by allowing a sustained 45 W power envelope. Through a combination of Armory Crate tweaks and a third‑party tuning utility, users can achieve steady higher clock speeds without the frequent throttling that occurs at the default 35 W limit. Real‑world testing shows that a wide range of AAA and indie titles run smoothly at 1080p, with many titles reaching or exceeding 60 fps when frame generation is employed.

While the handheld will never fully match the raw horsepower of an Xbox Series X, it offers a compelling middle ground: portable convenience paired with respectable docked performance. Gamers who primarily use the device on the go can rely on the low‑power mode for extended battery life, then simply plug it in at home to enjoy the extra horsepower provided by the 45 W sustained setting.

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