ASUS ROG Ally can fit M.2 2280 SSDs… after some drilling
Gamers already found a way to fit larger SSDs into ROG Ally.
Officially, ROG Ally comes with a 512GB M.2 SSD in a tiny 2230 form factor, the same size as Valve’s Steam Deck. ASUS is also preparing a 256GB version to launch alongside more ‘affordable’ version of the console in the coming months. However, even 512GB storage is simply not large enough for modern gaming, with some of the most popular titles easily taking 100GB on their own.
ASUS ROG Ally is not even a month-old device, so every single console thus far sold is still under warranty. However, gamers who would rather not carry an external storage around have either choice of upgrading the built-in storage to a larger capacity, or trying something more challenging.
ASUS ROG Ally SSD mod changes, Source: Reddit
Turns out, ROG Ally can fit a standard M.2 2280 storage, but it is not a direct drop-in replacement. Parts of the chassis are blocking the way, which need to be physically removed. Those are irreversible changes that will automatically void the warranty. Furthermore, antennas need to be moved and storage has to be insulated with a non-conductive foil.
Users have already added WD 4TB SN850X storage and Crucial P3 Plus 4TB (CT4000P3PSSD8), which reportedly work without issues. Thus far there are no reports of overheating or any performance related problems, even though the first news was shared two weeks ago.
ASUS ROG Ally M.2 2280 speed, Source: Reddit
Of course, we discourage modding such an expensive hardware, but if loosing warranty is no issue and one has experience with drilling and sensitive electronic components, this might be an easy mod to do. Just make sure to film it, for science.
Source: Reddit
