Those with an ASUS ROG Ally may want to hold off on the latest update as it’s been reported it can lower performance by up to twenty percent. Details come from HotHardware (via YouTuber ThePhawX) that BIOS version 319 can actually decrease performance at various power modes. HotHardware said in reference to its previous tests that 9W (low power mode) which already has issues regressed more but then at 15 W, and 25 W modes it was seen shown to actually get even worse.
Enough reports have come in that ASUS themselves have acknowledged it in a recent “Tips and Tricks” video. ASUS was seemingly quick to get this video out in that the update only became available roughly toward the end of last week. ASUS does say that it is working on another update that it hopes to release soon but has not provided a rollout date for it yet.
ThePhawx’s video goes into a bit more detail by showing a number of popular games. Some are more drastic than others and it should be noted that these games, Batman Arkham Knight, CyberPunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2 are known to be demanding on hardware across multiple platforms so anything that could reduce performance would be more noticeable.
EZ Flash to the rescue
For those that have already allowed the update to be installed on their ASUS ROG Ally via the MyASUS app, there is a means to roll back but it is not a simple process unless you happen to be a PC user who is used to such tasks. Multiple outlets are advising users to just wait until the next update comes out but those willing to put in the effort can download the ASUS EZ Flash Utility. Those not familiar with doing these types of tasks need to follow instructions carefully, or else risk bricking their device. It can be found here and navigate to the Version 317 BIOS for the ASUS EZ Flash utility.