ASUS ROG Ally (2023) Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and microSD

Updated Oct. 9, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers what you can and can't upgrade on the ASUS ROG Ally (2023, RC71L). The short answer: RAM and processor are fixed, and only the M.2 2230 SSD and the microSD card can be expanded.

At a glance

  • RAM is 16GB LPDDR5-6400, soldered to the board, and cannot be upgraded.
  • The processor can't be upgraded. Only the SSD and microSD card are expandable.
  • One M.2 2230 slot takes a PCIe NVMe SSD; ASUS doesn't state a maximum capacity.
  • One UHS-II microSD slot adds storage without opening the case.
  • Check ASUS warranty terms before opening the back cover.
M.2 2230 slotSSD M.2 2230 (NVMe)
microSD slotFlash card microSD (SD (UHS))
M.2 2230 slotSSD M.2 2230 (NVMe)microSD slotFlash card microSD (SD (UHS))
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported. Support is planned until Dec. 30, 2026.

20232024202520262027Today11 · Release · June 13, 202322 · EOSL · Dec. 30, 2026
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 June 13, 2023 Official ASUS press release: available for sale worldwide on June 13, 2023 (Z1 Extreme model); the cheaper Z1 variant was announced Sept 18, 2023
Source ↗
End of standard support (EOSL)
Standard warranty and support contracts can no longer be renewed.		 Dec. 30, 2026 Official ASUS lists 'Product Security Update Support Periods: 2.8 years (until 30/12/2026)'; interpreted as end of standard support
Source ↗

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

Storage: M.2 2230 SSD and microSD

The ROG Ally has one internal M.2 2230 slot with a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD installed. Most units ship with 512GB, but some regional versions have 256GB (ASUS's Hong Kong page lists that size), so check the SKU you own. ASUS doesn't state a maximum capacity. Owners commonly fit 1TB and 2TB 2230 NVMe drives, but this isn't confirmed by ASUS. Make sure any drive you buy is a PCIe NVMe model in the short 2230 size, not a longer 2242 or 2280 drive. There is no SATA or 2.5-inch bay.

Swapping the SSD means opening the back cover. The drive sits under a shield and a thermal pad, so keep both in place when you swap it. Check ASUS's warranty terms before you open the unit.

The microSD slot is a UHS-II reader that accepts SD, SDXC and SDHC cards. ASUS says game load times from a card are close to the SSD, quoting 26.86 seconds for the SSD and 27.92 seconds for an SD card in its own test. ASUS has also acknowledged reliability problems with the microSD reader on some units, so check the current ASUS support notices before relying on it for important data.

The ROG XG Mobile connector, which is combined with a USB Type-C port, is meant for ASUS's external GPU dock. It is not a storage upgrade.

Buying tips

  • Buy an M.2 2230 NVMe SSD only. Longer M.2 sizes will not fit.
  • Look for a PCIe NVMe drive, and note that some 2230 drives are shorter or lower-power than others.
  • Check which SSD size your regional version came with before deciding whether to upgrade.
  • For a no-tools boost, a UHS-II microSD card works with the built-in slot.
  • Don't treat the microSD card as the only copy of important files.

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • RAM and CPU can't be upgraded on this handheld, so don't buy parts for them.
  • Check ASUS's warranty terms before opening the back cover.
  • Back up your saves, game library details and files, or have your launcher logins ready for a re-download.
  • Have the replacement SSD ready: M.2 2230, PCIe NVMe.
  • Look up ASUS's official service manual before you start.

Steps

  1. Back up your data
    Copy saves and personal files to another device or cloud storage. Make sure you can sign back in to your game stores.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the Ally down fully, not just to sleep, and disconnect the charger and any accessories. Remove any microSD card.
  3. Ground yourself
    Work on a clean, flat surface and touch a grounded metal object first to discharge static before handling internal parts.
  4. Open the back cover
    Follow ASUS's service manual for the exact screws and the safe way to open the case. The ROG Ally support page is the place to look for it.
  5. Swap the SSD
    Find the M.2 2230 drive under its shield and thermal pad. Keep the shield and pad in place and refit them over the new drive. Handle the drive by its edges.
  6. Close the case
    Refit the back cover and screws as described in the manual, and make sure no cables or parts are pinched.
  7. Check that the drive is detected
    Power on, open the BIOS or Windows Disk Management and confirm the new drive shows its full capacity. You will need to reinstall or restore Windows and your games if you swapped the drive that holds them.

Good to know

  • ASUS doesn't publish a maximum SSD capacity, so larger drives are at your own risk.
  • Storage size varies by region and SKU (256GB and 512GB are both listed), while RAM is 16GB everywhere.
  • Units come with either one fan or two fans, which affects temperature and noise.
  • ASUS's spec page lists security update support until 30/12/2026.
  • Opening the back cover may affect your warranty, so check ASUS's terms first.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the ROG Ally (2023) take?

It can't take more. The 16GB of LPDDR5-6400 is soldered to the board, and there is no memory slot. Every version listed by ASUS has 16GB.

Can I upgrade the ROG Ally's SSD?

Yes. It has one M.2 2230 slot with a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. Only 2230-size NVMe drives fit, and you need to open the back cover. Check the warranty terms first.

What is the biggest SSD the ROG Ally supports?

ASUS doesn't state a maximum capacity. Owners commonly fit 1TB and 2TB 2230 NVMe drives, but this isn't confirmed by ASUS.

Does the ROG Ally support microSD cards?

Yes. It has a UHS-II microSD reader that accepts SD, SDXC and SDHC cards. ASUS has acknowledged reliability issues on some units, so check its current support notices.

Can I upgrade the ROG Ally's processor?

No. ASUS offers the Ally with either a Ryzen Z1 Extreme or a Ryzen Z1, and only the SSD and microSD card are expandable. Choose the model you want when you buy.

Does the ROG Ally share RAM with the graphics?

Yes. The processor's graphics use part of the 16GB as video memory. ASUS lets you choose how much is reserved, so your 16GB is split between system and graphics memory.

Official documents and references

This guide was written with AI assistance from the compatibility data PartsPrices verified against the manufacturer's documents. Always check your exact model and the owner's manual before buying or opening your computer.