SteamOS Powers ROG Ally X: True Valve Performance on Ryzen Z1 Extreme

Discover authentic Valve functionality and robust performance tuning options on Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU handheld

Hardware by Katmin on Aug 02, 2025

SteamOS 3.8 now runs natively on ROG Ally X, bringing the same official Valve software used by Steam Deck directly to this handheld. Installation is straightforward: simply use the Steam Deck recovery image and SteamOS will boot up without any extra hacks.

Inside, AMD Z1 Extreme APU powers smooth gameplay even when you limit the device to lower power settings for cooler, quieter operation.

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Thanks to the built-in 80Wh battery, sessions can stretch for hours without needing a recharge. With Valve’s own operating system and strong hardware, Ally X delivers a true handheld PC gaming experience.

Installation and Setup

We installed SteamOS 3.8 directly from Valve using the Steam Deck recovery image and updated to the main-branch beta to ensure full compatibility. Out of the box, RGB lighting and front ROG buttons remain inactive.

Still, you can regain full control by installing Decki Loader and the Simple TDP Control plugin, which includes an ASUS profile for seamless integration.

Performance Tuning and TDP Control

By default, SteamOS runs Z1 Extreme at 18watts, but Simple TDP Control lets you dial the range from 4watts up to 40watts.

We typically set the GPU to 17watts for a balance of performance and efficiency, but matching Steam Deck’s 15watts provides a fair head-to-head comparison.

Cranking up to 20watts unlocks substantially higher framerates without sacrificing too much battery life, thanks to Ally X’s 80Wh reserve.

Cyberpunk 2077 Performance

Running on Steam Deck preset with FSR at 800p and 15watts, we observed minimums around 36fps during intense particle effects—respectable for an integrated GPU.

Upping the TDP to 20watts and resolution to 900p pushed averages over 60 fps. Unlocking the frame rate further highlights Z1 Extreme’s headroom compared to Steam Deck’s locked 30fps.

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Spider-Man 2 Performance

At 20 watts with FSR and frame-generation enabled, Spider-Man 2 runs smoothly on low settings. Without frame-generation, dropping to 720p low with balanced FSR at 28watts nets roughly 62 fps on average.

Adjusting resolution and TDP allows you to find the sweet spot between visual fidelity and framerate.

Side-by-Side Benchmarks: Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally X

We compared built-in benchmarks for Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 15W TDP and 50% brightness.

Steam Deck OLED averaged 49 fps, while Ally X hit 55 fps. Total system draw on Steam Deck crept up to 25W, whereas Ally X held steady under 23W, translating into longer runtimes on its larger battery.

In Cyberpunk 2077 at 720p and 15W, Deck managed 44 fps, and Ally X delivered 53 fps under the same conditions.

Additional Game Tests

We locked Kingdom Hearts 3 at 1080p medium and 15watts, easily exceeding 60 fps. The Witcher 3 at 900p medium and 18W also runs well above 60 fps.

Doom Eternal at 900p low and 15W maintains 60 fps, while Fallout 4 on Steam OS hovers in the high 50s at 16watts.

Street Fighter 6 at 900p medium can reach 60 fps on Steam OS with a 15W cap, compared to 17W in Windows.

Monster Hunter Wilds requires 28W at 720p low with frame-generation to hold 45 fps—standard for unverified AAA titles on iGPUs.

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Battery Draw and Low-TDP Gaming

In Hades 2, Steam Deck OLED draws significantly less power at 50% brightness than Ally X, underscoring the efficiency gains Valve achieves with its optimizations.

Even a few-watt difference can translate into noticeably longer sessions on handheld batteries.

Final Thoughts

Steam OS 3.8 on ROG Ally X proves to be a robust, plug-and-play solution that rival machines can’t match for raw performance at equivalent TDPs.

With Decki Loader and Simple TDP Control, you can tailor power limits to suit your needs, and the 80Wh battery ensures marathon runs through demanding titles.

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