When it comes to Black Friday deals, the battle for the best portable gaming experience heats up with two contenders: the Asus ROG Ally and the MSI Thin GF63 gaming laptop. With a budget of $600, gamers are faced with a choice between the ultra-portability of a handheld gaming PC and the traditional form factor of a gaming laptop. Each offers a unique set of features that cater to different preferences, whether you’re looking to game on the go or need a versatile machine for both work and play.
Specifications Comparison
| Asus ROG Ally | MSI Thin GF63 |
|---|---|
| CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | CPU: Intel Core i5 12450H |
| GPU: Integrated with APU | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 |
| RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 | RAM: 8GB DDR4 |
Gaming Performance
The gaming performance of both the Asus ROG Ally and the MSI Thin GF63 is influenced significantly by their graphics chips. The MSI Thin GF63’s dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 is designed for 1080p gaming and supports DLSS upscaling to enhance frame rates. However, its performance is constrained by a 45W power limit. On the other hand, the Asus ROG Ally’s integrated GPU within the Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU may lack dedicated VRAM, but it compensates with a higher boost clock, which can improve gaming performance.
- Pros for Asus ROG Ally:
- Higher GPU boost clock
- Integrated controls for handheld gaming
- More RAM for multitasking
- Pros for MSI Thin GF63:
- Dedicated graphics card with RTX capabilities
- Larger screen for immersive gaming
- Higher total power for CPU and GPU
- Cons for Asus ROG Ally:
- No dedicated VRAM for GPU
- Smaller screen size
- Cons for MSI Thin GF63:
- Lower RAM capacity
- Less portable due to larger size
Portability and Design
The Asus ROG Ally stands out for its ultra-portable design, being a handheld gaming PC that offers the convenience of built-in controls, making it ideal for gaming on the move. Its compact size and integrated peripherals allow for gaming in places where using a laptop would be impractical.
In contrast, the MSI Thin GF63 follows the traditional laptop design, which is less portable but benefits from a larger screen and a built-in keyboard. It’s more suited for use on a desk or lap and requires additional peripherals like a mouse for optimal gaming.
Both devices have their merits, with the Asus ROG Ally offering unparalleled portability for a Windows-based gaming PC, and the MSI Thin GF63 providing a more familiar laptop experience with the added benefit of a dedicated graphics card.
Additional Features and Considerations
When it comes to additional features, the Asus ROG Ally and the MSI Thin GF63 offer different advantages. The ROG Ally boasts a high refresh rate screen and a substantial 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which is great for multitasking. However, its battery life is a significant consideration, as the powerful components in such a compact device can lead to shorter play times.
The MSI Thin GF63, with its dedicated RTX 4050 graphics card, offers solid gaming performance but comes with a standard 8GB of DDR4 RAM. Its larger form factor allows for better heat dissipation, which can be a critical factor during extended gaming sessions. Storage options are also a point of comparison, with both devices offering SSD solutions but the ROG Ally having a known issue with its microSD card reader potentially overheating.
Both devices run full versions of Windows, allowing for a broad gaming library and productivity applications, but the potential thermal issues with the ROG Ally’s microSD card reader could be a deal-breaker for users who rely on expandable storage.
In the final analysis, the choice between the Asus ROG Ally and the MSI Thin GF63 comes down to what you value most in a portable gaming device. If ultimate portability, innovative design, and the ability to game anywhere are your top priorities, the Asus ROG Ally is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a more traditional laptop experience with the added benefit of a dedicated graphics card and a larger screen, the MSI Thin GF63 is the better option.
Price-wise, both devices offer good value, but the ROG Ally’s higher cost might not justify its performance for all users, especially considering its shorter battery life and thermal concerns. Conversely, the MSI Thin GF63 provides a more consistent gaming experience and could double as a work or school laptop, making it a more versatile choice.
Ultimately, whether you choose the handheld convenience of the Asus ROG Ally or the familiar laptop form of the MSI Thin GF63, both devices stand out as strong contenders in the budget-friendly portable gaming market.
Product Deals
| Product | Deal |
|---|---|
| Asus ROG Ally | $619.99 at Best Buy (save $80) |
| MSI Thin GF63 | $599 at B&H Photo (save $300) |
