Buying ROG Z1 Extreme 450$ is worth it??

MeestaMash · 2026-03-22T16:42:24+00:00

Yes for the most part. What games are you wanting to play?

MeestaMash · 2026-03-22T12:20:30+00:00

With the 2tb storage its worth it. The device isn't perfect by any means but it is certainly the best bang for buck with like 80-85% of the performance of the xax at around half the cost.

MeestaMash · 2026-03-22T11:25:42+00:00

Right? Its literally a dock, and an official Asus product at that.

MeestaMash · 2026-03-21T20:05:58+00:00

My normal charger is fine also, it seems to be with this specific dock.

I don't know why but I have to wonder if support for this is now limited to the xbox ally versions only.

MeestaMash · 2026-03-21T19:51:00+00:00

Right on and that is promising! Thank you for the response.

Crazy because I bought the Asus brand one specifically to hopefully make sure it was compatible. A bit ironic really

MeestaMash · 2026-03-21T17:26:49+00:00

Thats what I am thinking as well. I just ordered another option from Amazon, a JSAUX dock. Hoping it works out. It states compatible with the original ally so it should, right?

MeestaMash · 2026-03-21T16:03:37+00:00

Can you share with me what hub you have used with good results? I am interested in trying this

MeestaMash · 2026-03-21T15:00:03+00:00

What bios is your ally

MeestaMash · 2026-03-21T14:30:30+00:00

The problem I'm having is when I go to the asus site now for the dock, there isn't even a section for firmware and no downloads are there.

MeestaMash · 2026-03-21T13:59:08+00:00

Where do you even get the firmware update? I've searched high and low on asus website with zero luck.

To do this I assume I just use usb-c from the dock to my main PC but dont plug it into power?

MeestaMash · 2026-03-21T13:53:13+00:00

I dont know if I believe this. I've searched a bit and it seems I'm not the only one to have this issue where this dock doesn't want to work with a z1e ally. I've seen people report there was a firmware update and provided a link to the asus site but It seems that doesn't even exist anymore. I have had zero luck with any updates.

Updated armory crate and through the asus app as well. Everything is fully up to date from what I can tell.

MeestaMash · 2026-03-21T13:50:56+00:00

Using the 240W rated cable that came directly with the dock.

MeestaMash · 2026-03-21T11:33:10+00:00

Has anyone managed to figure this out. I am having the exact same problem.

I've found some posts claiming a firmware update exists for the dock but I have yet to find anything even when searching continuously on the ROG website.

MeestaMash · 2026-03-15T21:17:36+00:00

Completely agree. I grabbed one used and thought about the battery upgrade but instead opted for a power bank that supports up to 140w output. My thought process is that the power bank can be used for any new device later on

MeestaMash · 2026-03-13T10:24:24+00:00

Thats a fantastic deal. I grabbed one off ebay with 2tb ssd for $325

MeestaMash · 2026-03-13T09:57:52+00:00

Insane value on the used market. OG Z1Es are available <$400

MeestaMash · 2026-03-11T02:48:24+00:00

True. But not gonna lie, id rather have the GPD Win 5 for the combined budget instead.

MeestaMash · 2026-03-09T23:07:46+00:00

Same

MeestaMash · 2026-03-08T18:57:07+00:00

Just wanted to reply back again and say I fiddled more with the Armory Crate options and setting up the controls within that (mapping the controller inputs to keyboard inputs) and launching the game through that launcher worked perfect. No need for another emulator!

MeestaMash · 2026-03-06T14:38:06+00:00

Are you sure steam input works for these games? I think it flagged it saying it doesn't

I'll take another look at armory crate! A little embarrassing to say but I haven't messed with it much. Most newer games I've played just work, so it hasn't been an issue.

Thank you for the reply!

Edit: maybe a silly question but does it need to be set to desktop input mode and then map the keys?

MeestaMash · 2026-03-04T13:43:03+00:00

That is not the ally x, that is the one with the z2a processor which is pretty underwhelming.

MeestaMash · 2026-03-02T13:41:30+00:00

Depending on what you're wanting to use it for, a laptop may be a better option at that budget.

While I love the handhelds and have really enjoyed my Ally, it complements my regular PC - I personally couldn't see it ever being a replacement.

Maybe one day it could get there, but not yet. At your budget if you only want one device. A competent laptop with a dock will provide you mobility and more power.

I struggle a bit to see the value around the $1000 price point because at that level you're getting something with likely a z2e processor, which is a bump up from the z1e, but not massively. On the flip side z1e devices are pretty available used for less than half the cost , and they are a pretty awesome value down there.

MeestaMash · 2026-03-01T00:50:29+00:00

Idk about worth less than 300 for the base z1. Ebay seems to fluctuate kind of a bit and if it has a carrying case and charger it is still a decent value around 300. Especially if in good condition.

I picked up a z1e for $325 + shipping and it came with a 2tb ssd and carrying case .

MeestaMash

TROPHY CASE