AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme: Performance in ROG Ally, Ally X, and Legion Go

The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme has become the foundation for several popular portable gaming computers running Windows. The chip combines eight Zen 4 cores, 16 threads, and RDNA 3 integrated graphics with 12 compute units. In terms of specifications, it is close to the mobile Ryzen 7 7840U but is primarily designed for compact gaming devices with adjustable power consumption.

The very name of the processor does not guarantee uniform speed. The performance of the Z1 Extreme heavily depends on the power limit set by the manufacturer, the RAM speed, and the cooling system's ability to maintain frequencies under sustained load.

Ryzen Z1 Extreme Performance in Specific Devices

The results are rounded and pertain to specific test samples in performance modes. Final figures may vary after BIOS updates, drivers, and power profiles.

In single-core tests, the difference between the devices is minimal. All three models demonstrate roughly the same level of performance, as one or two active cores do not create a significant load on power and cooling.

In multi-core tasks, the spread is more noticeable. The ROG Ally X scores about 15,100 points in Cinebench R23, while the Legion Go reaches around 13,000. The difference can reach 14%, despite using the same processor.

This does not mean that there are different versions of the Z1 Extreme. The reason lies in the specific device settings: long power limits, thermal constraints, and the operation of the cooling system. Therefore, it is more accurate to assess the processor's results not in isolation but as part of the finished console.

The Processor Has a Reserve

The eight Zen 4 cores make the Z1 Extreme more powerful than most portable games require. With a limit of around 25-30W, the processor typically has enough headroom, so it is the integrated graphics that are limited first, not the CPU cores.

Additional cores remain useful in projects with heavy physics, a large number of characters, and active background processes from Windows. They also allow the device to be used as a compact computer with an external monitor, keyboard, and docking station.

However, increasing power to the CPU cores does not always raise FPS. The CPU and GPU share the overall power budget. If the processor draws too much power, the graphics may lower its frequencies. Firmware settings should maintain a balance between the two components.

Integrated Graphics and RAM

The graphics component of the Z1 Extreme features 12 RDNA 3 compute units and is similar in configuration to the Radeon 780M in the Ryzen 7 7840U. AMD refers to it under the overall designation of Radeon Graphics.

There is no dedicated video memory for the graphics. It uses system RAM, so its speed and capacity directly impact performance.

The first ROG Ally came with 16 GB LPDDR5-6400. The Legion Go has 16 GB of faster LPDDR5X-7500, and the ROG Ally X is equipped with 24 GB LPDDR5X-7467. The additional 8 GB in the Ally X does not make the GPU itself faster, but it allows for more memory allocation for games, reducing the likelihood of RAM shortages in demanding projects.

Fast memory is particularly important for integrated graphics, as both the CPU and GPU use a single data access channel simultaneously. With the same power limit, a device with higher memory bandwidth can provide slightly more stable FPS.

Processor tests like Geekbench and Cinebench do not directly reflect graphics performance. A high score in Cinebench does not guarantee similar advantages in games; FPS is more significantly affected by memory speed, GPU power limit, screen resolution, and quality settings.

What Resolution Is Suitable for the Z1 Extreme

The Z1 Extreme is capable of running modern games without a discrete graphics card, but the capabilities of the integrated graphics are limited by the device's overall power consumption.

The most rational modes include:

• 720p or 900p for demanding games;
• low or medium graphics settings;
• FSR or other image scaling;
• power limit around 20-30W.

1080p remains accessible in older, less demanding, or well-optimized projects. In heavy modern games, it requires lowering settings and applying scaling.

The Legion Go screen, with a resolution of 2560 × 1600, significantly exceeds the capabilities of integrated graphics in native mode. The high pixel density is convenient for Windows and simple games, but for demanding projects, the resolution must be lowered.

Performance Depends on Power Mode

The Z1 Extreme supports a wide range of power consumption. In power-saving modes, the device operates quieter and lasts longer on battery, but graphics performance is noticeably reduced.

Maximum results are achieved at a power level of around 25-30W. This mode is better suited for gaming plugged into a power outlet; when running on battery, it quickly drains the charge and increases noise levels.

Therefore, when choosing a device with the Z1 Extreme, it is important to consider not only processor results but also four characteristics of the console itself:

• battery capacity;
• RAM speed;
• stability of long-term power limit;
• effectiveness of the cooling system.

The ROG Ally X may not have received a new processor, but it has become a more successful platform for the Z1 Extreme thanks to 24 GB of fast memory and an 80 Wh battery. This illustrates that the quality of the device can influence practical results more than a slight update to the chip itself.

Relevance of AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme

Newer processors for portable systems offer powerful graphics and improved energy efficiency, but the Z1 Extreme cannot be considered outdated. Its processing capabilities are still sufficient for modern games and most everyday tasks.

The main limitation is not the eight Zen 4 cores but the capabilities of the integrated graphics at low power consumption. Therefore, the appeal of devices with the Z1 Extreme is primarily determined by their price, RAM capacity, and build quality.

Conclusion

The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme remains a powerful APU for portable gaming computers, but an identical processor does not mean identical results. Differences between devices can reach 10-15% under sustained multi-core loads due to power and cooling settings.

The chip performs best with a power limit of around 25-30W, fast RAM, and a resolution of 720p or 900p. When choosing between the ROG Ally, Ally X, and Legion Go, it is more important to evaluate not only the processor name but the entire platform: memory, battery, screen, and performance stability.