What are the thermal limits that the X Mode monitors and adjusts in the ROG Phone 9 Pro

Thermal Management Features

- X Mode and X Mode+: These modes are designed to optimize gaming performance by adjusting CPU and GPU clock speeds while monitoring thermal limits. X Mode+ is activated when the AeroActive Cooler X or X Pro is connected, allowing even more aggressive performance tuning[1][2][5].

- Cooling System Design: The ROG Phone 9 Pro employs a multi-layer cooling system, including a Rapid Cooling Conductor that enhances heat dissipation from the mainboard to the rear panel. This design aims to maintain lower surface temperatures during intensive gaming sessions[1][6]. The internal cooling setup also includes an increased volume of graphite sheets, which aids in heat management[7].

- AeroActive Cooler X Pro: This accessory significantly enhances cooling efficiency. It features multiple modes (Smart, Cool, Frosty, Frozen) that allow users to control the cooling intensity based on their needs. For instance, the Frozen mode requires an external power source and operates both the fan and a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) for maximum cooling[2][3][4].

Thermal Performance in Gaming

- Temperature Management: During gaming sessions, temperatures can rise but are managed effectively. Reports indicate that without additional cooling, the phone can reach temperatures around 42°C (107.6°F) during gameplay. However, with the AeroActive Cooler attached, temperatures can drop to between 38°C and 40°C, maintaining user comfort[3][4].

- Thermal Throttling: The passive cooling system can sustain performance for about ten minutes under heavy load before thermal throttling occurs. With the AeroActive Cooler engaged, performance remains stable for longer periods, effectively delaying any throttling effects[1][5].

Conclusion

The ROG Phone 9 Pro's thermal management system is engineered to support prolonged gaming sessions while ensuring that device temperatures remain within comfortable limits. The combination of its internal cooling architecture and external accessories like the AeroActive Cooler allows for enhanced performance without compromising user experience due to heat.