ASUS Ai Charger

ASUS Ai Charger is an innovative software package that will modify your ASUS desktop or laptop PC and provide it the capability to better manage the power output of your USB 3.0 ports. Using the UI app provided by this driver, your PC will become capable to charge portable devices that are compatible with the Battery Charging Specification 1.1 (BC 1.1) such as Apple iPhones, iPads, and iPods with up to three times the regular charging speed that USB ports can deliver.

By taking advantage of their extensive knowledge in delivering hardware and software solutions to millions of users over the last several decades, ASUS has managed to develop this technology that greatly boosts the convenience of using iPhones, iPads, and iPods near your PCs.

To infuse your USB 3.0 ports with the ASUS Ai Charger technology, you will first have to download and install the driver package on your PC. All ASUS motherboards and PC models are supported, so you will not have to worry about whether or not your PC is compatible with it. Simply install the driver by following on-screen instructions and reboot your PC once so your Windows OS can properly load all the newly added driver files during the system boot. Once you enter the desktop area, you will notice a new taskbar icon located near your system clock. The icon of the stylized USB charger with a red cross (that represents the service is not in use) is your access point to the app that will help you activate or deactivate the faster charging of external devices.

To simplify the use, ASUS has provided only two easy-to-use buttons inside the AI Charger interface – Enable and Disable. For most optimal use, users are recommended to turn on the AI Charger every time before they are attaching iPhones, iPads, and iPods to your PC, and turning it off when the charging is complete. This will help your USB 3.0 hardware to only manage elevated power levels when you actually need it and prevent straining of your motherboard or even interfering with the health of other USB accessories that you may use on your PC.

It is important to note that the AI Charger driver will utilize its internal algorithms to detect the connected USB device and reduce the power usage if it detects anything other than a device and cable that is fully compliant with the Battery Charging Specification 1.1 standard. This means that you will not be able to provide higher power via USB 3.0 to USB hubs, USB extension cables, and generic USB cables.

PROS

• Faster Charging: The tool is designed to enable faster charging of USB devices, including smartphones and tablets. It can potentially reduce charging times compared to standard USB ports.
• Convenience: It offers convenience by allowing users to charge their devices even when the computer is turned off or in sleep mode. This can be handy for overnight charging or when you don't want to keep your computer fully powered on.
• Compatibility: The app is typically compatible with a wide range of devices, including both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, as well as other USB-powered devices.
• Simple Setup: Installation and setup of this tool are usually straightforward, requiring minimal user intervention. It often comes pre-installed on ASUS motherboards or can be easily downloaded and installed from the ASUS website.

CONS

• Limited to ASUS Motherboards: One of the significant limitations of ASUS Ai Charger is that it's exclusively designed for ASUS motherboards. Users with motherboards from other manufacturers won't be able to take advantage of this utility.
• Effectiveness Varies: While the app can enhance charging speeds, its effectiveness may vary depending on the device being charged and the specific motherboard model. Some users may not notice a significant improvement in charging times, especially with older devices.
• Software Dependency: A software-based solution, which means it relies on the operating system and driver support. Updates or changes to the operating system or drivers may affect its functionality, potentially leading to compatibility issues or reduced performance.
• Not Always Necessary: In some cases, particularly with newer devices that support fast charging standards like Qualcomm Quick Charge or USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), the benefits of the tool may be negligible. These devices already have built-in fast charging capabilities that may outperform ASUS Ai Charger's enhancements.

Be aware that ASUS Ai Charger will only be able to provide you with “up to 3x speed” of the regular USB 3.0 charging speed, and the actual power delivery will greatly depend upon the version of your motherboard, type, speed, and specification of the USB device attached. Still, even if you cannot reach the full 3x speed, you will still feel tangible improvement in your portable device charging speed.