Latest news with #3DMark
WIRED
07-08-2025
- WIRED
The Framework Desktop Doesn't Need to Start a Revolution to Prove Itself
In 3DMark Steel Nomad, a popular graphics benchmark, the Framework Desktop performed 13 percent faster than on the ROG Flow Z13. That's with both systems set at the Best Performance mode, too. It's still 32 percent behind the latest generation of desktop GPUs, such as the RTX 5060, but that's to be expected. The closest comparable discrete GPU is the Laptop RTX 4060. While that's not exciting for PC gamers, remember: these are integrated graphics. The only integrated graphics performance that comes close is on Apple's side with the M4 chips. I tried out some modern games, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Marvel Rivals, and was thoroughly impressed by how well they performed. I was surprised to find that I could play Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p and Ultra settings without any upscaling yet still achieve an average of 84 frames per second. You can easily venture into higher resolutions and even ray tracing if you use AMD's image upscaling settings or even frame generation. Lighter games like Marvel Rivals play without missing a beat. The RAM is not removable due to the nature of the chip, though it does come in large-capacity options. The base model has 32 GB, while my configuration came with 64 GB. There's a 128 GB option, which is important for anyone looking to work with local large language models or other AI projects. The neural processing unit inside is capable of over 50 TOPS, and Framework claims it can run large language AI models like Llama 3 70B locally in real time, specifically on the 128-GB model that gives the GPU 96 GB of VRAM to work with. A Niche of a Niche Photograph: Luke Larsen Framework laptops were already nice, but the Framework Desktop is perhaps the most niche product the company has launched so far. The benefits of choosing the Framework Desktop over any other desktop out there have less to do with what makes the Framework ethos so unique. There are even smaller options, such as the Corsair AI Workstation 300, which is slightly taller but not as deep. They are similarly priced, though Corsair is selling only the higher-end option with 128 GB of RAM. On the other hand, the Framework Desktop is an awesome middle ground between the compact nature of a mini-PC and the performance and upgradability of a true small-form-factor PC. I don't like that you can't upgrade the RAM, and I wish the side panels were easier to install. I do have concerns about the CPU inside, too. While it performs great, a lot depends on AMD continuing to support this somewhat specialized component. Framework hasn't let me down thus far, but its previous computers have used more standard parts. But by now, the company has earned some trust from me. For AI enthusiasts hoping to run local LLMs, the Framework Desktop is a shoo-in, especially with all the available memory. But it's also a decent option for those who want a compact PC that doesn't completely forfeit performance or upgradability.
Tom's Guide
29-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
MSI's Claw 8 AI+ just proved me dead wrong — thanks to this game-changing update
As you can tell by my hype levels around the AMD-armed MSI Claw A8 BZ2EM, I've been quick to count-out the Claw 8 AI+ packing Intel inside. That's not to say it's a bad device — actually it's rather good, and I know Intel has proclaimed that gaming handhelds are the company's 'number one priority.' But from the wider support of AMD's FSR optimizations vs Intel's XeSS, to the better power efficiency in my own use, anything with Ryzen in the name is what my money's on. But a huge driver update from Intel just made me eat my own words. I've been testing this for the past few weeks (including during my long haul flight over to Computex 2025) to see what performance and power efficiency gains I can get. Spoiler alert: Intel has basically caught up! This is the most powerful 7-inch gaming handheld you can buy — packing the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (with that shiny new driver update), 32GB LPDDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD. On top of that, the FHD 120Hz display is gorgeous. Same as above, but with a larger 1920 x 1200 display that looks brighter in use, alongside a 1TB SSD inside and a bigger battery to power it all. Back at the end of April, Intel pushed out a performance update to improve gaming on its 200V Lunar Lake chips — specifically targeting the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+. If you don't have it yet, head over to Intel's driver site and download 32.0.101.6734 or newer. In this update, Intel is promising two things: And all of this is happening at the custom 17W profile in the Claw, which means you're getting more out of your graphics for the same amount of power consumption — at least on paper, so let's put that to the test. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Most interestingly, I started this whole thing not feeling so confident. That's because the 3DMark benchmarks were actually slightly lower than pre-update. I know the rudimentary 3DMarks aren't necessarily the most accurate reading compared to actual in-game performance, but it's still a graphics benchmark. This made me fear that things may have actually headed in the wrong direction. But then I opened my regular rotation of in-flight games and…well…the difference is night and day! This makes me think that Intel has quietly reassigned some of that power away from the CPU in favor of the GPU. 3DMark is a graphics test, but there is a CPU component to it as well. And the end result is benchmarks that look comparatively weaker, but game performance is boosted dramatically. But of course. This isn't really how you play on handhelds — you take any resolution scaling and frame generation techniques you can get, and the resulting difference is big. Whether I was speeding through Mexico at over 200 MPH in Forza Horizon 5 or walking my way through the densely populated Night City in Cyberpunk 2077, there was no stuttering in any of these games. Frame rates were impressively smooth for a device this small drawing as little power as it is. Luckily, the flight I was on had power outlets so I could play games the whole time. But I did want to check the battery, so I unplugged and fired up Forza Horizon 5. This is the proof that I needed to see. You're getting more out of that GPU while also maintaining pretty much the same battery life. Of course, you can reduce that power to 8 watts to get even more if you dabble in some less demanding games too! With the 7-inch model at $899 and the Claw 8 AI+ you see here weighing in at $999, these are pricey investments for a gaming handheld. For context, the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is shipping for $600 — granted it's got a lower-powered AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip in there, but the point stands! It goes even further when you realize that the same Legion Go S with Windows is $200 more. Turns out not only does Windows 11 kind of suck on a gaming handheld (and to everybody only discovering this now, we've been telling you for nearly a year now), turns out it's pricey too. This is indeed the most powerful handheld you can get, and Intel has officially thrown its hat into the ring to square up to AMD. But now, we need something like this to be more affordable to really duke it out.
