Latest news with #Claw8AI+
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- 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.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Computex 2025: AI Systems, CPUs, GPUs, Wi-Fi 7, gaming handhelds and more expected
Computex 2025 is set to showcase the next wave of computing innovation, spanning AI-enhanced computers, new processors, graphics cards, wireless technologies and more. Unlike other tech events that often focus on distant future concepts, Computex will showcase products and hardware that are close to release or already entering the market. This focus on practical and immediate technology makes it a key event to watch for those interested in the direction of personal computing and gaming. Computex 2025 is set to take place from May 20 to May 23 in Taipei, Taiwan. Here's a closer look at what we can expect to see at Asia's biggest tech event. AI continues to take centre stage in computing. Following last year's showcase of AI-powered PCs, this year's products are likely to highlight more systems with dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) working alongside CPUs and GPUs. MSI plans to introduce the EdgeXpert MS-C931 desktop AI supercomputer. Built on Nvidia's DGX platform, it aims to deliver performance reaching 1,000 trillion operations per second (TOPS), targeting AI developers and researchers. Palit will also present its Pandora AI concept PC, featuring Nvidia's Jetson Orin NX Super chipset and a modular design. This device supports generative AI applications and edge computing, with components designed for easy upgrades and modifications. Also read: Google renames Find My Device to Find Hub: What's new, and why Android trackers still need work The competition among PC gaming handhelds is expected to heat up again. Last year, models like MSI's Claw 8 AI+ and Asus' ROG Ally X drew attention, alongside the Zotac Zone. Rumours suggest Asus may unveil the ROG Ally 2, with options including a standard PC version and an Xbox-branded variant, potentially powered by AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor. MSI might respond with a new handheld, possibly named Claw 7 A2HM, rumoured to offer both Intel and AMD versions. Even without these new models, attendees will likely see updated versions of existing devices like MSI's Claw 8 AI+ featuring the Polar Tempest branding. Alongside these, new controllers, keyboards, and gaming peripherals are expected to appear. Also read: 5 Essential cloud tools that let you work seamlessly across devices Chip makers are ready to escalate competition with fresh CPU announcements. Last year, AMD and Intel both introduced major updates, including AMD's Ryzen 9000 series and Intel's Lunar Lake mobile architecture. This year, Nvidia and MediaTek may launch a new ARM-based laptop chip combining Nvidia's Grace CPU and MediaTek's GB10 Blackwell technology. This new chip could appear in both desktop (N1X) and laptop (N1) versions. Qualcomm may also present the Snapdragon X2, an ARM processor rumoured to include up to 18 CPU cores and enhanced AI capabilities designed to run tasks directly on the device. Intel is expected to announce updates about its Panther Lake CPU, which uses the company's advanced 18A manufacturing process to improve power efficiency and performance. Also read: Oppo Reno 14 Pro confirmed to feature a 50MP ultra-wide lens, 6,200mAh battery, and more Graphics cards will receive attention with new options for gamers on a budget. Nvidia plans to release the RTX 5060 card shortly before Computex. Although less powerful than the RTX 5060 Ti, this model aims to offer an affordable upgrade for gamers using older hardware. However, it will come with 8GB of VRAM, which may limit performance for certain demanding games. AMD is preparing to debut the Radeon 9060XT in two versions: one with 8GB and another with 16GB of VRAM. Intel's upcoming Arc Pro graphics cards could stand out by offering up to 24GB of VRAM, but it remains unclear whether these will target workstation users or cost-conscious gamers. Wireless technology will also be a focus. Wi-Fi 7 is expected to appear in more devices, building on its initial presence at CES earlier this year. This new standard supports higher speeds and greater bandwidth by using the 6GHz band. At Computex 2025, expect to see Wi-Fi 7 integrated into laptops, desktops, mini PCs, and handheld devices. Router manufacturers will likely showcase more affordable Wi-Fi 7 options, making the technology more accessible. While Wi-Fi 8 remains a future development, Wi-Fi 7 will play a major role at the show.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Forbes
Intel Gives Laptop Gamers A Free Performance Boost
Intel is delivering a driver update which should see laptop owners and handheld gamers get a significant boost in graphics performance. The update is specifically for the Intel Core Ultra 2ooV processors, codenamed Lunar Lake. These are something of an oddity in the Intel line-up, being the only processors to have memory integrated into the processor package, and the only ones to contain the Intel Arc 130V and 140V graphics chips. Although those graphic chips are about as good as you get from integrated Intel GPUs, they're very much at the lower end of gaming performance. Indeed, Intel says the benefits of the new drivers will be primarily felt under the common default power level of 17W, which means they're not really competing with dedicated Nvidia or AMD graphics chips. Nevertheless, a free performance boost is always welcome, with Intel claiming that the new driver will, on average, deliver around 10% more frames per second than its predecessor. What does this actually mean in practice? Intel has benchmarked the new driver on a series of well-known games, although not using a laptop where these chips are normally found, but with the MSI Claw 8 AI+ handheld gaming console. At the bottom end of the scale, average frame rates in Black Myth: Wukong's benchmarking tool improved from 36fps to 41fps, helping to make the demanding game smoother and more playable, although not exactly lifting it into the flawless performance category. Cyberpunk 2077 improved from 49fps to 52 fps. The biggest improvements were seen in Payday 3, where average frame rates jumped from 79fps to 89fps, and DOTA 2, which leapt from 81fps to 94fps. Fortnite also saw a sizeable jump from 89fps to 105fps. The slightly disappointing news for gamers with the Intel Core Ultra 2ooV in their laptops or handhelds is they'll probably have to wait a while longer for the new drivers to arrive. The update is available now for the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ handhelds, but others will have to wait for validation with the hardware manufacturers. The update will be available from the Intel website.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: This cat got its bite back
The first time you make anything, it probably won't come out perfect, so it wasn't a huge surprise when MSI's debut gaming handheld struggled out of the gate. And that's before you consider the unorthodox choice to go with an Intel chip instead of one from AMD like practically all of its rivals. However, MSI didn't give up, and now it's back with not one but two versions of its second-gen handheld, headlined by the Claw 8 AI+. Not only is it bigger than before, it has twice as many Thunderbolt 4 ports, a way bigger battery and some of the best performance we've seen from any device in this category. But more importantly, as the follow-up to a device plagued by lackluster software and unfinished drivers, it feels like the Claw got its bite back. Design and display: The desert cat With its 8-inch screen, the Claw 8 AI+ is bigger than its predecessor and a number of its rivals like the ROG Ally X , though it's still smaller than Lenovo's chunky 8.8-inch Legion Go. MSI also zagged by giving it a two-toned black and sandstone chassis. Ergonomics are generally fine, but if I'm nitpicking, I would prefer slightly larger grips for increased comfort. But aside from that, the handheld features a relatively straightforward mix of premium components strewn across a familiar blueprint. Engadget 84 100 Expert Score The new most powerful gaming handheld MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM Thanks to its new Intel chip and a massive battery, MSI's Claw 8 AI+ offers great performance and longevity. Unfortunately, with a starting price of $900, it's also more expensive than almost all of its competitors. Pros Hall Effect joysticks and triggers Strong performance Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports Above-average battery life Built-in fingerprint sensor Bright 8-inch 120Hz VRR screen Cons No onboard touchpad MSI Center app feels a bit barebones A bit pricey $900 at Best Buy It has Hall Effect sensors for its joysticks and triggers along with some embedded RGB lighting, the latter of which has become sort of an unspoken requirement among portable gaming PCs these days. You also get two Thunderbolt 4 ports that support both data and charging — which are especially handy if you ever plan on using this thing for productivity — and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. I appreciate that unlike Lenovo's handhelds, MSI included a built-in fingerprint reader that makes unlocking Windows-based devices like the Claw a lot more convenient. That said, you don't get a touchpad, though MSI's software does let you control your cursor with the joysticks, so it's not a complete pain in the butt anytime you have to switch between games and apps. And finally, around back, there's a single pair of paddles. Advertisement As for the display, while it's an IPS panel instead of the super-rich OLEDs on some handhelds, the Claw's screen offers above-average brightness (up to 500 nits), a solid 120Hz refresh rate (with VRR) and the perfect resolution for a system this size (1,920 x 1,200). So all told, there's very little to gripe about when it comes to its visuals. Plus, thanks to some surprisingly punchy front-facing speakers, it has solid audio too. Performance and software: A low-key beast The rear of the Claw 8 AI+ features a pair of paddles and ample venting. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that after lackluster results from MSI's first attempt, the Claw 8 AI+ pumped out strong performance that was easily able to keep up with and sometimes surpass what I've seen from its competitors. Some of that is assuredly due to more polished software and recent driver updates from Intel, but still, between its Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip, 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, the Claw produced framerates that were often 10 to 15 percent higher than what we got from the Ally X. For example, when set to its 30-watt preset, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p on medium settings the Claw hit 75 fps versus 65 fps for the ROG Ally X at the same TDP (thermal design power). Meanwhile, in Returnal at 800p on medium, the Claw also bested the Legion Go by reaching 56 fps compared to just 46 fps for the Lenovo. Now it's important to note that MSI's midrange power for the preset on the Claw (which is what I used to get those figures in Returnal) is 17 watts instead of 15 watts like on most of its rivals, which may be MSI's attempt to skew benchmarks in its favor. But even after you account for that, the Claw still comes out ahead. Another nice thing about the Claw is that if you don't want to fiddle around with settings all the time, there's what MSI is calling its AI Engine mode, which will automatically adjust things to optimize performance or battery life depending on what you want. It's a nice option for quickly changing how much horsepower you need, though as always, you're going to need to tweak things manually for the best results. Advertisement The rest of the MSI Center app feels somewhat spartan. There are sections for launching games, performing software updates, changing the RGB lighting and more. You can even install game stores like Steam directly inside the program. But aside from that, the app isn't very fancy or all that pretty to look at. All the important stuff is there though, which is what really counts since Windows 11 as a whole still feels way clunkier to use than more bespoke platforms like Valve's SteamOS. Battery life: Surprisingly good The MSI Claw 8 AI+ features a solid selection of ports including dual USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 and a microSD card slot. The Claw 8 AI+ features an 80Whr cell, which is one of the largest battery packs in this category and allows for prodigious longevity. In Elden Ring on medium settings, the handheld lasted just over three hours on a single charge. That ain't too shabby, especially after my recent testing with the Lenovo Legion Go, which only lasted for two and a half hours at best, and that was when playing a much less demanding game in Metal Slug Tactics. Wrap-up After the original bombed, a lot of companies would have simply called it quits. Sure, a lot of the first system's issues may have been caused by Intel's chip and unpolished drivers more than anything MSI did (or didn't do). But with the Claw 8 AI+, MSI came back and totally redeemed itself. Not only is it a very competent gaming handheld, this cat offers a solid design, great performance and above-average battery life. One of the best features of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is the inclusion of Hall Effect sensors for both its joysticks and triggers. However, even though it pushes out slightly fewer frames, the $800 ROG Ally X remains a better value (especially if you can find it on sale) and its smaller screen makes it a more portable pick for people planning to game on the go. When it comes to larger competitors, Lenovo's Legion Go offers similar horsepower for even less money with starting prices of $700 (or less, now that it regularly receives discounts). But if you're looking for top-notch performance from a portable PC with an assortment of premium components, the Claw 8 AI+ makes an interesting case as an upgrade pick among gaming handhelds.
