Key Takeaways
- MSI has launched the Claw A8 handheld featuring the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, contrasting with the previously released Claw 8 AI+ with Intel Core Ultra 7 258V.
- The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme consistently shows better 1% lows in gaming performance, indicating a smoother experience compared to the Intel variant.
- The Ryzen Z2 Extreme outperforms the Intel model in average FPS at both 17 W and 30 W TDPs, suggesting it is more favorable for gaming.
- The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V has a slight edge in power efficiency, comparable to the Steam Deck, but the Ryzen model offers better overall performance.
- The performance advantage of the Claw A8 could be impacted if the price of the Claw 8 AI+ decreases.
MSI has recently launched the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme version of its new Claw gaming handheld, named the A8. In contrast, the already released 8 AI+ features the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, which we've seen performs reasonably well for handheld gaming devices.
Comparison of Performance
Golden Pig Upgrade, a reviewer from China, has compared the Claw A8 with the 8 AI+. This side-by-side assessment reveals how the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V with Arc 140V stacks up against the Ryzen Z2 Extreme using the Radeon 890M.
According to the charts provided by the reviewer, the AMD-powered gaming handheld consistently demonstrates superior 1% lows across nearly all tested games. This indicates that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme MSI Claw can deliver a smoother gaming experience compared to the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V variant.
Power Efficiency Insights
Additionally, the average FPS on the Ryzen Z2 Extreme gaming handheld outperforms most games tested at both 17 W and 30 W TDPs. On the subject of power efficiency, the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V shows a minor edge, typically aligning with the performance offered by the Steam Deck.
However, when we look at the overall performance, the Z2 Extreme handheld shows about 5.7% better performance at 30 W and roughly 7.4% better at 17 W. This suggests that the Claw A8 is more favorable for gaming; nevertheless, the value proposition could shift if the price of the Claw 8 AI+ is reduced. For further details on how these two models compare, take a look at the images included below.
Source: Link