Ryzen Z2 Extreme vs Intel Core Ultra 7 258V: Handheld Gaming Test

Key Takeaways

1. 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.
2. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme consistently shows better 1% lows in gaming performance, indicating a smoother experience compared to the Intel variant.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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