Tag: MSI Claw

  • MSI Claw Variant May Switch from Intel to Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme

    MSI Claw Variant May Switch from Intel to Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI is planning a new variant of the handheld console called the MSI Claw, rumored to feature the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme SoC.
    2. The Ryzen Z2 Extreme is expected to use Strix Point technology, though AMD has not officially announced it yet.
    3. The upcoming MSI Claw variant is not part of AMD’s CES 2025 offerings, allowing MSI to maintain its AI branding from the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
    4. There is no clear release date for the new MSI Claw variant, as the Lunar Lake edition has only recently launched.
    5. MSI may delay the introduction of the new chip to avoid overshadowing its current lineup, especially with Intel’s competition and the Panther Lake release not expected until late 2025 or 2026.

    Last year, we had the opportunity to chat with MSI regarding its plans for the handheld console sector and the paths it might explore moving forward. Back then, the company indicated it was open to working with SoC partners for future devices, but no specific details were revealed. However, a recent speculation from X suggests a different story.

    Upcoming MSI Claw Variant

    According to the rumor, a new variant of the MSI Claw is expected to come equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme SoC. It’s important to point out that this is the AI version mentioned in a previous rumor and is not part of AMD’s CES 2025 offerings. This makes sense, as it allows MSI to retain the AI branding that was introduced with the Lunar Lake powered MSI Claw 8 AI+.

    AMD’s New Developments

    Although AMD has not made an official announcement, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme (and probably its AI variant) will reportedly be built on Strix Point technology. Our review of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ shows that the Core Ultra 7 258V can compete well against AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in several games. It remains to be seen if the same will be true for the Ryzen Z2 Extreme.

    There’s no clear indication of when this new MSI Claw variant will be released, but it might be quite some time. The Lunar Lake edition has only recently become available, and it wouldn’t be wise for MSI to introduce a completely new chip that could overshadow its current lineup, particularly from a rival like Intel. On the other hand, MSI may not have many options, as the successor to Lunar Lake, Panther Lake, is not expected to arrive before the latter half of 2025, possibly extending into 2026.

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  • MSI Claw 8 AI+ May Launch With Affordable Intel Core Ultra 5 228V

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ May Launch With Affordable Intel Core Ultra 5 228V

    The MSI Claw stands out as a unique entry in the premium gaming handheld market. It first launched as a 7-inch device, heavily inspired by the Asus ROG Ally (currently priced at $399.99 – refurbished on Amazon). However, instead of using AMD’s reliable Ryzen 7000, Ryzen 8000, or Ryzen Z1 platforms, MSI chose to implement Intel’s Core Ultra 5 135H and Core Ultra 7 155H processors.

    Performance Issues

    Intel’s Meteor Lake architecture led to underwhelming GPU performance and power efficiency, which hindered the Claw 7 AV1M’s success. After receiving a slew of negative reviews, MSI quickly introduced the Claw 8 AI+, featuring the newer Intel Lunar Lake processors, and hinted at an updated 7-inch model based on the same technology.

    Specifications Update

    MSI officially markets the Claw 7 AI+ AV2M and Claw 8 AI+ AV2M with the Core Ultra 7 258V exclusively. Consequently, both models come equipped with 32 GB of RAM and Intel’s relatively powerful Arc 140V integrated GPU. An intriguing post on Reddit mentioned that MSI might have had extra plans for the Claw refresh that were potentially scrapped at the last moment.

    Prototype Discovery

    Interestingly, a Reddit user named u/sozuoka claimed to have discovered a ‘Claw 8 prototype’ that features Intel’s Core Ultra 5 228V. This option is less common and includes 32 GB of RAM but has lower CPU clock speeds and a third less L3 cache compared to the Core Ultra 7 258V. While the two processors share the same CPU cores, the Core Ultra 5 228V comes with a somewhat weaker Arc 130V integrated GPU compared to the Core Ultra 7 258V.

    Reports suggest that the Core Ultra 5 228V may outperform the Core Ultra 7 155H by approximately 20%, even in its prototype form. The prototype is said to be fully functional, raising questions about its absence from retail markets as a more affordable alternative. It’s possible that the performance difference between the Arc 130V and Arc 140V was too minimal to warrant two separate product launches. The high price of the Claw 8 AI+ AV2M in both the UK and the US certainly leaves room for a lower-cost model to be introduced.

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    MSI Claw 8 AI+ May Launch With Affordable Intel Core Ultra 5 228VMSI Claw 8 AI+ May Launch With Affordable Intel Core Ultra 5 228VMSI Claw 8 AI+ May Launch With Affordable Intel Core Ultra 5 228V

     

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  • MSI Unveils Fallout-Themed Claw 8 AI+ with Intel Lunar Lake CPU

    MSI Unveils Fallout-Themed Claw 8 AI+ with Intel Lunar Lake CPU

    MSI has made an exciting announcement at Computex, revealing its partnership with renowned gaming company Bethesda to produce a new Fallout-themed gaming console called the MSI Claw. Additionally, MSI introduced the MSI Claw 8 AI+, which also boasts Fallout-inspired design elements.

    MSI Claw 8 AI+ Console Details

    The console's design draws inspiration from the game's Vaults, the Pip-Boys worn by Vault dwellers, and robots, making it a must-have for Fallout enthusiasts. This launch coincides with the popular TV adaptation of Fallout, rekindling interest in the franchise.

    The hardware of the console has undergone several upgrades. While it retains the D-pad, XYAB buttons, joysticks, and hall effect triggers, it now features a larger 8-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and 500 nits brightness. The screen fully covers the sRGB color gamut.

    The Intel Meteor Lake Core Ultra 7 155H CPU has been replaced by Intel’s forthcoming Lunar Lake CPU. The console also boasts a robust "Cooler Boost Hyperflow" cooling system, which uses two fans and two heat pipes. According to Tom’s Hardware, the device will also feature a more substantial 80 Whr battery, up from the original 53Whr, and will include two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

    MSI Claw Fallout 4 Limited Edition

    MSI is also set to launch a Fallout-themed Claw A1M console. Essentially, the Fallout 4 Limited Edition console will be a skin for the existing A1M console.

    Regarding specifications, it will feature an Intel Core Ultra 5 135H or Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. The display is 7 inches in size with an FHD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The console includes a Thunderbolt 4 port, a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and stereo speakers.

    (Source, via)

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  • A Sneak Peek at MSI Claw Handheld Gaming Console: Key Specifications Leaked

    A Sneak Peek at MSI Claw Handheld Gaming Console: Key Specifications Leaked

    The handheld gaming console market is buzzing with excitement thanks to the launch of the Steam Deck. Major players in the industry are now stepping up their game and introducing their own handheld consoles. After the ASUS ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go, MSI is joining the race with its upcoming handheld device called the MSI Claw.

    MSI has already teased the MSI Claw in China and through its official Twitter account, giving us a glimpse of what the console looks like. But now, some key specifications of the console have been revealed through Geekbench listings. According to the listings, the MSI Claw will be powered by the Intel Meteor Lake processor, specifically the Core Ultra 7 155H SKU. This processor boasts an impressive 16 cores and 22 threads, surpassing the capabilities of the Ryzen Z1 Extreme found on the ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go.

    The Core Ultra 7 155H processor offers 6 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, and 2 LP-Cores. The built-in GPU, based on Arc Alchemist architecture with 8 Xe-Cores, is expected to reach speeds of up to 2.25 GHz. The console will run on 64-bit Windows 11 and will come with 32GB of RAM. However, it is worth noting that MSI may offer different configurations to cater to different user needs.

    Although the official unveiling of the MSI Claw is scheduled for CES 2024 next week, the teaser has already given us a sneak peek at its design. The console features Xbox-style controls, complete with RGB backlights and front-facing speakers. The display has noticeable bezels at the top and bottom, with slightly narrower ones on the sides. CES 2024 is set to kick off on January 8, so we won't have to wait long to learn more details about the console.

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