MSI Claw 8 AI+ Gaming Handheld Powered by Intel Lunar Lake and Intel Arc Battlemage Graphics
6/02/2024
In the lead-up to Computex, a Chinese company 'Weibo' has made waves by announcing the imminent launch of a gaming handheld powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture. This move represents a significant shift, as most handheld gaming PCs have traditionally relied on AMD’s Ryzen Z1 series processors. However, the tide seems to be turning, with more manufacturers exploring Intel CPUs for their portable gaming devices.
The Claw 8 AI+: A Fusion of Power and Design
The upcoming Claw 8 AI+ from MSI promises to be a game-changer. Let’s dive into the details:
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Lunar Lake Architecture:
- Lunar Lake, Intel’s next-generation mobile CPU architecture, is set to debut later this year. It boasts several key features:
- Efficiency: Lunar Lake consumes 40% less power than its predecessor, Meteor Lake.
- Core Configuration: It combines Lion Cove and Skymont performance cores with an eight-core Xe2 integrated GPU (iGPU).
- AI Acceleration: The Claw 8 AI+ features an NPU 4.0 AI accelerator rated for 45 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second).
- Memory Integration: LPDDR5X memory is embedded directly onto the CPU, enhancing both performance and efficiency.
- Notably, Lunar Lake leverages TSMC’s 3nm-class N3B process technology, a departure from Intel’s original plan to use its own 18A process node.
- Lunar Lake, Intel’s next-generation mobile CPU architecture, is set to debut later this year. It boasts several key features:
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Design Inspired By Fallout:
- The Claw 8 AI+ pays homage to the popular video game series by adopting a Fallout-themed design. Its aesthetics draw inspiration from the iconic Pip-Boy, a trusty companion in the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
- While the press release initially mentioned an “8-inch device,” there’s some confusion about the screen size. Whether it’s truly 8 inches or closer to 7 inches remains uncertain.
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Enhanced Features:
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity ensures seamless data transfer and peripheral support.
- Improved LB/RB buttons enhance the gaming experience.
- The battery capacity exceeds 53 Wh, promising extended playtime.
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Intel Arc's Battlemage Xe2 Graphics:
- The Claw 8 AI+ proudly features Intel Arc’s Battlemage Xe2 graphics, marking a milestone as the first officially announced product to showcase this GPU architecture.
- With Lunar Lake’s power-efficient cores and integrated LPDDR5X memory, the iGPU gains a significant boost in performance.
What Lies Ahead
As Lunar Lake laptops prepare to hit stores next quarter, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ will follow suit. MSI’s commitment to Intel CPUs signals a promising future for handheld gaming devices. Gamers can look forward to a fusion of power, design, and Fallout-inspired aesthetics—all in the palm of their hands! 🎮🌙