MSI’s Claw Handheld Console introduces Intel’s 1st Gen Core Ultra Meteor Lake CPUs at CES 2024

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MSI’s Claw Handheld Console introduces Intel’s 1st Gen Core Ultra Meteor Lake CPUs at CES 2024

MSI, a important player in the gaming industry, is set to make its mark in the handheld gaming console market with the introduction of its latest creation, the MSI Claw. This handheld console is being hailed as a “whole new breed of MSI dragon” and has already garnered significant attention ahead of its official unveiling at CES 2024. While the console bears some resemblance to other popular handheld devices like the ROG Ally and the Steam Deck">Steam Deck, it sets itself apart by leveraging Intel’s highly anticipated 1st Gen Core Ultra Meteor Lake processors.

Thanks to a recent Geekbench entry, we already have some insights into the specifications of the MSI Claw. Powering this handheld beast is the 1st Gen Core Ultra 7 155H, a 16-core CPU featuring 6 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, and 2 LPE cores. In practical terms, it functions as a 14-core chip since the LPE cores remain inactive while the rest are in use. The P-cores come equipped with hyper-threading, resulting in a thread count of 20. With a boost clock of up to 4.8GHz, these cores offer improved performance compared to their E counterparts, which top out at 3.8GHz. The LPE cores, on the other hand, have a maximum clock speed of 2.5GHz. The CPU boasts a default TDP of 28W, which can be adjusted as per requirements.

The Core Ultra 7 155H also features Arc Xe-LPG graphics, a variant that includes 8 Xe-cores, each comprising 16 Vector Units. This configuration results in a shader count of 1,024, surpassing the Radeon 780M’s 768 shaders. The GPU operates at a boost clock of 2.25GHz and is complemented by 32GB of dual-channel LPDDR5-7467 memory, which is shared between the CPU and GPU.

While the MSI Claw appears impressive on paper, there are concerns regarding the performance of Intel’s Meteor Lake SKU. According to @wxnod, these 4nm-class chips may disappoint when operating at low TDPs and deliver mediocre gaming performance. The Arc Xe-LPG iGPU on the 155H often falls short compared to the Radeon 780M, particularly in scenarios with demanding graphics. The hybrid CPU design, with its E-cores being ignored by most games due to their lower clocks, also poses a risk. However, Intel claims to have made significant improvements to Meteor Lake’s scheduler, which could potentially address these concerns and make the MSI Claw a compelling device.

As we eagerly await its official unveiling at CES 2024, the MSI Claw promises to be a curious addition to the handheld gaming console market. With its powerful Intel Core Ultra Meteor Lake processor and impressive specifications, it has the potential to offer an immersive gaming experience on the go. However, only time will tell if it can truly deliver on its promises and establish itself as a worthy competitor in this rapidly growing segment.

Background Information

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About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

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About MSI: MSI (Micro-Star International) is a globally recognized company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of a wide range of computer products. With a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1986, MSI has emerged as a key player in the technology industry, consistently delivering innovative solutions that cater to the needs of both casual users and hardcore enthusiasts. The company's product portfolio encompasses a diverse array of products, including motherboards, graphics cards, laptops, desktops, monitors, and various gaming peripherals. MSI's commitment to quality and performance is evident in its dedication to technologies, sleek designs, and rigorous testing standards. for its gaming-focused products under the MSI Gaming brand, the company has earned a reputation for delivering high-performance components that enhance the gaming experience.

  

Event Info

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About CES: CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, is an annual event held in Las Vegas, Nevada, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). With a history dating back to 1967, it has become the world's premier platform for unveiling and exploring the latest innovations in consumer electronics and technology. Drawing exhibitors ranging from industry titans to startups across diverse sectors, including automotive, health and wellness, robotics, gaming, and artificial intelligence, CES transforms Las Vegas into a global tech hub, offering a glimpse into the future of technology through a wide array of showcases, from startup-focused Eureka Park to cutting-edge automotive and health tech exhibitions.

  

Technology Explained

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CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

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E-Cores: E-Cores (Efficiency Cores) are a type of technology used in the computer industry to provide a more efficient and reliable way of powering and cooling computer components. They are made up of a combination of copper and aluminum, and are designed to be more efficient than traditional copper cores. E-Cores are used in a variety of applications, such as in CPUs, GPUs, and other computer components. They are also used in servers, laptops, and other electronic devices. The technology is designed to reduce heat and power consumption, while also providing a more reliable and efficient way of powering and cooling computer components.

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GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

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iGPU: An integrated Graphics Processing Unit (iGPU) is a component built into a computer's central processing unit (CPU) or system-on-chip (SoC) that handles graphical tasks. Unlike dedicated graphics cards, which are separate components, an iGPU shares system resources with the CPU, allowing for basic graphics capabilities without the need for an additional card. While typically less powerful than dedicated GPUs, iGPUs are energy-efficient and well-suited for everyday computing tasks

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LPDDR5: LPDDR5 is a type of computer memory technology that is used in many modern computers. It stands for Low Power Double Data Rate 5 and is the latest version of the LPDDR memory standard. It is a type of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) that is designed to be more power efficient than its predecessors. It is used in many modern laptops, tablets, and smartphones to provide faster performance and longer battery life. LPDDR5 is also used in some high-end gaming PCs and workstations to provide faster loading times and smoother gaming experiences. It is also used in some servers and data centers to provide faster data processing and storage.

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P-Cores: P-Cores (Performance Cores) are a type of processor technology developed by Intel that is designed to improve the performance of computer systems. This technology is based on the concept of multi-core processors, which are processors that contain multiple cores or processing units. P-Cores are designed to increase the speed and efficiency of computer systems by allowing multiple cores to work together in parallel. This technology is used in a variety of applications, including gaming, video editing, and data analysis. P-Cores are also used in servers and other high-performance computing systems. The technology is also used in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to improve battery life and performance. P-Cores are an important part of the computer industry, as they allow for faster and more efficient computing.

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Radeon: AMD Radeon, a product line by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), consists of graphics processing units (GPUs) recognized for their strong performance in gaming, content creation, and professional applications. Powered by innovative technologies like the RDNA architecture, Radeon GPUs deliver efficient and powerful graphics processing. The brand also supports features like FreeSync, enhancing visual fluidity and reducing screen tearing during gaming. Moreover, AMD Radeon GPUs embrace real-time ray tracing for heightened realism in lighting and reflections. With a balance between price and performance, Radeon competes with NVIDIA's GeForce graphics cards and remains a popular choice for a wide range of users.

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Steam Deck: Steam Deck is a revolutionary technology that has revolutionized the computer industry. It is a cloud-based platform that allows users to access their applications and games from any device, anywhere in the world. Steam Deck is a great way to access the latest games and applications without having to install them on your computer. It also allows users to access their games and applications from multiple devices, making it easier to stay connected and play with friends. Steam Deck also offers a variety of features such as cloud storage, game streaming, and more. This technology has made it easier for gamers to stay connected and play their favorite games without having to worry about hardware or software compatibility. Steam Deck is a great way to stay connected and enjoy the latest games and applications.