MSI Claw Handheld Experiences Startup Crashes in Multiple Games, Intel Core Ultra Power at Fault

MSI Claw Handheld Experiences Startup Crashes in Multiple Games, Intel Core Ultra Power at Fault

The gaming world was abuzz with excitement when MSI announced the release of their new handheld console, the MSI Claw. Promising a seamless gaming experience on the go, the device seemed like a dream come true for avid gamers. However, it appears that the Claw is off to a rocky start, with reports of multiple games crashing at startup.

YouTuber Cary Golomb recently reviewed the MSI Claw and discovered that several games, including the popular Batman Arkham Knight, refused to run on the Intel-powered handheld. The culprit behind these crashes seems to be the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, a powerful 16-core chip paired with Arc Alchemist graphics (Xe-LPG). Unfortunately, the integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU) of the Claw does not perform well in older DirectX 9 and DirectX 11 games, mainly due to sparse driver support.

The Arc Xe-LPG GPU on the Claw boasts 8 Xe Cores, which translates to 1,024 shaders. It also features fixed-function hardware, including ray-tracing and geometry units. However, it is important to note that the GPU’s default peak clock of 2.25GHz may be reduced to 2GHz or even lower on the Claw. On the other hand, the P-Cores on the CPU can reach a maximum clock speed of 4.8GHz, but it is expected that the handheld will have a lower limit of around 3-3.5GHz.

Intel’s software team has been diligently working to perfect the Arc graphics driver, but there is still plenty of optimization left to be done. In a previous test of the Arc A750, another device utilizing Intel’s Alchemist GPU, mixed results were obtained. While the GPU managed to function adequately, it suffered from strange audio glitches, stuttering, and occasional failures to launch in several older and niche titles.

In comparison to the Claw, most other handheld consoles on the market, such as the Steam Deck">Steam Deck, Legion Go, and ROG Ally, leverage AMD’s Ryzen APUs with RDNA 2/3 graphics. Although the Radeon graphics driver is not flawless, it has not caused any major headaches for handheld gamers thus far. Additionally, with driver-level support for variable shading, spatial upscaling (RSR), and Frame Generation (Fluid Motion Frames), there is ample room for optimizing even the most demanding PC games on these devices.

It remains to be seen how MSI will address the startup crashes experienced by users of the Claw handheld console. It is clear that Intel’s Core Ultra power is currently at fault, but with ongoing software optimization efforts, there is hope for a smoother gaming experience in the future. As the gaming community eagerly awaits updates and improvements, it is crucial for manufacturers to prioritize robust driver support to ensure the success of their gaming devices.

Background Information

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About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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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.

  

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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DirectX 11: DirectX 11 is a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) developed by Microsoft for use in Windows-based computers. It is used to create high-performance graphics and multimedia applications. DirectX 11 is the latest version of the DirectX API and is used in the latest versions of Windows operating systems. It is used to create 3D graphics, audio, and video applications for gaming, multimedia, and other applications. DirectX 11 provides improved performance, better image quality, and more efficient memory usage. It also supports the latest hardware features such as tessellation, multi-threading, and compute shaders. DirectX 11 is used in a variety of computer applications, including gaming, multimedia, and scientific applications.

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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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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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RDNA: RDNA (Radeon DNA) is a graphics architecture developed by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) for its Radeon series of graphics cards. It's designed to deliver improved performance, power efficiency, and advanced features for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. RDNA introduces a new compute unit design that enhances the efficiency of processing tasks, resulting in better performance per watt compared to its predecessor, GCN (Graphics Core Next). RDNA also introduces hardware-based ray tracing capabilities, allowing for more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in supported games. With its scalable design, RDNA architecture addresses the demands of modern gaming while aiming to provide a more immersive and visually impressive experience.

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RSR: Radeon Super Resolution (RSR) is an in-driver upscaling feature that uses the same algorithm found in our AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) technology. RSR works by upscaling lower resolutions set in-game to the native resolution of the active display, providing higher FPS performance. RSR can be configured globally so the effects will be applied to all compatible games. It can also be separately customized for individual games using AMD Software application profiles.

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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.