MSI Claw 8 AI+ Gains Up to 30% Performance in Surprise Software Update

In a stunning turnaround, MSI’s Intel Lunar Lake-powered Claw 8 AI+ handheld has received a software update delivering 10-30% performance gains across popular games. The fix addresses a critical power-setting misconfiguration that inadvertently capped the device’s capabilities since launch.

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ Breakthrough Update

• Issue Identified: Default settings matched PL1 (sustained power) and PL2 (turbo boost) limits – crippling Lunar Lake’s burst performance
• The Fix: MSI Center M update increases PL2 by just 1W above PL1 – unleashing the CPU’s true potential
• Impact: Lunar Lake’s unique architecture responds dramatically to minor power adjustments

Real-World Game Gains (TechPowerUp Testing):

Why This Matters

1. Handheld Leadership: Updated Claw 8 AI+ now outperforms AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme rivals in testing
2. Intel’s Comeback: Validates Lunar Lake’s gaming prowess after initial underwhelming reviews
3. User Action: Owners must install update via MSI Center M app to unlock gains

The Irony

Despite becoming the new performance king, the Claw 8 AI+ faces challenges:

• Limited device selection (Intel partnered with few manufacturers)
• Premium pricing ($799+) despite being Intel’s “entry” handheld
• Uncertain future: Intel halts integrated-memory designs post-Lunar Lake

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• GPD Win 5 Unveiled – World’s First Strix Halo Handheld with 16-Core AMD Power

The Bottom Line

This unexpected optimization transforms the Claw 8 AI+ from an also-ran to a contender overnight. For owners, it’s a free performance bonanza; for rivals, a warning that software can make or break hardware. As handheld wars intensify, Intel just proved it can punch above its weight – when properly configured.

Source: techpowerup