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MSI Claw A1M Review: Intel-Powered Handheld Gaming PC

MSI Claw A1M Review: Intel-Powered Handheld Gaming PC

Overview

The MSI Claw A1M is MSI's entry into the handheld gaming PC space, running Windows 11 and powered by Intel's Meteor Lake processors (Core Ultra 5 135H or Core Ultra 7 155H) with integrated Intel Arc graphics. It features a 7-inch 1920x1080 IPS touchscreen with a 60Hz refresh rate, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and storage options of 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD, expandable via microSD. The device weighs 675 grams and has a plastic chassis with dimensions 294 x 117 x 21.2 mm. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C video output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also includes dual stereo speakers, dual heat pipe active cooling, vibration, a fingerprint sensor, and Hall effect triggers and joysticks. The battery capacity is 53 Wh.

Key Specs Highlights

  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 135H / Ultra 7 155H (14 cores, 18 threads, up to 4.8 GHz)
  • GPU: Intel Arc (up to 2.25 GHz)
  • RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5
  • Storage: 512 GB / 1 TB NVMe SSD + microSD slot
  • Display: 7.0-inch IPS touchscreen, 1920x1080, 60Hz, ~319 PPI
  • Battery: 53 Wh
  • Weight: 675 g
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C video out, 3.5mm audio
  • Other: Fingerprint sensor, Hall effect triggers and joysticks, dual cooling fans

Who It Is For

The MSI Claw A1M is for gamers who want a Windows-based handheld PC for playing PC games on the go. It is suitable for those who prefer Intel hardware and need a device that can handle emulation up to PS2, Wii, and 3DS, as well as less demanding PC titles. However, it may struggle with some modern AAA PC games due to GPU limitations. It also appeals to users who want a familiar Windows environment with full desktop compatibility.

Buying Notes

Pricing starts at $699 for the Core Ultra 5 model and $799 for the Core Ultra 7 model, with higher storage configurations available up to $2000. The device was released in March 2024. Consider your gaming needs carefully: the Intel Arc GPU may not match the performance of competing handhelds with AMD or dedicated graphics for demanding games. The 60Hz display and plastic build are trade-offs for its price point. Ensure you check current market prices and availability before purchasing.

Specifications
CPUIntel Meteor Lake
GPUIntel Arc
NameMSI Claw A1M
BrandMSI
Memory16 GB LPDDR5
Weight675 g
Battery53 Wh
CoolingDual heat pipe active cooling fan
StorageBuilt-in 512 GB / 1 TB (NVMe), external TF card slot
SpeakersDual stereo
Grip TypeHorizontal
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 5 135H / Ultra 7 155H
VibrationYes
Body ColorBlack
Dimensions294 mm x 117 mm x 21.2 mm
Screen PPI319.26
Price Range$700 - $2000
Screen Size7.0 inches
Screen TypeIPS touchscreen
Audio Output3.5mm headphone jack
ConnectivityWiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Release Date2024 / 03
Screen Ratio16:9
Video OutputUSB-C video output
CPU Frequency700 MHz - 4.6 GHz / 700 MHz - 4.8 GHz
Other SensorsFingerprint recognition, Hall effect triggers and Hall effect joysticks
Shell MaterialPlastic
Starting Price$699 (Core Ultra 5) / $799 (Core Ultra 7)
Operating SystemWindows
Screen Resolution1920 x 1080
GPU Core Frequency2.2 GHz, 2.25 GHz
Screen Refresh Rate60Hz
CPU Cores and Threads14 cores 18 threads
Emulator Game SupportUp to NGC, Wii, 3DS, PS2; some PC games run poorly

Full specs and updates on our site: https://www.oldman.dpdns.org/en/handheld/msi-claw-a1m

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