MSI Claw A1M Hardware and Clearance Pricing
The original MSI Claw (A1M) was the first handheld from MSI to feature an Intel CPU, specifically the Core Ultra 7 155H from the Meteor Lake family. Retailers have placed the handheld on clearance, making it available for a reduced price of $562.99.
In the market for handheld gaming PCs, this pricing makes it one of the more affordable options available for a device with these specifications, as competing models with similar storage often cost significantly more.
Design and Display Specifications
In both build quality and layout, the A1M features a 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a single USB-C port for charging and peripherals, and a microSD card slot alongside a replaceable internal SSD.
The MSI Claw A1M combines the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor with 16GB of memory and a 1TB SSD, pairing the hardware with its 1080p 120Hz display.
Performance and Power Consumption
While the deal offers notable value for a 1TB handheld, the Meteor Lake chip was not originally designed specifically for handheld gaming. It delivers decent performance, but does so with a relatively high power draw.
In titles like Horizon Zero Dawn, the device achieves around 30 FPS at native 1080p using the Balanced power plan with a 30W target. When plugged in with a 40W power budget, it can also reach 30 FPS in games like Cyberpunk 2077 using the Steam Deck preset.
Software Updates and Verdict
The device generally trails alternative systems using competing processors while exhibiting shorter battery life. However, MSI has released numerous firmware and overlay software updates since the initial launch to refine the user experience.
Power efficiency remains a consideration due to the higher power draw of the Meteor Lake architecture compared to newer PC handhelds, making a reliable external USB-C charger a practical accessory.
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