AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Dominates Lunar Lake in MSI Handheld Showdown: Smoother Gameplay at Lower Power

The battle for handheld gaming supremacy intensifies as new benchmarks reveal AMD‘s Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip delivering superior performance efficiency over Intel’s Lunar Lake in MSI’s latest devices. Direct testing between the MSI Claw A8 (AMD) and Claw 8 AI+ (Intel) shows the Ryzen Z2 solution achieving higher frame rates and significantly smoother gameplay, particularly at lower power levels critical for portable gaming.

Which Gaming Handheld Offers Smoother Performance: AMD or Intel?

Recent benchmark comparisons conducted by tech reviewer @9550pro and published on Bilibili demonstrate clear advantages for AMD’s architecture in real-world gaming scenarios. When both MSI handhelds were tested at 17W TDP—a sweet spot for balancing performance and battery life—the Ryzen Z2 Extreme-powered Claw A8 outperformed its Lunar Lake counterpart by 7.4% on average at 1080p. More crucially, it showcased superior 1% lows, indicating consistently smoother frame delivery during intense gameplay sequences where stutters disrupt immersion.

Performance gaps widened notably in titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, where the AMD solution posted up to 27% higher frames. Even at 30W, the Ry2 maintained a 5.7% average lead. Technical analysts attribute this edge to AMD’s hybrid RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture and the chip’s higher 5.0 GHz boost clocks, which compensate for its older TSMC 4nm process versus Lunar Lake’s 3nm design.

Technical Breakdown: Architecture Matters
The Ryzen Z2 Extreme leverages 8 cores, 16 threads, and Radeon 890M-equivalent graphics with 16 compute units. Intel’s Lunar Lake Ultra 7 258V counters with 8 cores (but only 8 threads) and Xe2-based graphics. While Intel’s node advantage promises efficiency, real-world gaming tests reveal AMD’s implementation excels in sustained throughput.

Notably, the Claw A8 supports up to 35W TDP for burst performance, whereas the Claw 8 AI+ remains capped at lower thresholds. This flexibility gives AMD users headroom for demanding titles when plugged in.

What Gamers Should Consider Before Buying
With both devices priced between $900-$1,000, the benchmarks suggest the Ryzen Z2 model offers better value for performance-focused users. However, Lunar Lake’s newer media engine and AI capabilities may appeal to users prioritizing non-gaming tasks. Battery life comparisons remain pending, but AMD’s efficiency at mainstream TDPs hints at longevity advantages.

Industry experts note that AMD’s scalable Ryzen Z2 lineup—offering 4-core to 8-core variants—provides OEMs more flexibility than Intel’s exclusively 8-core Lunar Lake approach. This could accelerate AMD’s adoption across budget and premium handhelds throughout 2024.

The handheld gaming arena is no longer just about peak FPS—consistency and efficiency define the experience. AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme demonstrates tangible advantages where it matters most: delivering buttery-smooth gameplay without excessive power drain. For gamers prioritizing uncompromised performance in portable form, the Claw A8 sets a compelling new standard.

Must Know

Q: How much faster is the MSI Claw A8 vs the Claw 8 AI+?
A: Benchmarks show the AMD-powered Claw A8 is 5.7% faster at 30W and 7.4% faster at 17W TDP settings. Performance gaps exceed 25% in titles like Monster Hunter Wilds.

Q: Why are 1% lows important for gaming handhelds?
A: 1% lows measure frame rate consistency during demanding scenes. Higher values mean fewer stutters—critical for playability on small screens where lag is highly noticeable.

Q: Does Lunar Lake have any advantages over Ryzen Z2?
A: Lunar Lake’s newer 3nm process and AI-focused NPU may benefit productivity tasks. However, current gaming tests favor AMD’s architecture for raw throughput.

Q: What resolution were these benchmarks tested at?
A: All comparisons used 1080p settings, reflecting modern handheld gaming capabilities.

Q: Are both MSI handhelds similarly priced?
A: Yes, both retail between $900-$1,000. Performance-per-dollar currently favors the AMD model.

Q: Can either device run AAA games smoothly?
A: Both handle AAA titles at playable frame rates, but the Claw A8 achieves higher consistency, especially at lower TDPs.