MSI recently unveiled its first portable gaming PC, the MSI Claw, to rival Valve’s Steam Deck OLED. While the Steam Deck left its mark on the industry with its significant impact, the Claw enters the arena with promises of high-end performance. Let’s take a closer look at how these two devices compare for gaming enthusiasts on the go.
Duel of the Displays
Steam Deck OLED: Impressive Brightness and Contrast
The Steam Deck OLED immediately stands out with its 7.4-inch OLED screen, offering vivid colours and exceptional contrast compared to the LCD variant of its predecessor. This technological advance gives the Steam Deck an undeniable visual edge, transforming the gaming experience with superior image quality.
MSI Claw: Defying the Standards with 120Hz Refresh
Although the MSI Claw opts for a 7-inch HD LCD screen, it offers an impressive refresh rate of 120 Hz. This makes it a solid choice for fast-paced gaming, beating the 90Hz ceiling of the Steam Deck OLED. While OLED offers undeniable visual benefits, the Claw’s high refresh rate could make it more attractive to fans of fast-paced games requiring ultra-fast response.
Choosing between OLED and 120 Hz: A trade-off
Ultimately, the decision between the Steam Deck OLED and the MSI Claw will depend on individual preferences. If visual brilliance and contrast are paramount, the Steam Deck might be the obvious choice. However, for those who favour ultra-smooth performance, the Claw’s 120Hz refresh rate could win out.
Performance comparison: MSI Claw vs Steam Deck OLED
Steam Deck OLED: An industry pioneer
The Steam Deck OLED, despite some initial criticism, has managed to set new standards in the world of portable gaming PCs. With its imposing size, it aroused the interest of competitors, prompting well-known brands such as Lenovo and Asus to launch similar products. The 7.4-inch OLED screen delivers stunning visuals, taking the gaming experience to the next level.
MSI Claw : MSI’s bold entry
The MSI Claw, unveiled at CES 2024, is positioned as a bold alternative. MSI has no intention of ceding ground and offers a high-end gaming experience on the move. How does it measure up to the Steam Deck OLED?
While the aesthetics may capture the attention, the real gaming experience relies on the power of the internal components. By comparing the MSI CLAW and Steam Deck OLED, we can examine the key specifications of their processors and GPUs.
The MSI CLAW is powered by an upgraded Intel Core Ultra processor, enhanced with XeSS technology to optimise frame rate. In addition, it incorporates a dedicated SoC to support graphics performance. However, the specific details of these components have yet to be specified.
On the other hand, Valve’s Steam Deck OLED adopts a Zen 2 processor and an 8-core RDNA GPU. While this configuration is similar to the original 2022 Steam Deck, it benefits from a more efficient 6nm manufacturing process, compared to the previous 7nm. This optimisation should increase the overall efficiency of the system.
Both devices are equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring smooth handling of multitasking and modern gaming demands. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the gaming experience depends not only on the amount of RAM, but also on the processing power of the CPU and GPU.
Size and bulk: a matter of preference
The bulky size of the Steam Deck has been a point of discussion, and the MSI Claw seeks to offer an alternative. For some, the size of the Steam Deck may be perceived as imposing, while others may appreciate the sturdy grip. The Claw offers a different approach, with a perhaps more ergonomic design.
Promising top-end performance
The Claw’s performance is at the heart of its promise. Equipped with quality components, it aims to deliver a fluid and immersive gaming experience. The final verdict on its performance will have to wait for more in-depth testing, but MSI seems determined to meet gamers’ expectations.
Battery life: MSI Claw vs Steam Deck OLED
One of the major improvements of the Steam Deck OLED over its predecessor is its significantly increased battery life. With the ability to reach up to 12 hours under certain usage conditions, the Steam Deck OLED offers extended gaming sessions, perfect for gaming marathons or extended travel. Valve has clearly focused on battery durability to meet the needs of avid gamers.
MSI has taken a different approach to the Claw’s battery. While the exact battery life has yet to be confirmed, MSI has stated that the device can last up to two hours in a full workload environment. This indication suggests that the Claw is specifically designed to meet the needs of demanding gamers looking to play triple-A titles on the go. Rather than focusing on extremely long battery life, MSI’s emphasis is on optimum performance.
Conclusion
The constant evolution of portable gaming PC technology offers consumers a variety of options. The MSI Claw and Steam Deck OLED represent two different approaches, each with its own advantages. The choice between the MSI Claw and Steam Deck OLED will depend on individual preferences. Gamers will need to evaluate not only size, design, performance but also other features to determine which best suits their needs.
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