MSI’s Refreshed Claw Gaming Handheld Works Best With Fiber Internet
Get fast internet to make those massive downloads super quick
Dec 10, 2024 | Share 
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MSI announced a revision to its Claw gaming handheld design that adds a new 8-inch model alongside a revamped 7-inch one. Both A2VM designs are backed by Intel’s latest Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, loads of superfast storage and memory, and, according to MSI, a 133% higher peak framerate than the original A1M model.
But what connection do you need to power this beast? We’ll take a look. But first, let’s have a quick gander at what’s under the hood (or behind the screen) of MSI’s new A2VM models slated to arrive in January.
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MSI’s new Claw A2VM handhelds: The specs
| Claw 8 AI+ A2VM | Claw 7 AI+ A2VM | |
|---|---|---|
| Display size: | 8 in. | 7 in. |
| Display type: | IPS | IPS |
| Resolution: | 1920 x 1200 @ 120 Hz | 1920 x 1080 @ 120 Hz |
| Max processor: | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V |
| Max graphics: | Intel Arc 140V | Up to Intel Arc 140V |
| Max memory: | 32GB LPDDR5-8533 | 32GB LPDDR5-8533 |
| Storage: | 1TB | 512GB |
| Ports: | 1x audio combo jack 1x micro SD card reader 2x Thunderbolt 4 | 1x audio combo jack 1x micro SD card reader 2x Thunderbolt 4 |
| Battery: | 80Whr | 54.5Whr |
| Wi-Fi: | Intel Killer BE1750 | Intel AX211 |
| Audio: | 2x 2-watt speakers | 2x 2-watt speakers |
| OS: | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Color: | Sandstone | Black |
The key callout in MSI’s announcement is the addition of an 8-inch model. The older A1M model’s screen measures 7 inches diagonally—as will the new Claw 7 AI+ refresh (listed above).
The two A2VM models will also sport newer Intel Core Ultra “Lunar Lake” processors built for thin and light PCs. They include integrated Xe2 integrated graphics and a neural processing unit (NPU) for boosting AI performance. The hardware refresh also packs faster memory and an extra Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) port.
MSI’s Claw handhelds support fast Wi-Fi
Since we love internet, our eyes naturally gravitate to the handheld console’s Wi-Fi connectivity. Like with the older A1M model, the 8-inch A2VM includes Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, whereas the upcoming 7-inch A2VM model supports the slower Wi-Fi 6E standard. Here’s what to expect in supported Wi-Fi throughput:
| 8-inch A2VM | 7-inch A1M | 7-inch A2VM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max throughput: | 5,800Mbps | 5,800Mbps | 2,400Mbps |
All three models can access the new 6 GHz band, which we suggest using, given it has less interference than the 5 GHz one.
But with Wi-Fi 7, the 6 GHz band is where you get the most speed based on our tests. Wi-Fi 7 also manages interference better than Wi-Fi 6E and older, so we suggest getting a Wi-Fi 7 router even if you settle for the 7-inch A2VM model.
Here are a few router suggestions to get the most out of MSI’s handhelds:
| Router | Wi-Fi version | Max throughput |
|---|---|---|
| MSI RadiX GRAXE66 | Wi-Fi 6E | 6,600Mbps |
| Linksys Hydra Pro 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | 6,600Mbps |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S | Wi-Fi 7 | 19,000Mbps |
| TP-Link Archer BE3600 | Wi-Fi 7 | 3,600Mbps |
Fiber internet is the best connection for gaming
As noted, the Claw updates support Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, and fiber is the best internet you can get for those fast wireless speeds. The routers we suggest have a wired internet speed of just under 2,400Mbps, but you also need a fast internet plan to make those games download super quick. Here are a handful of suggested fiber internet providers:
MSI’s refreshed Claw handhelds arrive in January
The first configurations for the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ will arrive on January 15, 2025. You can pre-order the new handhelds now.
| Price | ||
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Claw 8 AI+ A2VM-001US | Claw 7 AI+ A2VM-001US |
| Best Buy | Claw 8 AI+ A2VM-001US | Claw 7 AI+ A2VM-001US |
| MSI US Store | Claw 8 AI+ A2VM-001US | Claw 7 AI+ A2VM-001US |
Author - Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.
Editor - Jessica Brooksby
Jessica loves bringing her passion for the written word and her love of tech into one space at HighSpeedInternet.com. She works with the team’s writers to revise strong, user-focused content so every reader can find the tech that works for them. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in English from Utah Valley University and seven years of creative and editorial experience. Outside of work, she spends her time gaming, reading, painting, and buying an excessive amount of Legend of Zelda merchandise.
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