Ryzen Z2 Extreme instead of Intel: MSI for the first time on the A8 claw over AMD 40 comments
MSI has so far taken a unique path with its Claw series gaming laptops and, unlike virtually the entire competition, has based them not on a Ryzen APU, but on Intel. That’s now changing. The A8 claw presented at Computex 2025 directly reaches the next generation, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme.
MSI completes its own schedule
Until now, MSI has been largely alone in its pocket strategy. Much of the competition relies on AMD for its pocket-friendly hardware. While Valve uses a custom APU for the Steam Bridge, Ryzen Z1 and Z1 are used for virtually the rest of the field, for example in the Asus Rog Ally (X), Lenovo Legion Go (S), or Zotac Zone. Acer, on the other hand, is reaching for the Nitro Blaze laptop in 8 and 11 inches for AMD Hawk-Point APUs.
MSI has used Intel exclusively in its handhelds from the beginning, in the second generation with the Intel Core Ultra 200V Lunar Lake. That alone is over, as MSI has a new claw in its luggage for Computex, which is powered by the latest APU from the Ryzen Z series and is intended to complete the manufacturer’s portfolio.
Claw A8 with Ryzen Z2 Extreme and 24 GB of RAM
The MSI Claw A8 uses the new Ryzen Z2 Extreme, which has eight CPU cores. These are three large Zen 5 cores and five more compact 5C cores. 16 3.5th-generation mDNA cores are used in the graphics unit. The APU comes with 24 GB of shared LPDDR5X-8000 memory for the CPU and GPU. This is 6 GB less than the Intel solution in the form of the Claw 8 Ai+, which also has slightly faster RAM (8533 Mbit/s). The new Claw A8 measures 299.5 x 126.2 x 24 mm and weighs 765 grams.
MSI Claw A8 Image 1 of 7
In contrast, the other specifications are largely similar between the AMD and Intel variants. According to the spec sheet, the display used is identical, with a fast 8-inch, 120 Hz display with a resolution of 1920 × 1200 pixels, dominated by VRR. Brightness is rated at up to 500 cd/m². In addition, both models have an 80 Wh battery. Windows 11 Home is used as the operating system.
The editorial team was able to identify two small differences in the spec sheet: While the Claw 8 AI+ offers an M.2-2230 slot for SSDs, the AMD Claw A8 should also be able to store longer SSDs in a 2280 slot. And there are differences in wireless connectivity: While the Claw A8 uses Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, the Intel variant with the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard is on hold; Bluetooth remains at version 5.3. Claw 8 Ai + in new color
MSI confirms that the Claw 8 Ai+ with Intel Core Ultra 200V is not being discontinued and replaced by the new Ryzen-powered A8 processor, as a new color variant of the Intel-powered entry-level PC was unveiled at the booth. The “Polar Tempest Edition” now features parts of the front panel in white, while the original “sand” color scheme was used. Aside from the exterior changes, the devices are identical.
MSI Claw 8 Ai + Polar Tempest Edition
A lifelong video game enthusiast, Julien reviews the latest releases and explores the technologies transforming the gaming world.
