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The MSI Claw A1M with a Core Ultra 5 135H can match—and in some reported game tests feel smoother than—the Core Ultra 7 155H version. HotHardware’s side-by-side testing found similar performance in several games and worse frame-time results for the 155H in Diablo 4 and Control. That makes the 135H a credible value pick, not a guaranteed faster chip: results vary with the game, power mode, drivers and firmware.
What did the MSI Claw 135H vs. 155H benchmarks find?
In a report published March 27, 2024, HotHardware found that the higher-tier 155H configuration did not reliably outperform the 135H model. Performance was similar in Forza Horizon 5, God of War, Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Diablo 4. In Diablo 4 and Control, HotHardware reported worse frame times on the 155H.
| Game or benchmark | Reported comparison | What the result establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 5 | Similar performance (HotHardware, March 27, 2024) | No clear 155H advantage in this reported comparison. |
| God of War | Similar performance (HotHardware, March 27, 2024) | No clear 155H advantage in this reported comparison. |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | Similar performance (HotHardware, March 27, 2024) | No clear 155H advantage in this reported comparison. |
| Diablo 4 | Similar performance overall; worse 155H frame times were also reported (HotHardware, March 27, 2024) | Average performance alone may not capture how consistent gameplay feels. |
| Control | Worse 155H frame times (HotHardware, March 27, 2024) | The higher-tier processor did not guarantee smoother delivery of frames. |
| Geekbench and 3DMark Time Spy | The Claw could score well in these synthetic tests (HotHardware, March 27, 2024) | Strong synthetic scores do not establish better results in actual games. |
These are named observations, not a universal ranking. HotHardware’s report does not provide an authoritative aggregate FPS figure across games, so there is no reliable all-games average to cite. HotHardware also cautioned that more testing was needed before generalizing its findings.
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Why can the Core Ultra 5 135H compete with the Core Ultra 7 155H?
The key difference is CPU core count, while both Claw configurations use the same eight-Xe-core Intel Arc integrated graphics and 16GB of LPDDR5-6400 memory, according to MSI’s specifications. GamersNexus and Notebookcheck list the 135H as having 4 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores and 2 low-power efficiency cores, for 18 threads. The 155H has 6 performance cores with the same 8 efficiency and 2 low-power efficiency cores, for 22 threads.
#1 Best Overall
- High-Performance Computing: Harness the power of the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor to effortlessly handle demanding tasks. Enjoy reliable, high-performance computing wherever you go.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Perfection Through Anthropometry: As a handheld device, Claw has achieved the optimal balance between its grip and weight. We have meticulously polished various design details, from the curvature that fits the palm, to the finger grip positions and trigger force.
- Best-in-Class Battery Life: Unlock exceptional gaming endurance with our breakthrough battery capacity. It's where efficient power meets robust performance—more game, less charge.
- 8-inch Smoothness Ready: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with our 8-inch premium 120Hz gaming display, with exceptional color reproduction and smooth action.
More CPU cores can help with CPU-heavy work, but handheld games often run into graphics limits within the device’s available power budget. Notebookcheck’s explanation is that with the same iGPU and a constrained package power envelope, the 135H’s smaller number of P-cores may leave more of that budget available to the graphics processor. GamersNexus likewise describes Claw gaming workloads as generally GPU-bound. That is a plausible explanation for the observed results, not proof that the 135H will win in every game or power mode.
The 155H has higher listed CPU clock speeds: MSI specifies 1.4–4.8 GHz for the 155H and 1.2–4.6 GHz for the 135H. Those headline clocks do not by themselves predict game performance in a handheld, where sustained power, workload balance and software versions also matter.
Rank #2
- AI-Powered Performance: Harness the capabilities of the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor to effortlessly manage demanding tasks. Extend your productivity with the most powerful and reliable performance on the go.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Perfection Through Anthropometry: As a handheld device, Claw has achieved the optimal balance between its grip and weight. We have meticulously polished various design details, from the curvature that fits the palm, to the finger grip positions and trigger force.
- Best-in-Class Battery Life: Unlock exceptional gaming endurance with our breakthrough battery capacity. It's where efficient power meets robust performance—more game, less charge.
- 8-inch Smoothness Ready: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with our 8-inch premium 120Hz gaming display, with exceptional color reproduction and smooth action.
What is different between the two MSI Claw A1M configurations?
| Specification | Core Ultra 5 135H | Core Ultra 7 155H |
|---|---|---|
| Processor clocks (MSI specification) | 1.2–4.6 GHz | 1.4–4.8 GHz |
| CPU core layout (GamersNexus) | 4 P-cores + 8 E-cores + 2 low-power E-cores; 18 threads | 6 P-cores + 8 E-cores + 2 low-power E-cores; 22 threads |
| Integrated graphics (MSI specification) | Intel Arc, 8 Xe-cores | Intel Arc, 8 Xe-cores |
| Memory (MSI specification) | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| Listed SSD capacities (MSI specification) | 512GB NVMe | 512GB or 1TB NVMe |
| Battery (MSI specification) | 53Wh | 53Wh |
| Display (MSI specification) | 7-inch, 1920×1080, 120Hz | 7-inch, 1920×1080, 120Hz |
| Price comparison | Not stated in the available MSI specifications. | Not stated in the available MSI specifications. |
The listed configurations share the display, memory, graphics and battery specifications; the processor and available storage options differ. The 155H name alone does not mean every unit includes the 1TB SSD, so check the exact capacity on the listing before comparing prices. Battery capacity is the same, but it does not establish equal runtime: the sources do not provide comparable battery-life figures for the two chips under the same workload and power profile.
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How should you compare benchmark results before buying?
A fair comparison needs more than the processor label or one benchmark score. When reading reviews or testing two listings, check whether both Claws were evaluated under matching conditions:
Rank #3
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258V – AI-Powered Efficiency: Next-gen Series 2 processor delivers 50% better GPU performance and 40% higher efficiency. 47 NPU TOPS accelerate local AI tasks – from Copilot+ to real-time game optimization.
- 8" 120Hz VRR Touch Display: FHD+ IPS screen with 500 nits sunlight readability. 16:10 golden ratio and VRR support eliminate tearing. Perfect for AAA gaming, streaming, or productivity on the go.
- 80Whr Battery + Fast Charge: Massive 80Whr capacity beats most handhelds. Fast charge gets you back in action quickly. Game longer, worry less – whether on a flight or a long commute.
- Revolutionary Intraflow Cooling: Redesigned airflow keeps internal components cool, preventing thermal throttling. Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers offer drift-free, microscopic precision – built to last.
- Unlimited Expansion: Connect external GPU for desktop-class graphics, dual 4K displays, or high-speed storage. Wi-Fi 7 delivers 5.8 Gbps and 2ms latency – lag-free cloud gaming and downloads.
- Game and settings: Frame rates and frame-time consistency depend on the workload. Look for results from the games you actually play, at comparable resolution and graphics settings.
- Power profile: GamersNexus reproduced manufacturer-provided power tables listing Balanced at 30W on DC and AC. Extreme Performance is listed at 35W DC and 43W PL1 / 45W PL2 on AC. Results from different profiles or power sources are not directly interchangeable.
- Drivers and firmware: Check the versions used for each test. A result from one software configuration may not describe another, and the HotHardware comparison should be read as a test result rather than a permanent ranking.
- Frame times as well as FPS: Average FPS can hide uneven delivery. The reported Diablo 4 and Control results illustrate why consistency may matter alongside throughput.
- Capacity and price: Compare the actual SSD capacity and current asking price of each unit. The available specifications establish several configurations but do not establish current prices.
- Battery use: Compare runtime only when tests use the same game, brightness, power profile and test method. A 53Wh battery rating is capacity, not a runtime promise.
Which MSI Claw processor should you buy?
Choose the 135H if gaming value is the priority
The 135H is the sensible starting point if it costs less in the exact configuration you want. The reported gaming comparison gives no dependable reason to pay extra for a 155H solely on the assumption that its Core Ultra 7 label guarantees higher game performance. Verify the particular games and power mode that matter to you; the 135H result is not a universal win.
Consider the 155H for its configuration, not its label alone
The 155H has two additional P-cores and is listed with both 512GB and 1TB SSD options. That may make a 155H model attractive if the larger drive or additional CPU resources suit your needs and the price is competitive. The cited game tests do not show a consistent gaming advantage from those extra P-cores.
Rank #4
- Exposure: 8" FHD (1920 x 1200), Touchscreen, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB (Typical), 500 Nits (Typical), VRR, IPS Level Panel
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
- Hall effect analog activators and sticks built to last with microscopic precision
- RAM: 24GB (Onboard) LPDDR5x-8533MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB NVMe Gen4x4 2230 SSD
- Revolutionary Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology redirects airflow to internal cooling components.
Will you need a dock for the MSI Claw?
The Claw has a single Thunderbolt 4 port, so connecting power, peripherals and other accessories can make a powered Thunderbolt 4 or compatible USB-C dock useful. A dock is especially relevant for BIOS maintenance: MSI guidance quoted by GamersNexus says, “Updating BIOS requires USB drive and a HUB/Docking with an adapter connected.” Check compatibility and connection requirements for the dock and adapter you choose.
Verdict
For gaming, the available side-by-side evidence makes the MSI Claw A1M 135H a legitimate alternative to the 155H, not a lesser model that can be dismissed by its Core Ultra tier. Buy based on the price and SSD capacity of the exact unit, then weigh game-specific testing performed at a comparable power profile and software version. The 155H may suit buyers who value its extra P-cores or a 1TB configuration, but its higher model number alone is not evidence of better handheld gaming performance.
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