In the red corner, we have AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme, and in the blue, Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V. The latest gaming benchmark showdown has proven these chips are running surprisingly neck and neck, challenging Intel’s own Lunar Lake’s previously uncontested reputation for efficiency and power.
Zooming In
A recent showdown was hosted by MSI’s handhelds, with each device championing one of these competitors. The AMD-powered Claw A8 went head-to-head with the Intel-powered Claw 8 AI+, in a comparison that left enthusiasts buzzing more than a business zone on lunch break. In the setting of gaming benchmarks, Ryzen seems to have a slight edge, but Intel’s prowess is more resilient than expected.
The Claw A8, carrying the Ryzen Z2 Extreme, and the Claw 8 AI+, with the Core Ultra 7 258V, are prepped to challenge power dynamics. Both new models promise users some slick gaming experiences. While AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme boasts an impressive specification, with eight cores and a higher GPU boost clock potentially better at multitasking at low power, Intel’s chip displays a smart balance thanks to its Lunar Lake architecture.
As the tests showed, the Core Ultra 7 258V managed to hold its ground, nearly matching the Ryzen on several gaming fronts. In trials pushing both handhelds to their max at 17 W and 30 W, AMD pulled ahead but, in some cases, not by much.
The nitty-gritty numbers? When pushing the devices at max, Ryzen took slightly more wins with higher frames per second in 50% of the games, tied in 20% and lagging a tad in the remaining. Geometric mean scores indicated Ryzen led with 50 fps compared to Intel’s 47 fps. At 17 watts, Ryzen held a clear lead in everything but one benchmark, averaging an 11% boost over its contender.
Intel’s future hopes in the handheld space are tied to how quickly it’s willing to follow up success with continued innovation. AMD may have shown it’s possible to throw a punch back at Intel, but Intel’s been quick on following up with new interest-baiting announcements.
In the end, are these handhelds worthy investments? As consumers mull over specs like APU core types and GPU boost clocks, it’s clear the fight for the gamer goes beyond numbers. While AMD may be slightly ahead in this high-tech tug-of-war, Intel is hot on its heels. So, the next time you hear about a tech David and Goliath, remember in the world of handheld processors, it might not always be how hard the punch is, but how you counter.
