Since the advent of ARC graphics cards, astute observers have realized that Intel was seriously lagging behind on these drivers (and we know why), and that the blues were pulling out all the stops to bring their graphics solutions to the next level. Knowing this, those who saw the latest comments on the graphics performance of the MSI Claw console couldn’t help but smile. Not that they’re expecting a sudden reversal in the trend, but it’s easy to see why marketing operations launched by youtubers are increasingly reaching their limits. In this respect, MSI has remarkably shot itself in the foot.
Can the MSI CLAW get the better of the Asus Rog Ally?
Obviously, a driver isn’t everything. However, the latest Intel 31.0.101.5444 graphics driver for Arc A-Series dGPUs and Core Ultra processors improves performance significantly (by up to 48%) in several DX11 headlines. Here again, DX11 can no longer be considered the absolute benchmark, far from it. But Meteor Lake has another argument that could (we must use the conditional tense at this point) boost graphics performance even further. In the next few days, Microsoft will present its strategy for using AI within Windows. This strategy does not stop with Copilot. Several optimizations are targeted at gaming, including “Super Resolution”, a new feature integrated into the OS that should considerably improve game rendering. As with the rest of its AI strategy at the heart of Windows, the software giant suggests that computers equipped with integrated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) will have an undeniable advantage in the effectiveness of this solution.
So will the MSI Claw and its Meteor Lake overtake the Asus Rog? We don’t have any specific information on the subject, and objectively speaking, we don’t know. However, the “Intel” solution can only progress in the face of the AMD solution integrated into other consoles. And this for all the reasons we’ve already mentioned. Will it be enough? Impossible to answer at the moment. The MSI Claw is also up against a price positioning that no driver can solve. But with all these reminders, evolutions and potential for progress, brands should understand that explaining things to convince future customers is never a wasted investment…
List of games boosted by the latest Intel driver for Meteor Lake:
- American Truck Simulator (DX11)
- Up to 10% average FPS uplift at 1080p with Medium settings
- Dyson Sphere Program (DX11)
- Up to 17% average FPS uplift at 1080p with Default settings
- Fortnite Performance Mode (DX11)
- Up to 12% average FPS uplift at 1080p with Medium settings
- Grim Dawn (DX11)
- Up to 11% average FPS uplift at 1080p with Medium settings
- Lethal Company (DX11)
- Up to 24% average FPS uplift at 1080p with Default settings
- Mass Effect Legendary Edition (DX11)
- Up to 48% average FPS uplift at 1080p with Medium settings
- Need for Speed: Heat (DX11)
- Up to 19% average FPS uplift at 1080p with Medium settings
MSI itself has issued a statement on the subject, promising improved performance and optimized console bios:
