The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus has garnered attention for its specifications and performance, especially among gamers. Out of the box, it comes with Windows 11 pre-installed. However, in this article, we will explore the potential of running Linux on this powerful handheld device, specifically focusing on the Bazi operating system, which shares similarities with SteamOS.
Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 728V processor, 32 GB of RAM, and an Intel Arc 240VIG GPU, the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus is designed for serious gaming. While the device is impressive on paper, our exploration of Linux gaming reveals a mix of potential and challenges, primarily due to driver support.
Setting Up Bazi on MSI Claw 8 AI Plus
The first step in our journey was installing the Bazi operating system. Unfortunately, attempts to install the official SteamOS were unsuccessful due to compatibility issues with Intel drivers. As a result, we opted for Bazi, which allows for a decent gaming experience, albeit with some caveats.
One of the standout features of Bazi is its comprehensive control over system settings. Users can access TDP (Thermal Design Power) controls, which allows them to adjust power settings based on their gaming needs. The available modes include:
- Power Save Mode (8 watts)
- Balanced Mode (15 watts)
- Sport Mode (30 watts)
- Custom Mode
Additionally, users can manage fan speeds and RGB settings, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The device sports an 8-inch 1200p display with variable refresh rate support, making it visually appealing for gaming.
Performance Testing: Popular Titles
To evaluate the performance of the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus under Linux, we ran several popular games, starting with Cyberpunk 2077. Using the Steam Deck preset at 800p with a 15-watt TDP, we found that performance was comparable to that of the Steam Deck. By unlocking the frame rate and enabling features like FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), we achieved an impressive average of over 85 FPS when switching to Sport Mode (30 watts).
However, we noted that this high performance came at the cost of battery life, with approximately two hours of runtime at the higher TDP settings. To explore battery efficiency, we tested God of War Ragnarok at 900p with low settings and frame generation enabled. This yielded an average of around 75 FPS, showcasing the device’s capabilities even in more demanding games.
More Gaming Tests
Continuing our testing, we ran The Witcher 3 at 1080p with the Steam Deck preset and FSR set to balance. At a 25-watt TDP, we experienced an average of 73 FPS. However, we encountered intermittent audio issues during gameplay, which seemed to be a recurring problem with Linux across various titles.
Other notable gaming tests included:
- Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart – 900p medium settings with frame generation, though we noticed graphical issues typical of the Intel setup.
- Elden Ring – Attempts to run it at 720p on low settings struggled to maintain 60 FPS without dipping significantly at lower TDP settings.
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales – Impressive performance at 1080p medium settings with frame generation enabled, reinforcing the importance of power management.
Lower TDP Performance and Battery Life
To assess battery life on the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus, we conducted tests at lower TDP settings. For instance, Kingdom Hearts 3 performed well at 1080p low with a 15-watt TDP, achieving a smooth 60 FPS. According to the performance overlay, the total battery draw was around 20 watts, indicating the potential for extended playtime.
Our testing also included Hades 2 at high settings with a mere 10-watt TDP, which resulted in over seven hours of gameplay—indicative of the system’s efficiency under lighter loads.
Lastly, we tested Drive Rally at 18 watts, achieving steady gameplay at medium settings, solidifying the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus’s versatility across various gaming genres.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus shows significant potential for Linux gaming, the experience is not without its flaws. Driver support remains a significant barrier, particularly for demanding titles like Oblivion DX12 and Marvel Rivals DX12, which we were unable to launch. Although the system can handle many games well, users may find the compatibility and performance of Windows to be superior for the time being.
As Linux support improves, we hope to see better performance from Intel’s graphics drivers, which would enhance the gaming experience on devices like the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus. Until then, those looking for a seamless gaming experience may prefer sticking with Windows.
Credit: ETA PRIME on YouTube
