The New MSI Claw Is Actually A FAST Gaming PC When You Add A Powerful eGPU

The Performance and Experience of MSI Claw with NVIDIA EGPU

In my testing, I've consistently seen frame rates ranging from 32 to 36 FPS, which is about the maximum when using Oculink. However, it's worth noting that the built-in Benchmark for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 did a pretty decent job with high settings, averaging around 98 FPS. Interestingly, when FSR was enabled, I saw an average of around 94 FPS, despite not using any scaling. This suggests that the NVIDIA EGPU is capable of delivering strong performance in this game.

One game that I've had really good luck with using an EGPU is Forspoken. In high settings and on 1080p, I was able to maintain an average frame rate of around 98 FPS, which is quite impressive. This experience has been consistent across different EGPU configurations, including the MSI Claw.

However, there are some games that don't seem to like the NVIDIA EGPU. One example is Shadow of the Tomb Raider, where I experienced a black screen with sound effects still audible during the benchmark test. It's unclear whether this is an ongoing issue or a one-time problem, but it's worth noting for potential users.

In contrast, Hell Divers 2 ran smoothly at 1080p High settings on the MSI Claw without any issues. This suggests that the EGPU configuration can handle demanding games with ease.

Another game that I've had difficulty running well on the MSI Claw is Spider-Man Miles Morales. Despite using a USB 4 or Thunderbolt EGPU, I experienced poor performance and couldn't achieve over 60 FPS. This may be due to the game's specific requirements or limitations in the EGPU configuration.

On the other hand, Cyberpunk 2077 performed relatively well on the MSI Claw, with average frame rates ranging from 30-40 FPS at 1080p High settings. However, I did notice more stutters compared to other games tested.

The performance of the MSI Claw can vary depending on the specific EGPU configuration used. In some benchmarks, the cheaper version (135H) performed better than the higher-end version (155H). This highlights the importance of choosing the right EGPU configuration for your needs and budget.

It's worth noting that I've found the NVIDIA EGPU to perform well in handheld mode when running games at lower wattages. The MSI Claw is designed to be portable, and it's essential to consider battery life and performance in this context.

In summary, the NVIDIA EGPU on the MSI Claw offers strong performance in various games, but there are some titles that don't run as smoothly as others. Battery life is also a consideration when using an EGPU in handheld mode.