The MSI Claw 8 AI+ just got a serious upgrade thanks to a fresh MSI Center M software update – and it’s unleashing the full potential of Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture. The secret? A smarter approach to power limits. 
Before, PL1 and PL2 were set to the same value, unknowingly capping performance. Now, PL2 is locked at least 1W higher than PL1, allowing the chip to stretch its legs and hit Intel’s recommended 37W max TDP when needed.
According to Techpowerup’s re-tests with the same GPU drivers, the difference is huge: most games see close to a 10% uplift, and some titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Space Marine 2 rocket up by as much as 30%
. At 15W, Space Marine 2 even showed a staggering ~31% boost, putting the Claw 8 ahead of rivals like the ROG Ally and ZOTAC Zone. Higher power modes (25W and 30W) also benefit, with better 1% lows and smoother gameplay at 1080p.
For handheld gamers, this is big: the Claw 8 AI+ now delivers both improved performance and longer battery life in lower power modes. Drop the resolution to 720p or 800p, and you’ll enjoy buttery frame rates on the go. The update propels MSI’s machine to the top of the performance charts, comfortably outpacing the competition and showing there’s still more potential to unlock with future driver improvements.