The Core Ultra 7 155H does not reliably outperform the Core Ultra 5 135H in MSI Claw gaming tests. HotHardware’s March 27, 2024, side-by-side report found broadly similar results in several games, with worse frame-time results for the 155H in Diablo 4 and Control. That is a test result, not a guarantee that the 135H is always faster: game, power mode, firmware and drivers can all affect performance.
What the two MSI Claw configurations share—and what differs
MSI lists both processors in the Claw A1M. The configurations share eight-Xe-core Intel Arc graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5-6400 memory, a 53Wh battery and a 7-inch 1920 × 1080, 120Hz display. The listed SSD capacities and CPU specifications differ.
| Specification | Core Ultra 5 135H Claw A1M | Core Ultra 7 155H Claw A1M |
|---|---|---|
| CPU clock speeds (MSI specifications) | 1.2–4.6 GHz | 1.4–4.8 GHz |
| CPU core layout (GamersNexus review measurements) | 4 P-cores, 8 E-cores and 2 low-power E-cores; 18 threads | 6 P-cores, 8 E-cores and 2 low-power E-cores; 22 threads |
| Integrated graphics (MSI specifications) | Intel Arc, 8 Xe-cores | Intel Arc, 8 Xe-cores |
| Memory (MSI specifications) | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| Listed SSD capacity (MSI specifications) | 512GB NVMe | 512GB or 1TB NVMe |
| Battery and display (MSI specifications) | 53Wh; 7-inch, 1920 × 1080, 120Hz | 53Wh; 7-inch, 1920 × 1080, 120Hz |
| Price | Not stated in the cited MSI specifications | Not stated in the cited MSI specifications |
The 155H has two more P-cores and higher listed clock speeds, but the integrated GPU has the same eight Xe-cores in both configurations. More CPU cores or a higher model number therefore do not, by themselves, establish which Claw will deliver better game performance.
What the game tests found
HotHardware’s March 27, 2024, comparison reported similar performance between the Claw variants in Forza Horizon 5, God of War, Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Diablo 4. Its broader finding was that the 155H did not reliably beat the 135H; in some tests it performed worse. The report specifically noted worse frame times for the 155H in Diablo 4 and Control.
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Frame rate and frame-time consistency are related but distinct. Average frame rate describes how many frames are rendered over time; frame times describe the spacing between frames. Worse frame times can mean less consistent delivery, even when a headline average does not tell the whole story.
HotHardware also cautioned against generalizing from its comparison. The report did not establish a universal winner across all games, firmware, drivers or power settings, and it did not provide an authoritative aggregate FPS figure covering all games. The named results are more useful than an invented overall average.
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Why the 135H can keep up—or sometimes do better
Both processors share the Claw’s eight-Xe-core Arc iGPU and operate within a handheld package power budget. Notebookcheck’s technical explanation is that, under those limits, the 135H’s smaller number of P-cores can leave more of the available package power for the GPU. GamersNexus likewise describes handheld Claw gaming as generally GPU-bound.
This is a plausible explanation for why a lower-tier CPU can match or beat the higher-tier model in a graphics-limited game; it is not proof that the 135H will win every test. A game that can use more CPU resources, a different power profile, or a change in firmware or drivers may alter the result.
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Synthetic scores are not a substitute for game testing. HotHardware noted that the Claw could score well in Geekbench and 3DMark Time Spy while its game results remained inconsistent. A benchmark that measures CPU or graphics performance under its own workload does not guarantee smoother play in a particular title.
How to choose between the 135H and 155H
- Compare like with like: Look for results in the games you actually play, tested at the same wattage and with the same firmware and driver versions. A result from one power mode is not a fair direct comparison with a result from another.
- Factor in the SSD configuration: MSI lists the 135H with a 512GB SSD and the 155H with either 512GB or 1TB. If storage matters, compare the exact capacity and price of the listings available to you; the cited specifications do not establish their prices.
- Do not infer battery life from CPU tier: Both listed configurations have a 53Wh battery, but the specifications here do not provide comparable runtime measurements. Runtime depends on the workload and power profile, so compare tests performed under conditions that match how you plan to play.
- Use the extra CPU cores as a workload consideration, not a gaming guarantee: The 155H has more P-cores and threads, but the cited game tests do not show a consistent gaming advantage from that difference.
If gaming performance is the deciding factor, the available evidence does not justify paying more for the 155H on the assumption that it will run games faster. Compare current prices, storage capacity and game-specific tests; the HotHardware results give the 135H a credible case, not a universal victory.
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Account for the Claw’s single Thunderbolt 4 port
The Claw has one Thunderbolt 4 port. A powered USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 dock can provide a practical way to connect peripherals and charge through a single setup. It is also relevant for BIOS maintenance: MSI guidance quoted by GamersNexus says, “Updating BIOS requires USB drive and a HUB/Docking with an adapter connected.”
That connection requirement makes a compatible powered dock useful if you need to update BIOS and do not already have a suitable hub or dock and adapter. Check that the dock supports the connections and power delivery you need before buying; the cited material does not identify a specific dock model.
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