Intel has finally rolled out a permanent fix for the annoying audio glitch that plagued the MSI Claw 8 AI+ handheld, following backlash over performance and usability issues tied to their earlier Arc graphics driver (version 32.0.101.6874). The newly released driver version 32.0.101.6877 aims to restore both audio clarity and overall system performance for affected users.
The problem first surfaced when users began reporting severe audio disruptions and skyrocketing CPU usage on handhelds running Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 processors-specifically the MSI Claw 7 AI+ and Claw 8 AI+.
The glitch caused audio stuttering, laggy performance, and abnormally long load times, rendering the devices nearly unusable for gaming or even basic tasks.
Initially, Intel suggested rolling back to the previous stable driver (version 6795) or disabling features like Intel AI Boost. While this helped some, the majority continued facing frustrating issues. Now, the company has acknowledged the problem in their latest release notes, which explicitly mention:
“Certain handheld devices may experience audio glitches and lower-than-expected performance while audio is playing.”
Thankfully, early adopters of the new driver report significant improvements. The MSI Claw 7/8 AI+ series appears to be functioning as intended again, though it’s worth noting that devices using Meteor Lake CPUs aren’t affected and don’t require any updates.
The Claw series, already under scrutiny for battery limitations and aggressive power consumption, couldn’t afford another blow to its reputation. This patch is crucial in regaining user trust, but it also sparks a broader conversation about Intel’s presence in the handheld market-especially when compared to competitors like AMD and Valve, who are seen as more open and stable in this space.
Bottom line? If you’re rocking an MSI Claw 7 or 8 AI+, hit up Intel’s site and grab the 6877 driver. It might just save your handheld from becoming a glorified paperweight.
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