vikram
Last updated on August 17th, 2023 at 11:52 am
Later this year, we can expect to receive the most powerful Surface device we have ever witnessed.
Microsoft’s Surface line has gained iconic status in various aspects, but its forte has never been performance. However, throughout this year, rumors have been steadily growing about the upcoming launch of the most powerful Surface device we have ever witnessed.
The upcoming product in question is the Surface Laptop Studio 2, which follows the initial design introduced in 2021. The first Surface Laptop Studio already held the position of the most powerful device in the lineup, effectively replacing the previous Surface Book models. Notably, it was the sole Surface device to feature discrete graphics, making it the preferred choice for creatives and gamers alike. Its distinctive form factor made it stand out, and its impressive performance was a significant selling point as well.
After a span of two years, recent reports indicate that a sequel to the Surface Laptop Studio is in the works, promising performance enhancements in three crucial aspects.
To begin with, rumors suggest that the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is poised to receive a significant graphics upgrade with Nvidia’s RTX 40-series graphics. Earlier this year, a leaked Geekbench run surfaced on Twitter, displaying a configuration equipped with the RTX 4060, likely representing the most potent option available. This generational leap will be noteworthy, especially since the previous Surface Laptop Studio was only equipped with the RTX 3050 Ti and never offered the RTX 3060. Additionally, the RTX 40-series introduces DLSS 3 and Frame Generation, further enhancing frame rates in supported games.
Furthermore, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 might finally feature a more powerful processor. One of the main concerns with the original Surface Laptop Studio was its use of a 35-watt processor, the Intel Core i7-11370H. However, the latest Geekbench leak indicates that the Surface Laptop Studio 2 will now come with the Core i7-13800H, which is a proper 45-watt part, similar to those found in competitive systems. Notably, this new processor boasts 14 cores, distributed between six Performance cores and eight Efficiency cores, which signifies a significant performance leap over the quad-core part used in the first-generation laptop. This improvement will result in a substantial performance difference between the Surface Laptop Studio 2 and the Surface Laptop 5 (or Surface Laptop 6, if applicable).
Lastly, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is potentially set to offer support for higher memory capacity than ever seen before. While the previous model was limited to 32GB, this new iteration may raise the bar to 64GB. This enhancement not only makes it more competitive with similar laptops from other manufacturers but also broadens its appeal to users who can truly leverage such a substantial amount of RAM. It’s worth noting that the 14-inch MacBook Pro currently provides up to 96GB of RAM, though that remains an exception rather than the norm.
Microsoft typically holds an annual Surface hardware launch each fall, and the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is expected to be unveiled alongside a new Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and more. According to reports from Zac Bowden of Windows Central, internal sources have confirmed that the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is being referred to by the internal codename “Ersa” and will indeed be announced later this year.
Personally, I am thrilled that Microsoft is continuing the Surface Laptop Studio line without further delays. The design, multiple modes of use, and stunning screen have all captured my admiration. Although there was a skipped update in 2022, this upcoming more powerful model seems to be exactly what I have been eagerly anticipating.
