New Microsoft Leaks Confirm Powerful Surface Book 3

As well as details on the Surface Book 3’s CPUs, more information about the GPUs inside Microsoft’s high-end laptop have been leaked.

Noted tipster Roland Quant expects the smaller 13-inch Surface Book 3 to include the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (with 4 GB of onboard memory), and the 15-inch model to include the GTX 1650 Ti (with 6 GB of memory). Those hoping for a gaming-focused GPU (such as one of the GeForce RTX 20xx family) are going to be disappointed.

That said, the latest 13-inch MacBook Pro machines from Apple ship with the interior Intel Iris Plus GPUs, so there’s already a significant performance boost for graphics in the Surface Book over the MacBook.

More details on Microsoft’s Surface Book 3 have been published, with the latest information coming from the certification of the Windows 10 powered laptop by Energy Star.

The certifications cover the top-end models of the 13-inch and 15-inch Surface Book machines, with both porting Intel’s Core-i7 processor and 32 GB of RAM. Windows Latest reports:

“According to a new certification, Surface Book 3 will feature Intel 10th-generation processors and Microsoft plans to sell both the 13-inch model and 15-inch variants.

“Surface Book 3 could be utilizing a wide range of different hardware and the firm will also sell the device with 32GB of RAM. This time both casual and professional users can get a Surface Book configurations that will be perfect for their needs.”

Given the listed speed of the i7 processor, it looks like the Surface Book 3 will be using Intel’s Ice Lake-U processors. This matches the chipsets used in the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7 devices launched in October 2019, and there’s a certain practicality in using the same close family of chips across the full range.

One other detail that jumps out is the ‘Date Available On Market’, with both machines listing ’05/01/2020’. That doesn’t mean that they were on retail shelves on that date, but it does suggest that the hardware is ready to go on sale.

Microsoft has not confirmed a release date, but many are expecting the Surface Book 3 to arrive in June.

Microsoft prepares to launch Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2

Microsoft is getting ready to unveil its Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2 hardware. Recent retailer leaks have hinted that Microsoft is planning to use Intel’s latest 10th Gen processors on the Surface Book 3, alongside potentially up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Rumors also suggest that Microsoft is switching to Nvidia’s Quadro graphics chips in some Surface Book 3 models. The switch will mean the Surface Book 3 will better cater to 3D animators, designers, and engineers who rely on the power of Quadro graphics cards that are optimized for a number of pro apps instead of gaming.

Microsoft is also preparing a Surface Go 2, a successor to its popular smaller tablet. Retailer leaks have also hinted that Microsoft will be offering a model with an Intel Core m3, alongside the typical Intel Pentium Gold processor option. Windows Central reports that the Surface Go 2 will also include a larger display at 10.5 inches, with slightly smaller bezels that are more similar to those found on the Surface Laptop 3.

The exterior size is said to be the same as the original Surface Go, though, so existing accessories and the Type Cover from the Surface Go will work on the Surface Go 2. The Intel Core m3 model will also reportedly include 8GB of RAM, 128GB storage, and an optional LTE connectivity.

Microsoft is planning to unveil its new Surface hardware next month, according to sources familiar with the company’s plans. Those plans could change due to the pandemic, but Microsoft has been working toward these new devices for quite some time.