Microsoft launched the Surface Laptop with a choice of Intel core processors inside or a Surface Edition special version of AMD processor. This made people need clarification about which one should be considered.
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop presents more CPU options than ever before, offering configurations with AMD or Intel. Overall, both manufacturers have been incredibly vying for the reputable position for many past years.
Although Intel held the lead for some time, there’s no doubt that AMD surged ahead recently with the advanced Microsoft Laptop series. Comparing processors has eventually become really tough since every model comes with so many cores & integrated GPUs.
Being housed inside the laptop clearly means power consumption must also be an important consideration. Taking all these factors into account, a brief comparison can be made between Intel and AMD choices available and the associated costs for the latest Surface Laptop 4.
To help you decide which one is better, we have laid out various configurations and specs of both models of Microsoft Surface Laptop.
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AMD or Intel Microsoft Surface Laptop: An In-Depth Comparison
The AMD and Intel versions of the Microsoft Surface Laptop have their own strengths and weaknesses, which ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.
The AMD version of the Surface Laptop 4 offers better performance when it comes to tasks that require multiple cores, such as video editing, rendering, and other demanding tasks. The AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors used in the AMD version are also known for their strong integrated graphics performance, which can be beneficial for tasks such as light gaming or graphic design.
On the other hand, the Intel version of the Surface Laptop 4 offers better single-core performance, which can be beneficial for tasks such as web browsing, office productivity, and other tasks that rely heavily on single-threaded performance. The Intel version also offers better battery life compared to the AMD version, which can be important for users who need to use their laptops for long periods of time without access to a power source.
Overall, both the AMD and Intel versions of the Surface Laptop 4 are great options depending on your specific needs and use cases. The AMD version may be a better choice if you require more processing power and strong integrated graphics performance. The Intel version may be a better option if you prioritize battery life and strong single-core performance. To make your purchase top-notch, there are some crucial factors to keep in mind. So. Keep scrolling to know more! Top of FormTop of Form
Factors to Consider
Case & Connectivity
The Intel models come in four stunning colors & you can easily select between a palm rest of Alcantara or metal. The cherry on top, people who are interested in buying the AMD model are restricted to the color Alcantara and Platinum.
Also, AMD chips’ core architecture is generally more suited to multitasking workloads rather than high-performance gaming.
But, AMD chips are generally more flexible than their Intel counterparts when it comes to overclocking. So if you’re into boosting your CPU to squeeze out extra processing power to run the latest and most demanding games, AMD is an excellent choice.
The Surface is also super nice to touch, but Alcantra’s base unit version isn’t really sturdy, and the pressure on the keyboard’s central area is more noticeable than the metal version. In addition, the Wi-Fi module of Intel highly supports the fast Wi-Fi standard with special transfer rates.
System Performance & Power Consumption
There needs to be a clear difference when it comes to subjective performance. All inputs are executed quickly without any perceptible delays. Similarly, the AMD model also performs really well in the benchmarks. And the best part is that it doesn’t contain any bottlenecks.
Both models are identical in terms of power consumption, and you will not see any hidden surprises in any of them. The maximum power consumption of around 64W usually drops after a few seconds to 50W and later falls to 32W. In a nutshell, the power adapter of 65W is entirely sufficient. But if you’re determined to get the very best processor for your laptop, you’re more likely to find an off-the-shelf machine with a high-end Intel CPU.
Temperature
Compared to the Intel model, the surface temperature of AMD is a bit lower, and the palm rest is subjectively not as hotter as the predecessor. However, we suggest not putting your Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 on the lap under extreme load. Nevertheless, there are no restrictions during lighter workloads. AMD has also developed a reputation for producing the most energy-efficient CPUs on the market a trend that has continued into their latest generation of chips. This helps to prevent the CPU from overheating, even when working under heavy stress.
During the test, it was evaluated that the power consumption immediately drops to 17W after some time, and the Surface Laptop AMD levels off at a low value of almost 20W. At the same time, the Intel device of the smaller model of around 13.5 inches maintains 23W. As both surface temperatures and fan speeds are comparable, we can conclude that AMD seems to produce more heat compared to Intel.
Faster Cores
The major difference between Intel and AMD choices is the specific number of processor cores. AMD offers more cores, which means it will be able to make more calculations simultaneously. You simply have to use apps and do tasks that are specifically designed for multicore processors if you want to boost performance.
In contrast, you can enjoy faster cores with the Intel laptop. These cores mainly include general application responsiveness, testing, software development, and scripting that isn’t multicore optimized. Also, Microsoft is recommending the advanced Intel version for researchers, developers, and data scientists. This option eventually offers a smooth performance over AMD Surface Laptop 3.
Graphics
Despite the reputation of AMD as the GPU leader, the Microsoft surface edition graphics have yet to be referred to as quickly as the latest Intel model so far. The iRIS Xe graphics of Intel have benchmarked almost 50% faster compared to previous generation iRIS Plus graphics.
Both are sufficient for people and have enough power to run the high-resolution display of Surface Laptop 4. 3D creators will probably opt for the expensive Surface laptop to get the strong NVIDIA graphics, enhanced Touch & Pen support, and 3K+ displays, that can only be achieved with Intel.
Battery Runtime
Regarding battery runtime capacity, both models are on the same page, which is 47.4Wh. However, the battery’s power consumption is easily comparable, as the AMD laptop manages to work for a long time period without requiring a single charge.
You can use it for more than 7 to 11 hours, along with Wi-Fi connectivity and maximum brightness. On the other hand, the Intel model lasts for only 6 hours, which is comparatively very low. It is actually the result of the AMD processor’s less performance and efficiency on battery power.
Price
Price is also an important factor to consider. In general, AMD-based Surface Laptops tend to be less expensive than those with Intel processors. This can be an important consideration if you’re on a tight budget.
Intel Vs. AMD: Who Wins The Battle?
Intel and AMD are identical in various sections, including the input devices, speakers, screen, and chassis. Even the ports are quite similar, as Microsoft doesn’t equip the latest Intel version with either Thunderbolt and still uses its Surface connect port.
Each model has its own incredible benefits. In fact, AMD laptops are cheap compared to Intel-based models as they have high-end storage options. Overall, AMD is ideal for longer battery life and multi-threaded apps, while Intel Laptop is perfect for single-threaded apps.
Legacy applications, including a single thread at a time, games running on a single core, and modern applications like CAD, use instruction cores and threads (attained by Intel only). Ultimately, it all depends on what you’ll prefer according to your current needs.
In summary, there needs to be a clear winner between an AMD or Intel-based Surface Laptop. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. An AMD-based Surface Laptop may be the better choice if you prioritize multi-threaded performance or a lower price. If you need the best possible single-threaded version or have specific software requirements, an Intel-based Surface Laptop may be the better choice.
That’s all about the comparison review of Intel and AMD Microsoft Surface Laptops! We have concluded every single point comprehensively, keeping in mind that the latest update and authentic information on both models provide you with the best possible details!
