The Microsoft Surface Go is a compact and portable 2-in-1 device that has been making waves in the tech world since its release. With its sleek design, long battery life, and affordable price tag, it’s no wonder that many people are considering it as a viable option for their daily computing needs. However, one question that lingers in the minds of potential buyers is: is the Surface Go powerful enough?
Understanding the Surface Go’s Hardware
To answer this question, let’s take a closer look at the Surface Go’s hardware specifications. The device is powered by a 7th Generation Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, which is a dual-core processor with a clock speed of 1.6 GHz. It also comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the configuration, and a 64GB or 128GB solid-state drive (SSD).
In terms of graphics, the Surface Go is equipped with Intel HD Graphics 615, which is an integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) that is designed to provide smooth graphics performance for general computing tasks.
Processor Performance
The Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor is a low-power processor that is designed to provide efficient performance while minimizing heat generation and power consumption. While it may not be as powerful as some of the other processors on the market, it is still capable of handling general computing tasks such as web browsing, email, and office work.
In fact, the Surface Go’s processor has been shown to perform well in various benchmarks, including Geekbench and Cinebench. In Geekbench, the Surface Go scored 1,857 in the single-core test and 3,647 in the multi-core test. In Cinebench, it scored 104 in the R15 test and 143 in the R20 test.
Real-World Performance
But how does the Surface Go’s processor perform in real-world scenarios? To answer this question, let’s take a look at some common tasks that people use their devices for.
- Web Browsing: The Surface Go is more than capable of handling web browsing tasks, including streaming videos and loading complex web pages.
- Office Work: The device can handle office work tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet analysis, and presentation creation with ease.
- Email: The Surface Go can handle email tasks, including sending and receiving emails, as well as managing email attachments.
However, the Surface Go may struggle with more demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
Graphics Performance
The Surface Go’s Intel HD Graphics 615 GPU is designed to provide smooth graphics performance for general computing tasks. However, it may not be powerful enough to handle more demanding graphics tasks such as gaming and video editing.
In fact, the Surface Go’s GPU has been shown to struggle with graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming and video playback. In the 3DMark Time Spy test, the Surface Go scored 234, which is a relatively low score compared to other devices on the market.
Gaming Performance
The Surface Go is not designed to be a gaming device, and its GPU is not powerful enough to handle demanding games. However, it can still handle casual games such as puzzle games, card games, and strategy games.
In fact, the Surface Go can handle games such as Minecraft, Roblox, and Asphalt 9 at low to medium graphics settings. However, it may struggle with more demanding games such as Fortnite, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, and Overwatch.
Video Playback
The Surface Go can handle video playback tasks, including streaming videos and playing back local video files. However, it may struggle with 4K video playback and high-definition video playback.
In fact, the Surface Go can handle 1080p video playback at 60 frames per second, but it may struggle with 4K video playback at 30 frames per second.
Conclusion
So, is the Surface Go powerful enough? The answer to this question depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you’re looking for a device that can handle general computing tasks such as web browsing, email, and office work, then the Surface Go may be a good option for you.
However, if you’re looking for a device that can handle more demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming, then you may want to consider a more powerful device.
Ultimately, the Surface Go is a great option for those who want a compact and portable device that can handle general computing tasks. Its affordable price tag, long battery life, and sleek design make it a great value for the price.
| Specification | Surface Go |
|---|---|
| Processor | 7th Generation Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB SSD |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 615 |
| Battery Life | Up to 9 hours |
In conclusion, the Surface Go is a great option for those who want a compact and portable device that can handle general computing tasks. While it may not be powerful enough for more demanding tasks, it is still a great value for the price.
What is the Surface Go and is it suitable for everyday tasks?
The Surface Go is a compact and lightweight 2-in-1 tablet designed by Microsoft, running on the Windows operating system. It is suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, checking emails, and working on Microsoft Office documents. The Surface Go is also great for streaming videos and music, making it an excellent choice for those who want a portable device for entertainment.
However, the Surface Go may not be the best choice for more demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, or software development. The device’s processor and RAM may not be powerful enough to handle these tasks efficiently, leading to slow performance and frustration. Therefore, it’s essential to assess your needs before deciding if the Surface Go is the right device for you.
How does the Surface Go compare to other tablets on the market?
The Surface Go is a unique device that combines the features of a tablet and a laptop. Compared to other tablets on the market, the Surface Go offers a more comprehensive range of features, including a built-in kickstand, a USB-C port, and support for the Surface Pen. The device also runs on the full version of Windows, making it more versatile than tablets that run on mobile operating systems.
However, the Surface Go may not be as powerful as some other tablets on the market, particularly those designed for gaming or heavy productivity. For example, the iPad Pro offers a more powerful processor and better graphics performance, making it a better choice for demanding tasks. On the other hand, the Surface Go is more affordable and offers a more traditional laptop-like experience, making it an excellent choice for those who want a portable device for everyday tasks.
Can the Surface Go handle demanding tasks like video editing and gaming?
The Surface Go is not designed for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The device’s processor and RAM are not powerful enough to handle these tasks efficiently, leading to slow performance and frustration. While it’s possible to edit videos and play games on the Surface Go, the experience may not be smooth, and the device may struggle to keep up with demanding tasks.
If you need a device for video editing or gaming, you may want to consider other options that offer more powerful processors and better graphics performance. For example, the Surface Laptop or the MacBook Pro may be better choices for demanding tasks. However, if you only need a device for everyday tasks and occasional light gaming, the Surface Go may be sufficient.
How long does the Surface Go’s battery last?
The Surface Go’s battery life is around 9 hours, depending on usage. If you use the device for everyday tasks like browsing the internet, checking emails, and working on Microsoft Office documents, you can expect the battery to last a full day. However, if you use the device for more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, the battery life may be shorter.
It’s also worth noting that the Surface Go’s battery life can be affected by factors like screen brightness, volume, and network connectivity. To get the most out of the device’s battery, it’s a good idea to adjust these settings to optimize power consumption. Additionally, the Surface Go supports fast charging, making it easy to top up the battery when you’re on the go.
Is the Surface Go suitable for business use?
The Surface Go is a great device for business use, particularly for those who need a portable device for everyday tasks. The device runs on the full version of Windows, making it compatible with a wide range of business applications. Additionally, the Surface Go offers a range of security features, including Windows Hello facial recognition and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip.
However, the Surface Go may not be the best choice for businesses that require more powerful devices for demanding tasks. For example, businesses that require devices for video editing, software development, or data analysis may want to consider other options that offer more powerful processors and better graphics performance. On the other hand, the Surface Go is a great choice for businesses that need a portable device for everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and Microsoft Office.
Can I upgrade the Surface Go’s storage and RAM?
The Surface Go’s storage can be upgraded, but the RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The device offers a range of storage options, including 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. If you need more storage, you can upgrade to a higher capacity storage option or use external storage devices like USB drives or cloud storage.
However, it’s worth noting that upgrading the storage may void the device’s warranty. Additionally, the Surface Go’s storage is not user-replaceable, so you’ll need to contact Microsoft or a authorized service provider to upgrade the storage. On the other hand, the device’s RAM is not upgradable, so you’ll need to choose a model with the right amount of RAM for your needs.
Is the Surface Go worth the investment?
The Surface Go is a great device for those who need a portable device for everyday tasks. The device offers a range of features, including a compact design, a built-in kickstand, and support for the Surface Pen. Additionally, the Surface Go runs on the full version of Windows, making it compatible with a wide range of applications.
However, the Surface Go may not be the best choice for everyone. The device’s processor and RAM may not be powerful enough for demanding tasks, and the storage may not be upgradable. On the other hand, the Surface Go is a great choice for those who want a portable device for everyday tasks and occasional light gaming. If you’re looking for a device that offers a traditional laptop-like experience in a compact package, the Surface Go may be worth considering.