Microsoft quietly upgrades Surface Book 2 with 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor

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Microsoft has quietly released a new version of its Surface Book 2 laptop that comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, something we'd heard rumors of earlier this month.

This version sits between the entry-level Surface Book 2 with an older 7th generation Intel Core i5 processor, and the high-end version with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor and discrete Nvidia graphics card.

The 8th generation Core i5 processor in the new mid-range Surface Book 2 is a quad-core affair, as opposed to the 7th gen Core i5 processor in the entry-level, which is only dual-core. This should make the new Surface Book 2 variant much better at multi-tasking, and an overall better performer.

Specs and price

The new version of the Surface Book 2 comes with 8GB of RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD storage and a 13.5-inch display.

It costs $1,499, which is $200 (around £200/AU$280) more than the version with a 7th generation Core i5 processor.

At the moment, this version is only available in the US, but hopefully it will arrive in the UK and Australia soon.

Microsoft also has a 15-inch Surface Book 2, but so far, the 8th generation Core i5 processor is only available for the 13-inch version.

Via MSPoweruser

Matt Hanson
Managing Editor, Core Tech

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. Ever since he got an Amiga A500+ for Christmas in 1991, he's loved using (and playing on) computers, and will talk endlessly about how The Secret of Monkey Island is the best game ever made.