Replacement and new Surface Pro 2 devices being sent out with upgraded specs, includes newer CPU

Ron

Replacement Surface Pro 2 devices being sent out with upgraded specs, includes newer CPU

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 2 has been the center of attention since the December 2013 firmware update release. Numerous Surface Pro 2 owners were facing issues installing the update, poor battery life, and various other issues. Microsoft has since pulled the update and has promised an alternative update after the holidays.

However, if you were frustrated with the issues caused by the December update, you likely returned your device and received a replacement. It appears that some Surface Pro 2 owners received a newer model, featuring a newer CPU.

Instead of i5 4200U 1.6Ghz, replacement devices have Intel i5 4300U CPU clocked at 1.9Ghz

“I returned my Surface Pro 2 (v. 256GB) because of the poor performance after the failed 12.10.13 firmware update. I recall the SP2 I returned having a i5 4200U processor. To my surprise, when I checked the System Properties in the Control Panel on my replacement SP2, the processor was upgraded to a i5 4300U @ 1.9Ghz. – 2.5 Ghz,” one Surface Pro 2 owner stated on Microsoft’s official support forum.

Another Surface Pro 2 owner indicated that the newer Surface Pro 2 model features an Intel i5 4300U CPU clocked at 1.9Ghz (2.5Ghz via Turbo Boost), whereas the old model features the Intel i5 4200U CPU clocked at 1.6Ghz.

When comparing the two chips, we noticed a difference between the clock speed (1.6Ghz to 1.9Ghz) and the “Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency” which was bumped from 1Ghz to 1.1Ghz.

We reached out to Microsoft for clarification on the matter and a company spokesperson confirmed to us that small changes to internal components do take place over the lifetime of the product. This is in order to ensure that the product experience remains excellent.

“Microsoft routinely makes small changes to internal components over the lifetime of a product, based on numerous factors including supply chain partnerships, availability, and value for our customers. With any change to hardware or software, we work to ensure that the product experience remains excellent,” a Microsoft spokesperson told WinBeta.

Microsoft has yet to roll out the updated firmware update, which promises improved system stability when minimizing a full screen games, an updated WiFi driver, improved Surface Cover interaction, optimized two-finger trackpad, improved color fidelity for applications, and much more.

Did you replace your Surface Pro 2 device and ended up with a newer processor or perhaps a newer internal component? Let us know in the comments below!

Update: According to The Verge, new Surface Pro 2 devices are also shipping to retailers with the upgraded chip.

Thanks for the tip, Leonardo!