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

Image credit: TechRadar

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. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he's reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.

Latest in Windows Laptops
Asus Vivobook S laptop on yellow background with price cut text overlay
I've looked through hundreds of laptop deals in the Spring sales - this $599 Asus Vivobook has them all beat
The Surface Laptop 7 on a cyan background with a TechRadar deals badge.
This Windows laptop is 31% off in Amazon's Spring Sale and we scored it 5 stars – so why is Amazon putting a warning label on it?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop on a blue background with text saying Lowest price next to it.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop is our best-rated model and right now it's close to half price with this massive $700 discount
Dell XPS 13 Laptop in graphite on yellow background with big savings sign
Save $400 on the top-rated Dell XPS 13 - one of the best laptops money can buy
The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro on a blue background next to text saying Don't Miss.
This half-price Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is easily the best Presidents' Day laptop deal
Microsoft Surface Pro on a blue background
Best Buy has a huge $350 discount on this excellent high-end Surface Pro bundle
Latest in News
DeepSeek
Deepseek’s new AI is smarter, faster, cheaper, and a real rival to OpenAI's models
Open AI
OpenAI unveiled image generation for 4o – here's everything you need to know about the ChatGPT upgrade
Apple WWDC 2025 announced
Apple just announced WWDC 2025 starts on June 9, and we'll all be watching the opening event
Hornet swings their weapon in mid air
Hollow Knight: Silksong gets new Steam metadata changes, convincing everyone and their mother that the game is finally releasing this year
OpenAI logo
OpenAI just launched a free ChatGPT bible that will help you master the AI chatbot and Sora
An aerial view of an Instavolt Superhub for charging electric vehicles
Forget gas stations – EV charging Superhubs are using solar power to solve the most annoying thing about electric motoring