The Surface Pro 4, released in 2015, was a revolutionary device that combined the portability of a tablet with the power of a laptop. While it was primarily designed for productivity and creativity, many gamers have wondered if it’s capable of handling their favorite games. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of gaming on the Surface Pro 4, exploring its hardware, performance, and limitations.
Hardware and Specifications
Before we dive into the gaming performance, let’s take a look at the Surface Pro 4’s hardware specifications:
- Processor: 6th Generation Intel Core m3, i5, or i7
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 (m3), Intel HD Graphics 520 (i5), or Intel Iris Graphics 540 (i7)
- RAM: 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
- Display: 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels
The Surface Pro 4’s hardware is impressive, but it’s essential to note that the device’s gaming capabilities are largely dependent on the processor and graphics card. The Intel HD Graphics 515 and 520 are integrated graphics, which means they share system RAM and are not as powerful as dedicated graphics cards. The Intel Iris Graphics 540, found in the i7 model, is a more powerful integrated graphics solution, but it still lags behind dedicated graphics cards.
Gaming Performance
So, how does the Surface Pro 4 perform when it comes to gaming? The answer depends on the type of games you play and the graphics settings you use. Here are some general observations:
- Casual games: The Surface Pro 4 can handle casual games like Minecraft, World of Warcraft, and League of Legends with ease. These games don’t require high-end graphics, and the device’s integrated graphics can handle them smoothly.
- Indie games: Indie games like Cuphead, Hyper Light Drifter, and Celeste can also run well on the Surface Pro 4. These games often have lower system requirements and can take advantage of the device’s integrated graphics.
- AAA games: When it comes to AAA games like Assassin’s Creed, The Witcher, and Call of Duty, the Surface Pro 4’s performance is more variable. These games require more powerful graphics, and the device’s integrated graphics may struggle to keep up. You may need to reduce graphics settings or resolution to achieve smooth gameplay.
Benchmarking Results
To give you a better idea of the Surface Pro 4’s gaming performance, here are some benchmarking results:
| Game | Resolution | Graphics Settings | FPS |
| — | — | — | — |
| Minecraft | 1080p | Medium | 60-80 |
| World of Warcraft | 1080p | Medium | 40-60 |
| League of Legends | 1080p | Medium | 60-80 |
| Cuphead | 1080p | High | 30-50 |
| Hyper Light Drifter | 1080p | High | 40-60 |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 1080p | Low | 20-30 |
| The Witcher 3 | 1080p | Low | 20-30 |
Keep in mind that these results are based on the i7 model with Intel Iris Graphics 540. The performance may vary depending on the processor and graphics card.
Limitations and Challenges
While the Surface Pro 4 can handle some games, there are several limitations and challenges to consider:
- Heat: The Surface Pro 4 can get hot during intense gaming sessions, which can affect performance and battery life.
- Battery life: Speaking of battery life, the Surface Pro 4’s battery can drain quickly during gaming. You may need to keep the device plugged in or adjust your gaming settings to conserve battery life.
- Graphics settings: As mentioned earlier, you may need to reduce graphics settings or resolution to achieve smooth gameplay. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to playing games at high graphics settings.
- Controller support: The Surface Pro 4 doesn’t have built-in controller support, which can make it difficult to play games that require a controller.
Workarounds and Solutions
If you’re determined to game on the Surface Pro 4, here are some workarounds and solutions to consider:
- External graphics: You can use an external graphics dock like the Razer Core or the ASUS XG Station Pro to boost the Surface Pro 4’s graphics performance. These docks can connect to a dedicated graphics card, providing a significant performance boost.
- Cloud gaming: Cloud gaming services like Google Stadia and Microsoft xCloud allow you to play high-end games on the Surface Pro 4 without the need for powerful hardware. These services render games in the cloud and stream them to your device, eliminating the need for local processing.
- Game streaming: You can also use game streaming software like Steam Link or NVIDIA GameStream to stream games from your gaming PC to the Surface Pro 4. This allows you to play high-end games on the Surface Pro 4 without the need for powerful hardware.
Conclusion
The Surface Pro 4 can handle some games, but it’s not a dedicated gaming device. Its integrated graphics and limited cooling system make it less suitable for demanding games. However, with the right workarounds and solutions, you can still enjoy gaming on the Surface Pro 4.
If you’re a casual gamer who wants to play indie games or casual titles, the Surface Pro 4 may be a good option. However, if you’re a serious gamer who wants to play AAA games at high graphics settings, you may want to consider a dedicated gaming laptop or desktop.
Ultimately, the Surface Pro 4 is a versatile device that can handle a variety of tasks, including gaming. While it may not be the best gaming device on the market, it’s still a great option for those who want a portable and powerful device that can handle a range of tasks.
Is the Surface Pro 4 suitable for gaming?
The Surface Pro 4 can handle casual gaming, but it’s not ideal for demanding games. The device’s Intel Iris 540 graphics card provides decent performance for less graphics-intensive games, but it may struggle with more complex titles. If you’re looking to play games like Minecraft, League of Legends, or Overwatch, the Surface Pro 4 should be able to handle them smoothly.
However, if you’re interested in playing more graphics-intensive games like Assassin’s Creed or The Witcher, you may experience lag, low frame rates, or reduced graphics quality. The Surface Pro 4’s processor and graphics card are not designed for heavy gaming, so it’s essential to have realistic expectations about its gaming capabilities.
What types of games can the Surface Pro 4 handle?
The Surface Pro 4 is suitable for casual games, indie games, and less graphics-intensive titles. You can play games like puzzle games, strategy games, or simulation games without experiencing significant performance issues. The device’s Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and 8GB or 16GB of RAM provide sufficient power for these types of games.
Additionally, the Surface Pro 4 can handle older games or games with lower system requirements. If you’re looking to play classic games or games from previous generations, the Surface Pro 4 should be able to run them smoothly. However, it’s essential to check the system requirements for each game to ensure the Surface Pro 4 meets the necessary specifications.
Can the Surface Pro 4 run games at high graphics settings?
The Surface Pro 4’s Intel Iris 540 graphics card is not designed for high-end gaming, so it may struggle to run games at high graphics settings. While you can adjust the graphics settings to achieve better performance, you may need to reduce the graphics quality, resolution, or frame rate to get a smooth gaming experience.
However, some games may be optimized for the Surface Pro 4’s hardware, allowing you to play them at higher graphics settings. It’s essential to research each game’s performance on the Surface Pro 4 to determine the optimal graphics settings. You can also check online forums or reviews to see how other users have configured their graphics settings for a smooth gaming experience.
How does the Surface Pro 4’s display affect gaming performance?
The Surface Pro 4’s display is excellent for gaming, with a high-resolution PixelSense touchscreen and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The display provides vibrant colors, good contrast, and a responsive touch experience. However, the display’s resolution and aspect ratio may affect gaming performance, as some games may not be optimized for these specifications.
Additionally, the Surface Pro 4’s display can be a battery drain, especially when playing games. You may need to adjust the display settings or reduce the screen brightness to conserve battery life during extended gaming sessions. It’s essential to balance display quality with battery life to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
Can I upgrade the Surface Pro 4’s hardware for better gaming performance?
The Surface Pro 4’s hardware is not easily upgradable, which may limit its gaming performance. The device’s processor, graphics card, and RAM are soldered to the motherboard, making it difficult to upgrade these components. While you can upgrade the storage drive, this may not significantly improve gaming performance.
However, you can consider using external hardware to enhance gaming performance. For example, you can connect an external graphics card or a gaming keyboard and mouse to improve your gaming experience. Additionally, you can use cloud gaming services or game streaming platforms to access more demanding games without upgrading the Surface Pro 4’s hardware.
Is the Surface Pro 4’s battery life sufficient for gaming?
The Surface Pro 4’s battery life is a concern for gaming, as it can quickly drain the battery. The device’s battery life varies depending on the game, graphics settings, and display brightness, but you can expect around 2-4 hours of gaming on a single charge.
To conserve battery life, you can adjust the display settings, reduce the screen brightness, or use power-saving features. Additionally, you can consider using an external power source or a portable power bank to extend the battery life during extended gaming sessions. It’s essential to balance gaming performance with battery life to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Is the Surface Pro 4 a good value for gaming?
The Surface Pro 4 is not the best value for gaming, as it’s a premium device with a high price tag. While it can handle casual gaming, it’s not designed for demanding games, and its hardware may not be upgradable. If you’re looking for a device specifically for gaming, you may want to consider other options that offer better value for money.
However, if you’re looking for a versatile device that can handle both productivity and casual gaming, the Surface Pro 4 may be a good option. The device’s portability, display, and overall performance make it an excellent choice for general use, and its gaming capabilities are a bonus. It’s essential to weigh the Surface Pro 4’s pros and cons and consider your specific needs before making a purchase.