Is Surface Pro 8 good for gaming?

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

All-time answer: Certain Surface Pro 8 models volition be able to handle light gaming thanks to Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics. All models should also be able to handle cloud-based game streaming. But for a true gaming experience, you volition want a PC with a dedicated graphics card (GPU), a more powerful processor (CPU), and improve cooling capabilities.

Some Pro viii models tin handle lightweight or cloud-based gaming

Surface Pro 8 Side Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

The Surface Pro eight volition handle calorie-free gaming, but don't expect information technology to wow you.

The refreshed Surface Pro 8 is here, consummate with 11th Gen Intel Core CPUs, larger display, upgraded inking experience, new ports, and improve cameras. Compared to the Surface Pro seven, the Pro 8 is a large upgrade. Merely those new features don't exactly mean the Pro 8 is suddenly a monster PC that can handle annihilation. Like previous generations, the Pro lineup is focused more on professionals who desire a slim 2-in-i design that tin go on up with other modern Ultrabooks.

Was the Surface Pro 7 proficient for gaming? No, non actually; at least compared to the best gaming laptops on the market today. The same holds true for the Pro 8. Integrated Iris Xe graphics in the Core i5 and Core i7 Pro viii models are a solid step upwardly from Intel UHD and Iris Plus graphics bachelor in the Pro vii, just you're still not going to get performance at the level of something discrete, like an NVIDIA RTX 3060. And the Core i3 Pro eight model is significantly weaker with its Intel UHD graphics.

The Pro 8 volition practice well with light indie games, many of which tin be establish through Xbox Game Laissez passer for PC. It will as well handle older titles without as high of system requirements. The Pro 8's biggest issue volition likely exist keeping itself cool while under prolonged load, and so maxing out the chips with modern AAA titles won't do it any favors.

Project xCloud PC App xCloud on the Pro X. Source: Daniel Rubino | Windows Fundamental

With Microsoft's Xbox Game Laissez passer Cloud Gaming program (aka xCloud) also now getting streaming through the PC Xbox app, it's easier than ever to stream games to your PC without having to taxation its internal hardware. xCloud isn't the only role player in the streaming game, with PlayStation At present making a potent instance for itself.

The Pro 8 and its Wi-Fi 6 capabilities shouldn't have problems treatment the network load, at to the lowest degree as long equally information technology's paired up with a solid router. Bank check out our list of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers if y'all need an upgrade. And with 5G support expected in 2022, you'll exist able to stream games to your Pro 8 in even more places.

Surface Pro 8 Hero Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

Those of you who desire a true gaming experience volition all the same want to check out one of the all-time gaming laptops available today. These laptops have specially designed cooling systems to go along a more than powerful CPU and dedicated GPU cool nether prolonged load. They besides generally offer more than ports, a keyboard geared for gamers, and a screen to make your favorite titles wait as good every bit possible.

Something like the HP OMEN fifteen will be much better geared toward delivering a high-end gaming experience, and it'south even in the same price range as the Pro 8.

Refreshed 2-in-1

Surface Pro 8

The Surface Pro eight finally adopts the mod design that Microsoft start introduced with Surface Pro X, now with two USB-C ports that are Thunderbolt iv enabled, an upgraded xiii-inch brandish with a high-refresh rate of 120Hz, and support for the Surface Pro 10-style Type Covers with the Slim Pen charging cradle.

Unreal gaming value

HP OMEN 15

HP OMEN fifteen

The combination of well-nigh-perfect 4K brandish, high-end functioning hardware, mature design, and good sound makes the HP OMEN 15 an easy buy for anyone who wants to maximize their spending. The keyboard could be improve and information technology'due south not the thinnest or lightest gaming laptop out at that place, but these downsides are easy to justify in the face of all the refreshed OMEN lineup does right.

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