Microsoft could copy Apple with bespoke Surface laptop processor
Could Microsoft give Apple something to think about?
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Recent rumors have suggested thatMicrosoftcould be working on its own bespoke silicon for its portableSurfacedevices. If true, the tech giant could be following in the footsteps ofApplein creating a processor tailor-made for its own hardware.
As reported byHotHardware, a Microsoft job listing shows that the company is looking to hire a Director of SoC (system on a chip) Architecture for its Surface division. And while this on its own isn’t concrete proof that we’ll see Microsoft-made silicon come to future Surface hardware, another piece of evidence suggests it may well be the case.
Twitter user Tron points toClien, a Korean website that suggestsAMDis working with Microsoft to produce bespoke silicon for its Surface devices. While it’s not quite the leap taken byApple– who will now use its own silicon across all devices, parting ways withIntelin the process – it would be a shakeup for Microsoft especially as a new generations of Surface devices roll out.
AMD is collaborating with Microsoft to equip powerful ARM laptop processor in Surface.Target perf: lower than GTX1050 class but much better than Qualcomm chip that uses the old arch. and in the overall lightweight ARM laptops.GPU: 4WGP, 8CU(1/2)Sourcehttps://t.co/ktt0SfgWjV https://t.co/vqkzQEwEjxOctober 1, 2021
Analysis: What does a bespoke processor mean for Surface?
A move to bespoke silicon would be a substantial move on Microsoft’s part. It would mean that, like Apple, the tech giant is able to produce its own processors specifically tailored to its Surface products.
It also wouldn’t be the first time the Microsoft has partnered with AMD on its hardware. The tech specialist previously worked with Microsoft to bring custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU to theXbox Series XandXbox Series Sconsoles. Suffice to say, Microsoft and AMD likely have a strong working relationship, and we wouldn’t at all be surprised if the pair chose to work together again.
The move could also represent something of a fresh start for Microsoft when it comes to specs. The company recently launchedWindows 11, and it would make sense to produce its own silicon tailor-made to take full advantage of the newoperating system.
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Rhys is TRG’s Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.
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