Configuration overview
The configuration of this Surface Laptop Go 3 is based on an Intel Alder-lake platform. The CPU used (i5-1235U) is a low-power version, ideal for good autonomy.
The various components
We start with the CPU, motherboard and RAM, here on CPU-Z, we can see that the Surface Laptop Go 3 is equipped with an i5-1235U. For RAM, we’re talking about LPDDR5 chips for a maximum total capacity of 16 GB RAM, all running at 4800 Mt/s CL40. In this case, it’s impossible to change the amount of RAM after purchase, so you’ll have to choose carefully when configuring, but it’s hard to spend an extra €250 for just 8 GB. It’s about time they came up with more acceptable prices.
Let’s move on to the graphics card. Here we have an Intel Xe 80 sp solution, an IGP we’ve already come across on the PN64 from Asus. Don’t expect to do any gaming on it, or even rendering on a GPU.
For storage, we have a KIOXIA PCIe 3.0 x4. The performance of this WD SSD is rather disappointing, and this is likely to impact results in certain benchmarks and office use.
As for the screen, we’re on a 1536x1024p touch-sensitive IPS panel capable of 300 nits.
Disassembly, repair and upgrade
Disassembly involves removing 6 screws hidden behind the anti-slip pads, using plastic tools as found in ifixit kits. The battery must be disconnected for any modification or manipulation.
We’ve decided not to open this laptop, however, as we don’t want to risk damaging it without knowing exactly how it’s assembled. We’ll leave you with a step-by-step video from Microsoft explaining how to disassemble it.
From a modification point of view, after a few manipulations, we have access to a PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 port in 2232 format.
