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Surface Book 3 13.5 review: Microsoft convertible is slowly getting old

Weak battery. With the latest edition of the Surface Book 3, Microsoft updates its multi-talented device to Intel's Ice Lake generation. We get an overall picture of the i7 variant with Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 and clarify what performance users can expect from it in our review.
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 laptop

Only recently, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 15 showed in our review that a switch from the previous model Microsoft Surface Book 2 15 is not necessarily worth it. Now it is up to the smaller model to clarify whether owners of the smaller Surface Book 2 can wait even longer with a new purchase.

In our test configuration with an Intel Core i7-1065G7, 32 GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q and 512 GB SSD, the Surface Book 3 13.5 costs around 2,650 Euros (~$2,973). With this configuration, the Microsoft convertible not only has to be compared with its predecessor but also with the test devices listed below. 

Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 (Surface Book 3 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-1065G7 4 x 1.3 - 3.9 GHz, Ice Lake-U
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q - 4 GB VRAM, Core: 1020 MHz, Memory: 1751 MHz, 26.21.14.4219 (GeForce 442.19), Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7
Memory
32 GB 
, LPDDR4x
Display
13.50 inch 3:2, 3000 x 2000 pixel 267 PPI, capacitive, Panasonic MEI96A2, IPS, glossy: yes, detachable screen, 60 Hz
Mainboard
Intel 495 (Ice Lake-U PCH-LP Premium)
Storage
SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG, 512 GB 
, 420 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Ice Lake-U/Y PCH-LP cAVS
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 USB 3.1 Gen2, Audio Connections: combined 3.5-mm jack connection, Card Reader: SD, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: Proximity sensor, acceleration sensor, gyroscope, magnetometer, Surface-Connector
Networking
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 23 x 312 x 232 ( = 0.91 x 12.28 x 9.13 in)
Battery
69 Wh Lithium-Ion, 18 Wh (tablet mode) plus 51 Wh (within dock)
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Primary Camera: 8 MPix 4:3 (3264x2448)
Secondary Camera: 4.9 MPix 4:3 (2560x1920)
Additional features
Speakers: 2 Speakers, Stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 95 watt power supply, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.642 kg ( = 57.92 oz / 3.62 pounds), Power Supply: 385 g ( = 13.58 oz / 0.85 pounds)
Price
2700 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
86.9 %
06/2020
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
i7-1065G7, GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
1.6 kg23 mm13.50"3000x2000
85 %
05/2020
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620
1.4 kg18 mm14.00"1920x1080
89.8 %
04/2020
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
i7-10510U, UHD Graphics 620
1.3 kg15.5 mm14.00"2560x1440
88.1 %
02/2020
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
790 g8.5 mm12.30"2736x1824
88.4 %
12/2019
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
1.2 kg16.9 mm13.30"1920x1080
87.4 %
11/2017
Microsoft Surface Book 2
i7-8650U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
1.6 kg23 mm13.50"3000x2000

Case - Tablet convertible with a strong hinge

The Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 is of high quality and shows no defects in the case. The removable tablet is surrounded by a magnesium alloy, which is also used for the keyboard dock. Since the hardware is almost completely in the display, the convertible is somewhat top-heavy. But it is very steady on the table. Only when placed on the thighs must it be ensured that the whole unit does not tip back. The Surface Book does not have maintenance hatches or the like.

The holding mechanism between the keyboard dock and the tablet is very reliable. The combination of a magnetic and a mechanical lock works very well, with the software occasionally causing problems. To release the tablet part, a key on the keyboard must be pressed. The system then checks whether applications must be closed before the keyboard dock is released. If software such as YourPhone.exe is in the way, it has to be closed in the Task Manager to complete the undocking process. 

Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 Laptop
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 Laptop
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 Laptop
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 Laptop
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 Laptop
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 Laptop
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 Laptop

The dimensions of the Surface Book 3 13.5 are somewhat unusual compared to other Windows tablets. That is not only because of the rarely used 3:2 display format but also because of the height in connection with the keyboard dock. Due to the unusual hinge, the convertible has a thickness of 2.4 cm, making it anything but slim.

Size comparison

323 mm / 12.7 inch 218 mm / 8.58 inch 15.5 mm / 0.61 inch 1.3 kg2.97 lbs320 mm / 12.6 inch 206 mm / 8.11 inch 18 mm / 0.709 inch 1.4 kg3.09 lbs312 mm / 12.3 inch 232 mm / 9.13 inch 23 mm / 0.906 inch 1.6 kg3.62 lbs312 mm / 12.3 inch 232 mm / 9.13 inch 23 mm / 0.906 inch 1.6 kg3.6 lbs306 mm / 12 inch 194.5 mm / 7.66 inch 16.9 mm / 0.665 inch 1.2 kg2.74 lbs292 mm / 11.5 inch 201 mm / 7.91 inch 8.5 mm / 0.3346 inch 790 g1.742 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity - USB Type-C with DisplayPort

Microsoft only integrated a few ports into the Surface Book 3 13.5. There is a surface connector on both the tablet and the keyboard dock, which in conjunction with the optionally available Surface Dock 2 can provide all conceivable ports. But even without the Surface Dock, an HDMI signal can be outputted via the USB Type-C port, with an appropriate adapter. The Surface Book 3 can also be charged via this connection.

Left side: 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, SD card reader
Left side: 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, SD card reader
Right side: 3.5 mm jack connector (tablet), 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (keyboard dock), surface connector (keyboard dock)
Right side: 3.5 mm jack connector (tablet), 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (keyboard dock), surface connector (keyboard dock)
Top: power button, volume rocker
Top: power button, volume rocker

SD card reader

The SD card reader of the Surface Book 3 13.5 accepts memory cards up to about halfway. With our reference card Toshiba Exceria Pro M501, very good speeds are achieved with 138.5 MB/s when copying and 216 MB/s when writing data.

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
155.2 MB/s ∼100% +12%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
138.5 MB/s ∼89%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
73 MB/s ∼47% -47%
Average of class Convertible
  (17.7 - 177.7, n=50, last 2 years)
67.8 MB/s ∼44% -51%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
26.7 MB/s ∼17% -81%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
216 MB/s ∼100%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
185.7 MB/s ∼86% -14%
Average of class Convertible
  (22.6 - 257, n=45, last 2 years)
87.5 MB/s ∼41% -59%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
86.9 MB/s ∼40% -60%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
27.5 MB/s ∼13% -87%

Communication

In Wi-Fi, the Surface Book 3 13.5 with the Wi-Fi 6 standard (802.11ax) achieves average speeds of 913 Mb/s when receiving data and 670 Mb/s when transmitting data. It is slightly below the average of other devices with a comparable WLAN adapter, with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga with only Wi-Fi 5, for example, achieving a better result.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1383 (1321min - 1649max) MBit/s ∼100% +106%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
1240 (1061min - 1422max) MBit/s ∼90% +85%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (49.8 - 1775, n=324)
1161 MBit/s ∼84% +73%
Average of class Convertible
  (138 - 1468, n=34, last 2 years)
898 MBit/s ∼65% +34%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
670 (651min - 692max) MBit/s ∼48%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
634 (561min - 705max) MBit/s ∼46% -5%
iperf3 receive AX12
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1417 (1353min - 1440max) MBit/s ∼100% +55%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (136 - 1743, n=324)
1261 MBit/s ∼89% +38%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
1199 (600min - 1243max) MBit/s ∼85% +31%
Average of class Convertible
  (136 - 1585, n=34, last 2 years)
1023 MBit/s ∼72% +12%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
913 (853min - 932max) MBit/s ∼64%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
836 (743min - 888max) MBit/s ∼59% -8%
01002003004005006007008009001000110012001300140015001600Tooltip
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø912 (853-932)
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1417 (1353-1440)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS Intel Wireless-AC 9560; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1178 (600-1243)
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø836 (743-888)
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø670 (651-692)
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1383 (1321-1649)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS Intel Wireless-AC 9560; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1240 (1061-1422)
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø634 (561-705)

Webcam

Microsoft has equipped the Surface Book 3 13.5 with an 8 MP main camera and a 4.9 MP front camera. While the latter is well suited for video conferencing and the like, the main camera can take very useful pictures. As the ColorChecker Passport shows, blue and gray tones are displayed a bit too light and yellow and green tones are shown darker than they should be. The recording of our test chart looks a bit pale overall. However, details and fine structures remain visible.

ColorChecker
2 ∆E
8.3 ∆E
9.8 ∆E
4.2 ∆E
15.9 ∆E
10.8 ∆E
6.4 ∆E
9.8 ∆E
8.9 ∆E
5.5 ∆E
7.6 ∆E
7.6 ∆E
8.4 ∆E
15.1 ∆E
9 ∆E
4.3 ∆E
6.8 ∆E
13 ∆E
2.9 ∆E
8.3 ∆E
7.7 ∆E
6.4 ∆E
8.1 ∆E
11.4 ∆E
ColorChecker Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5: 8.25 ∆E min: 2 - max: 15.92 ∆E

Security

The Surface Book 3 13.5 can be unlocked with face recognition via Windows Hello and has a TPM 2.0 module. There are no other security functions, such as a fingerprint reader.

Accessories

Microsoft offers numerous accessories for the Surface Book 3 in its own shop. This ranges from docking stations to a stylus to matching bags.

Maintenance

The Microsoft convertible offers no way to access the hardware inside. Accordingly, neither the RAM nor the mass storage can be upgraded or expanded.

Warranty

Microsoft offers a 12-month warranty period to buyers of the Surface Book 3 13.5. For a surcharge of currently 250 Euros (~$280), the warranty can be extended to 24 months and Microsoft takes care of accidental damages that occur during this time.

Input devices - Good keyboard and strong touchscreen

Keyboard

The keyboard of the Surface Book 3 13.5 is well suited for longer typing tasks. The feedback is pleasant and the pressure point triggers an input almost immediately. The labels can also be read easily in daylight and when the lighting is deactivated. If the white light is activated, it is much more difficult to decipher the labeling of the silver keys in bright surroundings. In poor or no ambient light, on the other hand, the keyboard is evenly illuminated and easy to see.

Touchpad

As a mouse replacement, Microsoft uses a ClickPad with which the mouse pointer can be controlled very precisely. Its surface offers little resistance to the fingertips, which means that drag-and-drop movements are also possible without any problems. The same applies to the touchscreen, which responds very well to inputs.

Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 - Input devices
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 - Input devices
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 - Backlight
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 - Backlight

Display - Surface Book 3 13.5 without PWM

Subpixel
Subpixel
Screen bleeding
Screen bleeding

The screen of the Microsoft Surface Book 3 consists of a 13.5-inch, touch-capable IPS panel and offers a resolution of 3000x2000 pixels. The average brightness of 376 cd/m² is only slightly lower than that of the Surface Book 2 and the illumination reaches the level of the other devices in our test field at 86%.

During our measurements, we were able to determine that Microsoft does not use PWM for brightness control. The Surface Book 3 13.5 is therefore also suitable for users with sensitive eyes. 

349
cd/m²
382
cd/m²
380
cd/m²
339
cd/m²
391
cd/m²
366
cd/m²
356
cd/m²
346
cd/m²
393
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Panasonic MEI96A2
X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 393 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 366.9 cd/m² Minimum: 4.7 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 86 %
Center on Battery: 391 cd/m²
Contrast: 2058:1 (Black: 0.19 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.07 | 0.55-29.43 Ø5.2, calibrated: 1.52
ΔE Greyscale 3.6 | 0.57-98 Ø5.4
95% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
61% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
65.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
95.1% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
63.5% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.29
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Panasonic MEI96A2, IPS, 3000x2000, 13.50
Microsoft Surface Book 2
Panasonic MEI96A2 , IPS, 3000x2000, 13.50
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
AU AUO323D, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
AU Optronics B140QAN02.2, IPS, 2560x1440, 14.00
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
AU Optronics AUO5E2D, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Display
5%
-7%
3%
8%
Display P3 Coverage
63.5
67.9
7%
60.1
-5%
66.6
5%
69.6
10%
sRGB Coverage
95.1
95.7
1%
85.5
-10%
95.9
1%
98.9
4%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
65.7
69.4
6%
61.1
-7%
67.5
3%
71.5
9%
Response Times
14%
32%
41%
-2%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
57 ?(28, 29)
52.8 ?(25.2, 27.6)
7%
36 ?(18, 18)
37%
32 ?(16.4, 15.6)
44%
60.8 ?(26, 34.8)
-7%
Response Time Black / White *
38 ?(22, 16)
30 ?(16.4, 13.6)
21%
28 ?(16, 12)
26%
23.6 ?(12.8, 10.8)
38%
36.8 ?(15.6, 21.2)
3%
PWM Frequency
Screen
10%
-30%
-7%
-22%
Brightness middle
391
385
-2%
280
-28%
284.6
-27%
447.4
14%
Brightness
367
372
1%
286
-22%
269
-27%
420
14%
Brightness Distribution
86
89
3%
78
-9%
86
0%
85
-1%
Black Level *
0.19
0.21
-11%
0.208
-9%
0.28
-47%
0.31
-63%
Contrast
2058
1833
-11%
1346
-35%
1016
-51%
1443
-30%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.07
1.6
48%
3.97
-29%
2.07
33%
4.23
-38%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
4.74
4.5
5%
8.29
-75%
3.75
21%
9.34
-97%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.52
3.42
-125%
2.05
-35%
1.32
13%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.6
1.5
58%
2.83
21%
1.7
53%
6.1
-69%
Gamma
2.29 96%
2.22 99%
2.34 94%
2.17 101%
2.11 104%
CCT
6330 103%
6502 100%
6556 99%
6627 98%
6136 106%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
61
64
5%
56
-8%
61.7
1%
64.8
6%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
95
95.9
1%
85
-11%
95.8
1%
98.9
4%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
10% / 9%
-2% / -18%
12% / 1%
-5% / -14%

* ... smaller is better

In the test, the screen of the Microsoft convertible convinced with a very good contrast ratio of 2,058:1. As a result, colors appear clearly different from each other and black tones appear deep and rich.

The CalMAN analysis also shows that the display of the Surface Book 3 shows colors with a slightly reduced blue component and a Delta-E deviation of 3.6. After calibration, this value dropped to 1.7 and the blue content was reduced again. The corresponding ICC file can be downloaded in the window at the top right next to the graphic for the brightness distribution of the screen. 

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscales (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscales (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color saturation (calibrated)

The Surface Book 3 13.5 can be used outdoors. The brightness is sufficient to be able to recognize image content even when the sun is shining. However, the smooth display surface always causes annoying reflections.

Microsoft Surface Book 13.5 outdoors
Microsoft Surface Book 13.5 outdoors
Microsoft Surface Book 13.5 outdoors
Microsoft Surface Book 13.5 outdoors

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
38 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 22 ms rise
↘ 16 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 95 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (22.3 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
57 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 28 ms rise
↘ 29 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.25 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 93 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (35.1 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 19046 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The IPS panel of the Microsoft Surface 3 has very stable viewing angles. Image content can be seen from almost any angle without being distorted or displayed with distorted colors.

Viewing-angle stability
Viewing-angle stability

Performance - Only graphics performance increases

With the Surface Book 3, Microsoft targets users who are looking for enough power for everyday tasks. There is a choice of two Intel processors, of which the Intel Core i5-1035G7 with the integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 is suitable for various office work and occasional image-editing.

For more graphics performance, users have to use the Intel Core i7-1065G7 model, which is equipped with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q. Since the latter corresponds to our test configuration, we will examine its performance in more detail below. 

Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 CPUz
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 CPUz
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 CPUz
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 CPUz
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 HWInfo
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 GPUz
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 GPUz
 

Processor

The Intel Core i7-1065G7 is a four-core processor that is characterized by its energy efficiency. The clock rates are between 1.3 and 3.9 GHz, which is slightly lower than those of the Intel Core i7-8650U, which was installed in the Surface Book 2. However, the benchmark tests show that the CPU performance is on the level of the previous Microsoft model despite the lower clock speeds. Compared to other notebooks with an Intel Core i7-1065G7, the Surface Book 3 only achieved a below-average result in the disciplines for the single and multi-core performance of the Cinebench R15.

Our continuous load loop also shows that the processor in the Surface Book 3 13.5 starts with a comparatively low initial value. However, there is no significant drop like those of other convertibles with this CPU in our test field. 

04080120160200240280320360400440480520560600640680720760Tooltip
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Core i7-1065G7: Ø520 (491.24-551.03)
Microsoft Surface Book 2 Intel Core i7-8650U, Intel Core i7-8650U: Ø526 (489.6-675.96)
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel Core i5-10210U: Ø694 (572.34-716.85)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel Core i7-10510U: Ø605 (498.15-760.43)
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Core i7-1065G7: Ø550 (504.6-640.68)
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Core i7-1065G7: Ø592 (555.54-783.03)
Cinebench R20: CPU (Single Core) | CPU (Multi Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Single 64Bit | CPU Multi 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 -mmt1 | 7z b 4
Geekbench 5.4: Single-Core | Multi-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Convertible
  (116.8 - 773, n=83, last 2 years)
535 Points ∼100% +24%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
461 Points ∼86% +7%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
451 Points ∼84% +4%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (358 - 474, n=31)
438 Points ∼82% +1%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
432 Points ∼81%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7
377 Points ∼70% -13%
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Convertible
  (242 - 7491, n=84, last 2 years)
2603 Points ∼100% +139%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1754 Points ∼67% +61%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1655 Points ∼64% +52%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
1563 Points ∼60% +44%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (1081 - 2024, n=31)
1510 Points ∼58% +39%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1089 Points ∼42%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Convertible
  (68.6 - 287, n=84, last 2 years)
204 Points ∼100% +11%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
184 Points ∼90% 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
184 Points ∼90% 0%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
184 Points ∼90%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7
178 Points ∼87% -3%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
Intel Core i7-8650U
177 Points ∼87% -4%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (141 - 190, n=35)
174.2 Points ∼85% -5%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Intel Core i5-10210U
163 Points ∼80% -11%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Convertible
  (110.1 - 3100, n=87, last 2 years)
1147 Points ∼100% +108%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
783 Points ∼68% +42%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
760 (515.14min - 740.66max) Points ∼66% +38%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Intel Core i5-10210U
715 Points ∼62% +30%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
Intel Core i7-8650U
673 Points ∼59% +22%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (288 - 836, n=36)
648 Points ∼56% +17%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7
643 Points ∼56% +16%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
552 (491min - 552max) Points ∼48%
Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1340 Seconds * ∼100%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (675 - 1650, n=23)
882 Seconds * ∼66% +34%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
718 Seconds * ∼54% +46%
Average of class Convertible
  (180 - 4249, n=83, last 2 years)
699 Seconds * ∼52% +48%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 -mmt1
Average of class Convertible
  (2046 - 6285, n=82, last 2 years)
4841 MIPS ∼100% +18%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
4609 MIPS ∼95% +12%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (3289 - 4589, n=24)
4284 MIPS ∼88% +4%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
4100 MIPS ∼85%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4
Average of class Convertible
  (5394 - 74123, n=83, last 2 years)
30699 MIPS ∼100% +157%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (10406 - 22898, n=24)
17024 MIPS ∼55% +43%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
15727 MIPS ∼51% +32%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
11929 MIPS ∼39%
Geekbench 5.4 / Single-Core
Average of class Convertible
  (260 - 1996, n=84, last 2 years)
1402 Points ∼100% +8%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1294 Points ∼92%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (948 - 1348, n=18)
1274 Points ∼91% -2%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
1246 Points ∼89% -4%
Geekbench 5.4 / Multi-Core
Average of class Convertible
  (663 - 13919, n=84, last 2 years)
6112 Points ∼100% +51%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
4287 Points ∼70% +6%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (2464 - 4855, n=18)
4215 Points ∼69% +4%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
4060 Points ∼66%
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 / 4k Preset
Average of class Convertible
  (0.61 - 21.4, n=83, last 2 years)
7.88 fps ∼100% +164%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
5.27 fps ∼67% +77%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (2.2 - 6.38, n=22)
4.58 fps ∼58% +54%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
2.98 fps ∼38%
LibreOffice / 20 Documents To PDF
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
69.8 s * ∼100%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (46.9 - 85.3, n=19)
60.3 s * ∼86% +14%
Average of class Convertible
  (35.3 - 223, n=82, last 2 years)
59.6 s * ∼85% +15%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
53.7 s * ∼77% +23%
R Benchmark 2.5 / Overall mean
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7
0.757 sec * ∼100%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (0.661 - 0.798, n=18)
0.708 sec * ∼94% +6%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U
0.648 sec * ∼86% +14%
Average of class Convertible
  (0.4165 - 2.12, n=81, last 2 years)
0.641 sec * ∼85% +15%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
184 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
552 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
98.3 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Help

System Performance

In the system performance benchmarks, the Microsoft convertible remains below our expectations. While the result of the Work discipline of the PCMark 8 test is still at the level of the Surface Book 2, the achieved value of the Surface Book 3 in the Home test is about 10% lower. In the PCMark 10 test, the difference in the overall scores is slightly lower at 4%, but here too the Surface Book 2 scores better.

During our test period, the Surface Book 3 13.5 system ran very smoothly. Applications were started quickly and there were no micro-stutters or similar. The convertible from Microsoft is therefore well suited for smooth everyday tasks.

Our CPU-benchmark list shows what results other notebooks were able to achieve in our tests. 

PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Convertible
  (1429 - 7884, n=68, last 2 years)
5015 Points ∼100% +20%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBQNTY-512GB
4611 Points ∼92% +10%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
4522 Points ∼90% +8%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS256G NVMe
4367 Points ∼87% +4%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (4184 - 4484, n=2)
4334 Points ∼86% +4%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-1065G7, SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG
4184 Points ∼83%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i7-8650U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4119 (4106min - 4190max) Points ∼82% -2%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3512GJ1
3995 Points ∼80% -5%
Essentials
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBQNTY-512GB
10379 Points ∼100% +26%
Average of class Convertible
  (3602 - 12059, n=68, last 2 years)
9751 Points ∼94% +18%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
9664 Points ∼93% +17%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS256G NVMe
8879 Points ∼86% +7%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (8266 - 8373, n=2)
8320 Points ∼80% +1%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-1065G7, SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG
8266 Points ∼80%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3512GJ1
8011 Points ∼77% -3%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i7-8650U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
7659 (7643min - 7746max) Points ∼74% -7%
Productivity
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBQNTY-512GB
7470 Points ∼100% +16%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
7051 Points ∼94% +9%
Average of class Convertible
  (2411 - 10222, n=68, last 2 years)
6782 Points ∼91% +5%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS256G NVMe
6730 Points ∼90% +4%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3512GJ1
6634 Points ∼89% +3%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (6448 - 6739, n=2)
6594 Points ∼88% +2%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-1065G7, SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG
6448 Points ∼86%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i7-8650U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
5819 (5653min - 5995max) Points ∼78% -10%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Convertible
  (811 - 11272, n=68, last 2 years)
5281 Points ∼100% +42%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i7-8650U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4342 (4211min - 4356max) Points ∼82% +16%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (3731 - 4338, n=2)
4035 Points ∼76% +8%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS256G NVMe
3784 Points ∼72% +1%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-1065G7, SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG
3731 Points ∼71%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
3684 Points ∼70% -1%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBQNTY-512GB
3433 Points ∼65% -8%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3512GJ1
3257 Points ∼62% -13%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Convertible
  (3057 - 5032, n=7, last 2 years)
4269 Points ∼100% +27%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
3911 Points ∼92% +16%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i7-8650U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3694 (3691min - 3696max) Points ∼87% +10%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBQNTY-512GB
3674 Points ∼86% +9%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS256G NVMe
3660 Points ∼86% +9%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-1065G7, SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG
3369 Points ∼79%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (3029 - 3369, n=2)
3199 Points ∼75% -5%
Work Score Accelerated v2
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
5227 Points ∼100% +17%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBQNTY-512GB
5059 Points ∼97% +13%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, i7-8650U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4522 (4500min - 4528max) Points ∼87% +1%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-1065G7, SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG
4466 Points ∼85%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (4099 - 4466, n=2)
4283 Points ∼82% -4%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS256G NVMe
3440 Points ∼66% -23%
Average of class Convertible
  (2921 - 4426, n=7, last 2 years)
3247 Points ∼62% -27%
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3369 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4466 points
PCMark 10 Score
4184 points
Help

DPC latencies

In our test on the DPC latencies, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 shows a comparatively good value for the interruptions, but the executed drivers sometimes take longer, which means that the Windows convertible is not optimal for real-time audio and similar tasks.

LatencyMon statistics
LatencyMon statistics
Lantencymon drivers
Lantencymon drivers
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
UHD Graphics 620, i7-10510U, WDC PC SN730 SDBQNTY-512GB
1838 μs * ∼100% -199%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-1065G7, SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG
615 μs * ∼33%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3512GJ1
466 μs * ∼25% +24%

* ... smaller is better

Storage solution

Microsoft uses a 512 GB SK-Hynix SSD in our test configuration. This reaches values in the storage benchmarks that correspond to the installed hardware. Compared to the other convertibles in our test field, the mass storage is somewhat slower. However, users still benefit from the better write and read rates compared to conventional HDDs.

Our SSD-/HDD benchmark page shows how the SSD used here compares with other mass storage devices. 

Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG
Microsoft Surface Book 2
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Kingston RBUSNS8154P3512GJ1
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
WDC PC SN730 SDBQNTY-512GB
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Toshiba KBG40ZNS256G NVMe
Average SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
17%
-0%
94%
45%
65%
4%
Write 4K
88.4
140.6
59%
54.6
-38%
152
72%
112.6
27%
131.3
49%
95.5 ?(48.4 - 129.5, n=9)
8%
Read 4K
39.53
43.62
10%
28.19
-29%
45.96
16%
131
231%
52.4
33%
38.3 ?(29 - 46.9, n=9)
-3%
Write Seq
691
343.3
-50%
840
22%
2069
199%
458.9
-34%
1613
133%
759 ?(654 - 1044, n=9)
10%
Read Seq
1032
1452
41%
905
-12%
1708
66%
1355
31%
1613
56%
1022 ?(642 - 1147, n=9)
-1%
Write 4K Q32T1
279.6
344.4
23%
409.5
46%
465.4
66%
341.3
22%
411.6
47%
303 ?(94.6 - 436, n=9)
8%
Read 4K Q32T1
261.6
457.2
75%
292.4
12%
410.1
57%
320.6
23%
415.6
59%
317 ?(243 - 443, n=9)
21%
Write Seq Q32T1
868
344.3
-60%
1038
20%
2713
213%
1219
40%
2340
170%
885 ?(839 - 1052, n=9)
2%
Read Seq Q32T1
2075
2885
39%
1607
-23%
3399
64%
2462
19%
1568
-24%
1803 ?(1557 - 2171, n=9)
-13%
Write 4K Q8T8
410.9
306
Read 4K Q8T8
1033
698
AS SSD
-22%
38%
-37%
-19%
4%
Seq Read
1707
1336
-22%
1939
14%
1039
-39%
1881
10%
1323 ?(494 - 1707, n=9)
-22%
Seq Write
510
653
28%
1380
171%
310.1
-39%
703
38%
697 ?(510 - 1019, n=9)
37%
4K Read
38.77
26.65
-31%
41.38
7%
76
96%
52.3
35%
40.4 ?(32.2 - 50.8, n=9)
4%
4K Write
100.9
52.7
-48%
154.9
54%
118
17%
154.1
53%
100.8 ?(74.7 - 124.8, n=9)
0%
4K-64 Read
630
644
2%
970
54%
371.8
-41%
1048
66%
686 ?(488 - 788, n=9)
9%
4K-64 Write
707
482.9
-32%
990
40%
469.5
-34%
703
-1%
660 ?(476 - 737, n=9)
-7%
Access Time Read *
0.085
0.074
13%
0.055
35%
0.067
21%
0.069
19%
0.06071 ?(0.04 - 0.091, n=7)
29%
Access Time Write *
0.035
0.072
-106%
0.07
-100%
0.138
-294%
0.221
-531%
0.037 ?(0.033 - 0.048, n=9)
-6%
Score Read
839
804
-4%
1205
44%
552
-34%
1288
54%
858 ?(674 - 977, n=9)
2%
Score Write
859
601
-30%
1283
49%
618
-28%
927
8%
830 ?(657 - 932, n=9)
-3%
Score Total
2077
1786
-14%
3083
48%
1448
-30%
2826
36%
2107 ?(1653 - 2384, n=9)
1%
Copy ISO MB/s
2074
764
1160
802 ?(521 - 955, n=4)
Copy Program MB/s
630
465.8
454.7
265 ?(236 - 327, n=4)
Copy Game MB/s
1326
764
991
487 ?(282 - 700, n=4)
Total Average (Program / Settings)
17% / 17%
-11% / -13%
66% / 62%
4% / -2%
23% / 16%
4% / 4%

* ... smaller is better

SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 2075 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 868 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 261.6 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 279.6 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 1032 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 691 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 39.53 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 88.4 MB/s

Continuous reading: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

Graphics card

In addition to the processor's internal GPU Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7, the Surface Book 3 13.5 can also use an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q to display graphics content. The GPU is characterized by an energy-saving architecture and can also take on more-demanding tasks.

The results of the 3DMark benchmarks not only show the advantage of the GTX 1650 Max-Q compared to the internal graphics units in our test field, but they also illustrate the better performance compared to the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, which Microsoft has installed in the Surface Book 2. Here, users can expect up to 44% higher performance.

Compared to other laptops from our database that use the same graphics card, the GTX 1650 Max-Q in the Surface Book 3 scores below average. Our GPU benchmark list contains the performance of other graphics cards. 

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (10248 - 12259, n=14)
11171 Points ∼100% +3%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-1065G7
10800 Points ∼97%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8650U
7483 (7472min - 7485max) Points ∼67% -31%
Average of class Convertible
  (471 - 35540, n=78, last 2 years)
5968 Points ∼53% -45%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
4512 Points ∼40% -58%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
4297 Points ∼38% -60%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-10510U
1986 Points ∼18% -82%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
1855 Points ∼17% -83%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (21759 - 53981, n=12)
39625 Points ∼100% +30%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-1065G7
30555 Points ∼77%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8650U
29376 Points ∼74% -4%
Average of class Convertible
  (2965 - 157044, n=69, last 2 years)
25915 Points ∼65% -15%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
17872 Points ∼45% -42%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
17712 Points ∼45% -42%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-10510U
10471 Points ∼26% -66%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (6985 - 8618, n=12)
7853 Points ∼100% +7%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-1065G7
7362 Points ∼94%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Intel Core i7-8650U
5787 Points ∼74% -21%
Average of class Convertible
  (365 - 26801, n=79, last 2 years)
4462 Points ∼57% -39%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
3026 Points ∼39% -59%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
2874 Points ∼37% -61%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-10510U
1351 Points ∼17% -82%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
1285 Points ∼16% -83%
3DMark 11 Performance
9665 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
15476 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
6602 points
Help

Gaming Performance

The performance of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q in the Surface Book 3 13.5 is sufficient to be able to run games from recent years smoothly even at high graphics levels. With very demanding and current titles, however, a reduction in the details setting is necessary. The 3:2 format of the screen, for example in The Witcher 3, resulted in a distorted display of the image format in full-screen mode. Here, players have to reckon with restrictions or an increased need for adjustment.

Our GPU games list shows which games run smoothly with the graphics card installed here. 

The Witcher 3
1024x768 Low Graphics & Postprocessing
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (137.5 - 196, n=10)
158 fps ∼100% +12%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
141.5 fps ∼90%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
Intel Core i7-8650U, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
110.6 fps ∼70% -22%
Average of class Convertible
  (4 - 186.1, n=64, last 2 years)
75.4 fps ∼48% -47%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
43.9 fps ∼28% -69%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
16 fps ∼10% -89%
1366x768 Medium Graphics & Postprocessing
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (83.2 - 119.8, n=9)
96.5 fps ∼100% +16%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
83.2 fps ∼86%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
Intel Core i7-8650U, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
67.1 fps ∼70% -19%
Average of class Convertible
  (10 - 109.3, n=60, last 2 years)
49.5 fps ∼51% -41%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
28.9 fps ∼30% -65%
1920x1080 High Graphics & Postprocessing (Nvidia HairWorks Off)
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (41.5 - 65.1, n=11)
52.6 fps ∼100% +27%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
41.5 fps ∼79%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
Intel Core i7-8650U, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
38.3 fps ∼73% -8%
Average of class Convertible
  (8.24 - 215, n=62, last 2 years)
29.5 fps ∼56% -29%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
13.8 fps ∼26% -67%
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics & Postprocessing (HBAO+)
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (27.5 - 36.5, n=11)
31 fps ∼100% +3%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
30.1 fps ∼97%
Microsoft Surface Book 2
Intel Core i7-8650U, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile
21 fps ∼68% -30%
Average of class Convertible
  (1.2 - 106.5, n=61, last 2 years)
15.3 fps ∼49% -49%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
7.2 fps ∼23% -76%
X-Plane 11.11
1920x1080 high (fps_test=3)
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (51.8 - 64.4, n=3)
56.1 fps ∼100% +8%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
51.8 fps ∼92%
Average of class Convertible
  (3.09 - 116.4, n=80, last 2 years)
28.7 fps ∼51% -45%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
9.46 fps ∼17% -82%
1920x1080 med (fps_test=2)
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (57.2 - 77.6, n=3)
65.6 fps ∼100% +15%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
57.2 fps ∼87%
Average of class Convertible
  (3.46 - 145.4, n=83, last 2 years)
32.1 fps ∼49% -44%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
10.6 fps ∼16% -81%
1280x720 low (fps_test=1)
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
83.5 fps ∼100%
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (69 - 88.1, n=3)
80.2 fps ∼96% -4%
Average of class Convertible
  (5.01 - 174, n=81, last 2 years)
38.9 fps ∼47% -53%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
12.2 fps ∼15% -85%
Dota 2 Reborn
1280x720 min (0/3) fastest
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (61.2 - 158.2, n=5)
111.6 fps ∼100% +82%
Average of class Convertible
  (15.5 - 188.3, n=83, last 2 years)
93.9 fps ∼84% +53%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
83.2 (69.6min) fps ∼75% +36%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
78.2 (69.4min) fps ∼70% +28%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
61.2 (47.1min) fps ∼55%
1366x768 med (1/3)
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (76.5 - 130.9, n=5)
103.6 fps ∼100% +21%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
85.6 (69.3min) fps ∼83%
Average of class Convertible
  (6.9 - 166, n=82, last 2 years)
71.4 fps ∼69% -17%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
52.6 (39.7min) fps ∼51% -39%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
51.6 (44.1min) fps ∼50% -40%
1920x1080 high (2/3)
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (71.2 - 128, n=5)
97.1 fps ∼100% +19%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
81.6 (70.9min) fps ∼84%
Average of class Convertible
  (5.5 - 162.8, n=82, last 2 years)
49.1 fps ∼51% -40%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
22.4 (20.2min) fps ∼23% -73%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
21.2 (19.6min) fps ∼22% -74%
1920x1080 ultra (3/3) best looking
Average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
  (64.4 - 105.6, n=5)
85.6 fps ∼100% +25%
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
68.3 (57.8min) fps ∼80%
Average of class Convertible
  (5.4 - 149.2, n=83, last 2 years)
44.8 fps ∼52% -34%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 20SA000GUS
Intel Core i7-10510U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
19.9 (18.3min) fps ∼23% -71%
Asus ZenBook Flip 14 UX463FA-AI039T
Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
18.7 (17.6min) fps ∼22% -73%

The Witcher 3 endurance test shows that the performance of the Surface Book 3 13.5 declines slightly after about half an hour. However, there is no significant drop in the refresh rate here.

0510152025Tooltip
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5 GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-1065G7, SK Hynix BC501 HFM512GDJTNG: Ø26.5 (24-30)
low med. high ultra
The Witcher 3 (2015) 141.5 83.2 41.5 30.1
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 61.2 85.6 81.6