Surface Laptop 4 is the latest model of Microsoft’s premium laptop series that offers a sleek design, a high-quality display, and a long battery life. But can Surface Laptop 4 play games? The answer is yes but with some limitations and compromises.
In this article, I’ll explain how Surface Laptop 4 can play games, what kind of games it can handle, what the factors that affect its gaming performance, and how to improve its gaming experience. By reading this article, you will learn more about the gaming capabilities and potential of Surface Laptop 4.
How Surface Laptop 4 Can Play Games?
Surface Laptop 4 can play games because it has a powerful processor and a decent graphics card that can run most games on the market. However, it is not a gaming laptop, and it is not designed or optimized for gaming. Therefore, it has some drawbacks and challenges when it comes to gaming.
Surface Laptop 4 comes in two variants: one with an Intel Core processor and one with an AMD Ryzen processor. Both variants have different models with different specifications and prices. The Intel variant has a 10th-generation Core i5 or i7 processor, while the AMD variant has a custom Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 processor. Both variants have integrated graphics cards: the Intel variant has an Intel Iris Plus Graphics, while the AMD variant has an AMD Radeon Graphics.
The processor and the graphics card are the two main components that determine the gaming performance of a laptop. The processor is responsible for executing the instructions and data that are required by the game, while the graphics card is responsible for rendering the images and animations that are displayed on the screen. The higher the clock speed and power of these components, the better the gaming performance.
According to various benchmarks and tests, both variants of Surface Laptop 4 can play games at low to medium settings and resolutions, depending on the game and the model. However, neither variant can play games at high or ultra settings and resolutions, as they lack the necessary power and memory to handle them.
Some examples of games that Surface Laptop 4 can play are:
- League of Legends: This is a popular multiplayer online battle arena game that has low system requirements and can run smoothly on Surface Laptop 4 at medium to high settings and resolutions.
- Overwatch: This is a popular multiplayer first-person shooter game that has moderate system requirements and can run decently on Surface Laptop 4 at low to medium settings and resolutions.
- GTA V: This is a popular open-world action-adventure game that has high system requirements and can run poorly on Surface Laptop 4 at low settings and resolutions.
- FF7 Remake: This is a popular role-playing game that has very high system requirements and can barely run on Surface Laptop 4 at low settings and resolutions.
What Are The Factors That Affect The Gaming Performance Of Surface Laptop 4?
There are many factors that affect the gaming performance of Surface Laptop 4, such as:
The Variant and Model of Surface Laptop 4
As mentioned earlier, Surface Laptop 4 comes in two variants: Intel and AMD. Each variant has different models with different specifications and prices. Generally speaking, the AMD variant has a better processor than the Intel variant, while the Intel variant has a better graphics card than the AMD variant.
Therefore, the AMD variant may perform better in CPU-intensive games, while the Intel variant may perform better in GPU-intensive games. Moreover, within each variant, there are different models with different clock speeds, memory sizes, storage sizes, etc. These factors also affect the gaming performance of Surface Laptop 4. For example, a model with a higher clock speed or more memory may perform better than a model with a lower clock speed or less memory.
The Game Itself
Different games have different system requirements and demands. Some games are more CPU-intensive, while some games are more GPU-intensive. Some games are more optimized for Windows or DirectX, while some games are more optimized for Linux or Vulkan. Some games are more compatible with Intel or AMD processors, while some games are more compatible with Nvidia or Radeon graphics cards.
These factors also affect the gaming performance of Surface Laptop 4. For example, a game that is more CPU-intensive or more optimized for AMD processors may run better on the AMD variant of Surface Laptop 4 than on the Intel variant.
DON’T MISS: Why Gaming Laptop Overheat and How to Prevent It 2023
The Settings and Resolution of the Game
Different settings and resolutions have different impacts on the gaming performance of Surface Laptop 4. Higher settings and resolutions require more power and memory from the processor and graphics card, which may result in lower frame rates or stuttering. Lower settings and resolutions require less power and memory from the processor and graphics card, which may result in higher frame rates or smoother gameplay.
Therefore, adjusting the settings and resolution of the game can improve or worsen the gaming performance of Surface Laptop 4. For example, lowering the settings and resolution of a game that is too demanding for Surface Laptop 4 may make it more playable and enjoyable.
DON’T MISS: Conquer the Gaming World – How to Make Your Gaming Laptop Battery Last Longer in 2023
The Temperature and Cooling of Surface Laptop 4
Another factor that affects the gaming performance of Surface Laptop 4 is the temperature and cooling of the device. When Surface Laptop 4 runs a game, it generates a lot of heat, which can raise its temperature and trigger thermal throttling. Thermal throttling is a mechanism that reduces the speed and performance of Surface Laptop 4 to prevent overheating and damage. However, thermal throttling can also affect the gaming experience and cause issues such as lagging, stuttering, freezing, or crashing.
Therefore, keeping the temperature and cooling of Surface Laptop 4 under control can prevent or reduce thermal throttling and improve the gaming performance. For example, cleaning the fans and vents of Surface Laptop 4 or using a cooling pad or a stand can improve the airflow and heat dissipation of the device.
DON’T MISS: How to Clean a Gaming Laptop – Conquer the Gaming World 2023
How To Improve The Gaming Experience Of Surface Laptop 4?
There are some tips and tricks that can help you improve the gaming experience of Surface Laptop 4, such as:
Choose the right variant and model of Surface Laptop 4
As mentioned earlier, Surface Laptop 4 comes in two variants: Intel and AMD. Each variant has different models with different specifications and prices. Depending on your budget and preference, you should choose the variant and model that suits your gaming needs. For example, if you play more CPU-intensive games or prefer AMD processors, you may choose the AMD variant of Surface Laptop 4.
If you play more GPU-intensive games or prefer Intel processors, you may choose the Intel variant of Surface Laptop 4. Moreover, within each variant, you should choose the model that has the best clock speed, memory size, storage size, etc., that you can afford.
Update the drivers and software of Surface Laptop 4
Another tip to improve the gaming experience of Surface Laptop 4 is to update the drivers and software of the device. Drivers are the software that controls the hardware components of Surface Laptop 4, such as the processor, graphics card, memory, etc. Software is the programs that run on Surface Laptop 4, such as the operating system, games, etc.
Updating the drivers and software of Surface Laptop 4 can fix bugs, improve compatibility, enhance performance, and add features. For example, updating the graphics card driver or the game software can improve the graphics quality or frame rate of the game.
Close unnecessary programs and processes on Surface Laptop 4
Another trick to improve the gaming experience of Surface Laptop 4 is to close unnecessary programs and processes on the device. Programs and processes are the applications that run on Surface Laptop 4, such as web browsers, email clients, music players, video players, chat apps, antivirus software, etc.
Programs and processes use some of the resources (such as memory, CPU, disk space, and network bandwidth) and power of Surface Laptop 4, which can affect its gaming performance. Closing unnecessary programs and processes on Surface Laptop 4 can free up some resources and power for gaming. For example, closing web browsers or antivirus software can reduce the memory or CPU usage of Surface Laptop 4.
Change the Settings and Resolution of the Game on Surface Laptop 4
Another tip to improve the gaming experience of Surface Laptop 4 is to change the settings and resolution of the game on the device. Settings and resolution are the options that control the graphics quality and display size of the game on Surface Laptop 4. Changing the settings and resolution of the game on Surface Laptop 4 can affect its gaming performance and appearance.
Lowering the settings and resolution of the game on Surface Laptop 4 can improve its gaming performance and reduce overheating, but it can also degrade its graphics quality and appearance. Increasing the settings and resolution of the game on Surface Laptop 4 can improve its graphics quality and appearance, but it can also degrade its gaming performance and increase overheating. Therefore, you should find a balance between settings and resolution that suits your preferences and expectations. For example, lowering the settings and resolution of a game that is too demanding for Surface Laptop 4 can make it more playable and enjoyable.
Control the Temperature and Cooling of Surface Laptop 4
Another trick to improve the gaming experience of Surface Laptop 4 is to control the temperature and cooling of the device. Temperature and cooling are the factors that affect the heat generation and dissipation of Surface Laptop 4. Controlling the temperature and cooling of Surface Laptop 4 can prevent or reduce thermal throttling and improve the gaming performance. For example, cleaning the fans and vents of Surface Laptop 4 or using a cooling pad or a stand can improve the airflow and heat dissipation of the device.
Final Thoughts!
Surface Laptop 4 is a great laptop that can play games but with some limitations and compromises. It has a powerful processor and a decent graphics card that can run most games on low to medium settings and resolutions, but not on high or ultra settings and resolutions. It also has some factors that affect its gaming performance, such as the variant and model, the game itself, the settings and resolution, the temperature and cooling, etc.
You can improve the gaming experience of Surface Laptop 4 by choosing the right variant and model, updating the drivers and software, closing unnecessary programs and processes, changing the settings and resolution, controlling the temperature and cooling, etc.
I hope this article has helped you understand how can Surface Laptop 4 play games and how to improve it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!