The Software King of the World, Microsoft says its Surface range is too small to carry AMD processors, despite ongoing work with the chipmaker elsewhere.
According to Windows Central, Vole’s current Surface PCs use Intel and Qualcomm processors, with Nvidia hardware expected in an upcoming device. AMD is the conspicuous omission.
Microsoft Surface corporate vice-president Brett Ostrum said: “We love working with AMD. We have a limited portfolio, and so we have to make our choices pretty wisely in terms of what we’re doing and where we’re doing.”
Ostrum offered no model-by-model, technical or commercial explanation for the decision. He did add: “I love working with AMD.”
AMD processors appeared in the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4. Microsoft dropped the option with the Surface Laptop 5 and has not brought it back.
That history makes the portfolio explanation incomplete, as Microsoft previously offered some Surface Laptop models with a choice of Intel or AMD processors.
The two companies still work together on other hardware. AMD processors power current Xbox consoles, and AMD is set to supply a custom chip for Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox. Microsoft has also worked with AMD and Asus on the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds. That partnership has not translated into an AMD-powered Surface laptop or tablet.
TechSpot separately reported Ostrum’s comments, noting that he did not say whether future Surface devices might use AMD chips. Microsoft has given no commitment to bring the processor maker back into the lineup.
The public explanation remains that Vole’s limited product range forces it to choose which chip platforms go into Surface. It has not said whether that choice could change with a future device.
