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Surface Pro Gaming.

So if recent reports are to be believed, the Surface Pro 4 has been delayed into the second half of 2016.


Disappointing to say the least.

Here is to hoping that when it finally does arrive, it is a beast of a machine.
 
So if recent reports are to be believed, the Surface Pro 4 has been delayed into the second half of 2016.


Disappointing to say the least.

Here is to hoping that when it finally does arrive, it is a beast of a machine.

From what I've read, a lot of that is just a product of a rumor mill. The four things tipsters seem to be pointing to are:

  • Lack of tips or whispering to those usually in the know
  • Some bulk order of new SSD's (which I don't really see the connection with a delay)
  • The recent release of the new model with different hdd/processor specs
  • Microsoft CEO's comments about needing to face the music for poorly performing product lines (of which the Surface is surely not)

Remember that earlier this Spring the rumors were that the Pro 4 would launch along side of or right after Windows 10. This makes the a lot of sense. The Surface Pro is one of Microsoft's best received products of all time. Comboing Pro 4 with W10 is a no brainer and the cycle is due for a new one. I feel like those referencing the bulk SSD order are grasping for straws. You would not delay an entire product launch to wait for faster SSD tech. You simply bring that option to market when it is available.

I will agree though, the most damning evidence of a delay in launch is a lack of traditional insider chatter that usually accompanies these types of products.
 
So if recent reports are to be believed, the Surface Pro 4 has been delayed into the second half of 2016.


Disappointing to say the least.

Here is to hoping that when it finally does arrive, it is a beast of a machine.

I am fine with waiting since I am piling up giftcards (from surveys) so it will cost more reasonable when the time comes. I want something that can satisfy my gaming itch along with the other awesome features of a Surface Pro. I have been wanting to get into Surface with the first one was announced. I just hope the next one is a huge improvement for gaming.
 
Looking for some game recommendations for a trip. Only a 4 hour flight, so I'm looking for quick games that won't murder my battery or require the crazy fan trick.
 
Looking for some game recommendations for a trip. Only a 4 hour flight, so I'm looking for quick games that won't murder my battery or require the crazy fan trick.

Most games will run without the fan trick.

Assuming you have the pro 3 i5 what about Valkyrie Chronicles https://www.humblebundle.com/store/p/valkyriachronicles_storefront

It's $5 on the humble bundle store. I personally have tested it on the pro 3 i5 and it runs great. I would assume a full charge should last 4 hours playing it. Finally, the game is divided up into bit sized chapters so it shouldn't be hard to drop it at end or begging of one.
 
Most games will run without the fan trick.

Assuming you have the pro 3 i5 what about Valkyrie Chronicles https://www.humblebundle.com/store/p/valkyriachronicles_storefront

It's $5 on the humble bundle store. I personally have tested it on the pro 3 i5 and it runs great. I would assume a full charge should last 4 hours playing it. Finally, the game is divided up into bit sized chapters so it shouldn't be hard to drop it at end or begging of one.

Bought Typing of the Dead from the same Humble Bundle deal. Runs very well on i5 SP3 with the fan track in 1280.
 
I can confirm Earthtongue works perfectly fine at any resolution it supports on the SP3. Not an amazing feat but. Out There: Omega Edition also runs fine and even (kind of) can be played with touch instead of mouse. Panning is awkward because it thinks you're a mouse, but otherwise it's click only and works great.

I also have a rather extensive steam library if anyone wants me to spot check a game.

What fans are people using for the fan trick? Of all things I was having issues with the Evo 60 FPS/source quality stream this weekend and it must have been due to throttling I think. Not sure how much I'd actually do it since I have a desktop but I'm curious to see how well it works.
 
I can confirm Earthtongue works perfectly fine at any resolution it supports on the SP3. Not an amazing feat but. Out There: Omega Edition also runs fine and even (kind of) can be played with touch instead of mouse. Panning is awkward because it thinks you're a mouse, but otherwise it's click only and works great.

I also have a rather extensive steam library if anyone wants me to spot check a game.

What fans are people using for the fan trick? Of all things I was having issues with the Evo 60 FPS/source quality stream this weekend and it must have been due to throttling I think. Not sure how much I'd actually do it since I have a desktop but I'm curious to see how well it works.

I know Ys is light weight, but how does it respond for you? Does it get hot after a bit of play? I am looking into the sp3 or normal s3. Also curious about the heat and fans you are referencing. Thanks!
 
I hope that delay isn't true. I was looking forward to the SP4 more than anything else in memory. I love my SP3 but I want one that won't throttle.
 
Great thread idea.

I've had a Surface Pro 2 since launch, I should probably try and recall which games played great on it so the TC can add to the list. But generally speaking I've been fairly smitten -- I can run nearly every PS3/360 era game I try at equivalent settings and with an equivalent framerate.

Here are a few off the top of my head though, running on the Surface Pro 2 with the Core i5 4200U, Intel HD 4400 and 4GB of dual channel memory:

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round:
720p, shadows on, shadow resolution 1024 x 1024. Solid 60fps. If I turn on FXAA it can drop to 50fps sometimes, but generally a solid 60fps.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
I remember getting 60fps at 720p with drops here and there with settings equivalent to PS3/360.

Portal 2:
No problems, ran great at 720p, looked great.

Just Cause 2:
Most settings on "medium", 720p, SSAO turned off, framerate mainly hovered between 25-35fps depending on how much was rendered onscreen.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon:
720p 30.

Binary Domain:
720p, medium-high settings, I seem to remember a smooth yet variable framerate.

Flatout: Ultimate Carnage:
720p 30, most settings on high.

Grid 2:
720p30, most settings on medium. Game optimised for Intel HD.

Kalimba:
544p60, still looks great on the 10" display. Too much slowdown at higher resolutions.

Portal:
1080p with most settings on high. Fans wouldn't even turn on most the time.

PIX the CAT:
1080p60. V-Sync off.

Resident Evil Revelations 2:
Unplayable regardless of settings chosen. Apparently a poorly optimised port?

Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes:
20-25fps average with most settings set to low/medium, 720p. Framerate a bit too variable and sluggish (it can drop to 15fps).

Split/Second:
720p30 with most settings set to PS3/360 equivalent. A new Intel driver broke the visuals though, where motion blur would become excessive to the point of not being able to see anything.
 
From what I've read, a lot of that is just a product of a rumor mill. The four things tipsters seem to be pointing to are:

  • Lack of tips or whispering to those usually in the know
  • Some bulk order of new SSD's (which I don't really see the connection with a delay)
  • The recent release of the new model with different hdd/processor specs
  • Microsoft CEO's comments about needing to face the music for poorly performing product lines (of which the Surface is surely not)

Remember that earlier this Spring the rumors were that the Pro 4 would launch along side of or right after Windows 10. This makes the a lot of sense. The Surface Pro is one of Microsoft's best received products of all time. Comboing Pro 4 with W10 is a no brainer and the cycle is due for a new one. I feel like those referencing the bulk SSD order are grasping for straws. You would not delay an entire product launch to wait for faster SSD tech. You simply bring that option to market when it is available.

I will agree though, the most damning evidence of a delay in launch is a lack of traditional insider chatter that usually accompanies these types of products.


Hoping you're right.

.

Latest rumors are saying October. Which would be nice
 
I know Ys is light weight, but how does it respond for you? Does it get hot after a bit of play? I am looking into the sp3 or normal s3. Also curious about the heat and fans you are referencing. Thanks!

I haven't tried yet, but from the min/req specs I'm sure you could run it at near native/native res and 60 pretty easy. The fan will probably kick on though--you should expect basically any game that isn't static HTML or very simple javascript to kick in the fan, it only takes about 10-20% CPU to do so. Doesn't mean the game will be throttled (that happens at higher %s) but the fan is kind of a fact of life when gaming the SP3.

It's not super loud or anything, but it's probably the #1 thing I hope they address with the SP4, almost everything else is pretty close to perfect.
 
Great thread idea.

I've had a Surface Pro 2 since launch, I should probably try and recall which games played great on it so the TC can add to the list. But generally speaking I've been fairly smitten -- I can run nearly every PS3/360 era game I try at equivalent settings and with an equivalent framerate.

Here are a few off the top of my head though, running on the Surface Pro 2 with the Core i5 4200U, Intel HD 4400 and 4GB of dual channel memory:

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round:
720p, shadows on, shadow resolution 1024 x 1024. Solid 60fps. If I turn on FXAA it can drop to 50fps sometimes, but generally a solid 60fps.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
I remember getting 60fps at 720p with drops here and there with settings equivalent to PS3/360.

Portal 2:
No problems, ran great at 720p, looked great.

Just Cause 2:
Most settings on "medium", 720p, SSAO turned off, framerate mainly hovered between 25-35fps depending on how much was rendered onscreen.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon:
720p 30.

Binary Domain:
720p, medium-high settings, I seem to remember a smooth yet variable framerate.

Flatout: Ultimate Carnage:
720p 30, most settings on high.

Grid 2:
720p30, most settings on medium. Game optimised for Intel HD.

Kalimba:
544p60, still looks great on the 10" display. Too much slowdown at higher resolutions.

Portal:
1080p with most settings on high. Fans wouldn't even turn on most the time.

PIX the CAT:
1080p60. V-Sync off.

Resident Evil Revelations 2:
Unplayable regardless of settings chosen. Apparently a poorly optimised port?

Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes:
20-25fps average with most settings set to low/medium, 720p. Framerate a bit too variable and sluggish (it can drop to 15fps).

Split/Second:
720p30 with most settings set to PS3/360 equivalent. A new Intel driver broke the visuals though, where motion blur would become excessive to the point of not being able to see anything.

Thanks added
 
I haven't tried yet, but from the min/req specs I'm sure you could run it at near native/native res and 60 pretty easy. The fan will probably kick on though--you should expect basically any game that isn't static HTML or very simple javascript to kick in the fan, it only takes about 10-20% CPU to do so. Doesn't mean the game will be throttled (that happens at higher %s) but the fan is kind of a fact of life when gaming the SP3.



It's not super loud or anything, but it's probably the #1 thing I hope they address with the SP4, almost everything else is pretty close to perfect.


What are CPU temps at around 10-20 usage? Curious about this aspect as well for that low level of stress for say an hour or so.
 
I'm tempted. If I wanted to get back into illustration, could I use this tablet as a decent pad?

I think so--the pen is NOT wacom, but works in most apps, not all, and is extremely low latency (this is why they ditched wacom). I'm not an illustrator, but studiotan over in the SP3 not-quite-OT seems to think it's just fine for that.

What are CPU temps at around 10-20 usage? Curious about this aspect as well for that low level of stress for say an hour or so.

Not sure the actual CPU temps, it'll be slightly warm to the touch hovering around 20%, the worst it ever gets is uncomfortable to touch but not burn-your-skin bad and only around the processor (top right, not a part you should be holding in most orientations). Does windows natively have CPU temp info? I guess I'll try speedfan.
 
Just download HWMonitor, it'll tell you the temps and much more.
Latest rumor has it says the new SP4 will have Skylake CPU's. M core will be a step backwards .
 
I think so--the pen is NOT wacom, but works in most apps, not all, and is extremely low latency (this is why they ditched wacom). I'm not an illustrator, but studiotan over in the SP3 not-quite-OT seems to think it's just fine for that.



Not sure the actual CPU temps, it'll be slightly warm to the touch hovering around 20%, the worst it ever gets is uncomfortable to touch but not burn-your-skin bad and only around the processor (top right, not a part you should be holding in most orientations). Does windows natively have CPU temp info? I guess I'll try speedfan.

On my PC I use a program called HWInfo, it works well and monitors a boatload of info, just curious is all, getting hot/warm is one thing, just curious if it is high constant heat versus prolonged low to moderate temps.

For ys and games like that I am looking at the atom vs a pro model, trying to decide, my old MacBook Pro fans kick in over logging and blow loud, I don't know if I feel like dealin with that all over again is all. Thanks!
 
Just download HWMonitor, it'll tell you the temps and much more.
Latest rumor has it says the new SP4 will have Skylake CPU's. M core will be a step backwards .

Thanks. I guess the smaller process node will help keep temps down and battery life up, and the IGP is supposed to be a nice jump forward too.
 
How well does the SP2 run PCSX2? More specifically, the Tales games?

PCSX2 will probably make an SP cook, PS2 games are fairly CPU dependent. I would go to the PCSX2 forums for a general feel, at standard/original resolution it would probably run, but I think again it would turn it into high gear for the fan.
 
How well does the SP2 run PCSX2? More specifically, the Tales games?

I haven't played any tales game but attempted DQ8 I got about 20ish fps in battles and close to full speed in the field at native res with no enhancements and several speedhacks.

Dragon Quest 8 is notoriously GPU heavy though.
 
Man I'm this close to picking up a Surface pro3 i5 while there is a 10% off deal at curry's ATM.

I'm moving to Germany in the next month or so and I'd quite like a way to play stuff even if the main PC is packed up or in transit. some great info about what I usually play in here, XCOM, banner saga Valkeryia Chronicles, Shadowrun and the like. I don't suppose anyone has tried out cities skylines at all as thats probably the most intensive thing I would be playing.

The whole Pen & Keyboard/cover thing would make it pretty good for work/new house designing too :)
 
Man I'm this close to picking up a Surface pro3 i5 while there is a 10% off deal at curry's ATM.

I'm moving to Germany in the next month or so and I'd quite like a way to play stuff even if the main PC is packed up or in transit. some great info about what I usually play in here, XCOM, banner saga Valkeryia Chronicles, Shadowrun and the like. I don't suppose anyone has tried out cities skylines at all as thats probably the most intensive thing I would be playing.

The whole Pen & Keyboard/cover thing would make it pretty good for work/new house designing too :)

I believe that's one we haven't had tested yet. I don't personally own it so I can't comment though sorry.
 
I believe that's one we haven't had tested yet. I don't personally own it so I can't comment though sorry.

I recall reading somewhere that you need to do the fan trick to get any kind of reasonable performance. Even then, it's not an enjoyable experience. I'll try to find the info or install it and try it myself.
 
I believe that's one we haven't had tested yet. I don't personally own it so I can't comment though sorry.

I recall reading somewhere that you need to do the fan trick to get any kind of reasonable performance. Even then, it's not an enjoyable experience. I'll try to find the info or install it and try it myself.

Cheers guys...

Not a massive downside TBH as cities is the kind of game I'd rather play on my main PC anyway I was just wondering if its possible.

I keep putting myself off by reading about the throttling as much as Im tempted to buy one pre-move rather than wait 6 months or so. Arrrghh!
 
Cheers guys...

Not a massive downside TBH as cities is the kind of game I'd rather play on my main PC anyway I was just wondering if its possible.

I keep putting myself off by reading about the throttling as much as Im tempted to buy one pre-move rather than wait 6 months or so. Arrrghh!

Waiting is your best bet as it would be win-win for you. If the SP4 comes out and suffers the same issue, you get a discounted SP3 or you end up with the latest and greatest.
 
Upgraded to Windows 10 today, loving it.


Makes me want a Surface Pro 4 so bad. I wish they would hurry up and at least announce the thing so we know it's on the way. Hoping for LTE support and a fingerprint reader as well as more powerful gaming capability.


The wait is wearing me thin, but I must remain strong. No reason to shell out 2 grand now and 2 months later see the SP4 announced.
 
On mobile so I searching the thread is a little difficult. But how does StarCraft 2 run on the different variants of Surface/pro 3? There's a decent sale on them here and I might be convinced seeing as I need a machine to play StarCraft on.


Edit: don't care about MP, more just the SP campaigns.
 
Upgraded to Windows 10 today, loving it.


Makes me want a Surface Pro 4 so bad. I wish they would hurry up and at least announce the thing so we know it's on the way. Hoping for LTE support and a fingerprint reader as well as more powerful gaming capability.


The wait is wearing me thin, but I must remain strong. No reason to shell out 2 grand now and 2 months later see the SP4 announced.

Same here..
 
Upgraded to Windows 10 today, loving it.


Makes me want a Surface Pro 4 so bad. I wish they would hurry up and at least announce the thing so we know it's on the way. Hoping for LTE support and a fingerprint reader as well as more powerful gaming capability.


The wait is wearing me thin, but I must remain strong. No reason to shell out 2 grand now and 2 months later see the SP4 announced.

I bought my wife one, as she doesn't have an iPad for casual sofa browsing in the evening and was lugging her old, heavy laptop downstairs all the time. I have never been jealous of tech I bought for her until now. I want one so badly, even though I have a desktop PC. The screen is amazing. Surface pro 4 likely to be skylake or broadwell? Are low TDP skylake chips even coming this year?
 
My Samsung Pro MicroSD arrived today. Only 64GB, but it's the read/write speeds that I care about really. Went from being a luxury to a necessity with the gimped OneDrive in Windows 10.

I've been playing Race the Sun and Super Hexagon on mine. I wish the touch option for Super Hexagon was there, so frustrating as it actually is available in touch form on Android / iOS / BlackBerry.

Would you recommend installing games to the MicroSD, or would they run appallingly?
 
My Samsung Pro MicroSD arrived today. Only 64GB, but it's the read/write speeds that I care about really. Went from being a luxury to a necessity with the gimped OneDrive in Windows 10.

I've been playing Race the Sun and Super Hexagon on mine. I wish the touch option for Super Hexagon was there, so frustrating as it actually is available in touch form on Android / iOS / BlackBerry.

Would you recommend installing games to the MicroSD, or would they run appallingly?

Some microsd cards have read/write speeds comparable to 5400rpm hdd. Which is more than serviceable for loading games from. I would try installing a game to it and see how it runs.
 
Upgraded to Windows 10 today, loving it.

The wait is wearing me thin, but I must remain strong. No reason to shell out 2 grand now and 2 months later see the SP4 announced.

That's what I was worried about when i got my SP3 in march. Still hasn't been announced.
 
My wife wants a surface pro 3 for school and we're looking at this refurb

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834735043

that's a good one, right?

for games, she wants to be able to throw on emulators and stuff, all of which I'm not expecting any issues with (not sure how wii games run on these, though)

has anyone tried marvel heroes? that and heroes of the storm are probably the 2 main ones she'd want to play

It's either this or a new MacBook air
 
Recently bought a Surface pro 3 i5, absolutely loving it. Civilisation V seems to run really well and I'm looking forward to following some more suggestions from this thread.

Stupid question though: When I play games I plug the Surface in rather than use the battery. From most of what I've read online this should be be fine and not affect the health of the battery, but has anyone found a problem with this?
 
No rumor is October with skylake. Hopefully they'll have proper cooling so that it doesn't turn into a 386 when it throttles from overheating like the pro 3 does.

well hopefully they'll need less cooling because of the smaller chips? Or are skylake low voltage chips still the same TDP?

edit: Looks like intel are sticking with 15W for Skylake-U (as they did with Haswell-U and Broadwell-U). But they will be beefing the graphics up a lot (some rumours suggest iris pro 6100), so does that mean a corresponding lower power draw for the CPU side to balance out at 15W?
 
I really really really want a SP4 badly

So much this. I am frothing at the mouth for one. If they announced it tomorrow and the high end model was 2500 I would throw my money at it.

Which is odd since I have managed to get this far in life never owning a laptop, and only owning one tablet(that has since been outdated by my phone so I never use it.)

Something about the Surface Pro, and the idea of a more powerful SP4 specifically just appeals to me.


Just installed Windows 10 on my bosses SP3 for her, made the craving even worse, having brought it home and tooled around with it in the comfort of my home instead of just at best buy.

Hoping they include a finger print reader and a mic made with Cortana in mind.
 
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