Microsoft shifts entry-level Surface laptops from Qualcomm to AMD ARM chips

Microsoft transitions entry-level laptops from Qualcomm to AMD. This is a very relevant change for people who want cheap ARM-powered Windows laptops. There's news from the supply chain that Microsoft is working on a new 12-inch Surface device with AMD ARM APU based on Sound Wave.

Supply chain reports point to a 12-inch model powered by the AMD Sound Wave APU

This is a massive change for Microsoft's lower-end laptop hardware. Before this, Microsoft used Snapdragon CPUs for the same laptops. If you're interested in budget convertible laptops, then this news is very important. This might change the standard for performance in budget convertibles.

Rumored Specifications

• Processor Architecture: AMD ARM APU (codenamed Sound Wave)
• CPU Configuration: 6 cores (2 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)
• GPU Configuration: 4 CUs, RDNA 3.5 class integrated GPU
• Power Consumption: 5-10W
• Display Size: 12-inch

The upcoming device is aimed at the lower end to specifically take on the Apple MacBook Neo. This is Microsoft's attempt at a good alternative to the cheapest Apple laptop. They want to use AMD silicon to achieve this.

Microsoft is clearly seeing the AMD ARM chip as a better solution for their lower end Surface laptops than the past Qualcomm partnership. This isn't just switching silicon, it's rebranding for the ultra competitive low price range.

Sound Wave specs give us a look at this power-efficient CPU for a light/thin design. The CPU will be a 6 core design. 2 high performance cores and 4 low power cores. The GPU is an integrated RDNA 3.5 class GPU with 4 compute units.

The whole SoC is in the 5 to 10 watts range. This is in line with what you'd want in the heat budget for a 12 inch clamshell design.

Currently the Sound Wave chip and timing details are all rumors from the supply chain. We don't have any official information. The timing for this 12-inch device is targeted for Q2 of 2027.

There are also rumors that the Windows 365 Link enterprise cloud PC may also use this same AMD silicon. So that's a possibility, not confirmed. In the past, we've talked about the strategic moves that Microsoft is making with AMD. See the Surface CVP for an example of that and how they're choosing from their options.

Nothing is confirmed for the new Surface device or AMD Sound Wave at this time. All information is from outside sources, supply chain intelligence. Microsoft hasn't said a word about this possible new device.

So just take this information and target 2027 release date as an estimate for now. It's not confirmed by Microsoft officially yet.