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Surface Studio 2
Surface Studio 2
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Surface Studio 2
DeveloperMicrosoft
Product familyMicrosoft Surface
TypeAll-in-one PC
Generation2nd
ReleasedSurface Studio 2
2 October 2018; 7 years ago (2018-10-02)
Surface Studio 2+
12 October 2022; 3 years ago (2022-10-12)[1]
Introductory priceUSD$3,500 - 4,800
Discontinued6 December 2024; 15 months ago (2024-12-06)[2]
Operating systemWindows 10 Pro (officially upgradable to Windows 11)
CPUSurface Studio 2
Intel Kaby Lake quad-core processor:
i7-7820HQ
2.9 up to 3.9 GHz, 8 MB cache, 45 W[3]
Surface Studio 2+
Intel Willow Cove quad-core processor:
i7-11370H
3.3 up to 4.8 GHz, 12 MB cache, 35 W[4]
Memory16 or 32 GB DDR4 RAM
StorageSSD options: 1 TB or 2 TB
Removable storageSurface Studio 2
Full-size SD card slot
(supports SDXC cards) Surface Studio 2+
None (card reader removed from 2+)
Display28 inches (71 cm) 4500x3000 (192 ppi) PixelSense display with 3:2 aspect ratio with 10-point multi-touch and pen support
GraphicsSurface Studio 2
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 with 6 GB of GDDR5 memory
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 with 8 GB of GDDR5 memory
Surface Studio 2+
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060(Laptop) with 6 GB of GDDR6 memory
SoundStereo speakers, dual microphones, headset jack
InputKeyboard, touchpad mouse, Surface Pen, Surface Dial, sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, ambient light
ConnectivitySurface Studio 2
802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, four USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C, Gigabit Ethernet
Surface Studio 2+
802.11ax Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, two USB 3.1 ports, three Thunderbolt 4/USB4, Gigabit Ethernet[5]
PredecessorSurface Studio
WebsiteOfficial Site

The Surface Studio 2 is an all-in-one PC, designed and produced by Microsoft as part of its Surface series of Windows-based personal computing devices. It was announced at the Windows 10 Devices Event on October 2, 2018, two years after the release of the previous version Surface Studio, with pre-orders beginning that day.[6]

The second desktop computer to be manufactured entirely by Microsoft, the Surface Studio uses the Windows 10 operating system with the October 2018 update preinstalled, with free upgrade to Windows 11. The product, starting at $3,499, is aimed primarily at people in creative professions such as graphic artists and designers.

The Surface Studio 2+ was announced on October 12, 2022 and discontinued in December 2024.[2] The Surface Studio 2+ features an updated Intel 11th-gen CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, and three USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports supporting up to three distinct 4K@60Hz displays.[7]

Features

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Hardware

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The Surface Studio 2 has a 28-inch 4.5K "PixelSense" display with 4500 x 3000 pixels, equivalent to 192 dpi. The screen, the thinnest ever built for an all-in-one PC at 12.5 millimetres thick,[8] is capable of being used in both the DCI-P3 and sRGB color spaces, and features a unique hinge design that allows it be tilted to a flat position, in a manner similar to the Wacom Cintiq. The bezel of the display contains a 5.0 megapixel camera and a Windows Hello-compatible backlit infrared camera.

The CPU is located in the base. Its compact design contains a 7th generation (codename "Kaby Lake") Core i7 processor and either a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or GeForce GTX 1070 graphics processor (both dependent on configuration). The system can be configured with up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 2 terabyte SSD. It also features four USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C port, an SDXC card reader and a headset connection.

The updated Surface Studio 2+ has new CPU/GPU options, 2x USB 3.2 ports, 3x Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports, a headphone connection, and Gigabit Ethernet but foregoes the SDXC card reader.[7]

Unlike many desktop PCs, the Surface Studio 2 supports Microsoft's Modern Standby (formerly known as InstantGo) specification, enabling background tasks to operate while the computer is sleeping.

Surface Studio 2 configuration options[9][7]
Price tier (USD) Version CPU Integrated GPU RAM Internal storage
4500 Studio 2+ Intel Core i7-11370H GeForce RTX 3060 6GB 32 GB 1 TB SSD
3500 Studio 2 Intel Core i7-7820HQ (2.9 to 3.9 GHz) GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 16 GB 1 TB SSD
4200 GeForce GTX 1070 8GB 32 GB
4800 2 TB SSD

Accessories

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Microsoft specially designed its Surface Mouse and Surface Keyboard to work with the Surface Studio 2. It is also compatible with the Surface Pen and a newly created accessory, the Surface Dial. The latter consists of a round disk that can be placed on the display and rotated to perform various actions, such as scrolling, zooming, adjusting the volume, among others, with precision. Developers can utilize its APIs to integrate its functionality into their own products.

Reception

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The Surface Studio 2 received generally positive reviews from technology critics. Many praised the large high resolution display, build quality and high performance of the GPU. Criticisms included the high entry price of the device, the all rear-facing I/O ports and the use of the previous-generation mobile Intel quad-core (as opposed to the contemporary six-core) CPU.

Timeline

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is a high-end all-in-one desktop computer developed by Microsoft as part of its Surface lineup, released in October 2018 to target creative professionals such as designers, architects, and digital artists. A refreshed version, the Surface Studio 2+, was released in 2022. It features a signature Zero Gravity hinge that allows its 28-inch PixelSense display—with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 4500 × 3000 resolution at 192 pixels per inch—to tilt smoothly from an upright position down to a 20-degree angle, enabling seamless transitions between traditional desktop use and a flat "Studio Mode" for direct drawing and interaction with the Surface Pen (which supports 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity). This design builds on the original Surface Studio from 2015 by enhancing performance for intensive workflows like 3D rendering, video editing, and mixed-reality applications. At its core, the Surface Studio 2 is powered by a seventh-generation Intel Core i7-7820HQ quad-core processor clocked at up to 3.9 GHz, paired with up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM and GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB GDDR5) or GTX 1070 (8 GB GDDR5) discrete graphics for accelerated graphics processing. Storage options include a 1 TB or 2 TB PCIe SSD, providing fast access for large files common in creative software like or applications. The display itself offers 10-point multi-touch support, 13.5 million individually lit pixels for (HDR) content, and color profiles, and anti-reflective , making it suitable for precise color-accurate work. Audio is handled by a 2.1-channel speaker system with Dolby Audio Premium, while the integrated 5-megapixel HD front-facing camera supports Windows Hello facial recognition for secure logins. Connectivity is robust for a creative , including four ports (one with high-power charging), a port with 3.1 Gen 1 support, an SDXC card reader, , a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 4.1. The device ships with Pro pre-installed (upgradable to later versions) and includes accessories like the Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, and Surface Mouse to enhance productivity in digital inking; the Surface Dial 2 is available separately for radial menu interactions. Measuring approximately 28 inches wide and weighing up to 21 pounds (9.5 kg) with its adjustable aluminum stand, the Surface Studio 2 emphasizes a premium, minimalist aesthetic while delivering 50% faster file handling compared to its predecessor through hardware optimizations.

Development

Background and design goals

The Surface Studio 2 was developed as a direct successor to the original , introduced in 2016, with aiming to enhance performance for demanding creative workflows while maintaining the core form factor of an all-in-one PC. Key improvements included significantly boosted processing power through upgraded i7 processors and GTX 1070 graphics, enabling faster rendering and multitasking for professional applications. The display was also increased, rising from approximately 430 nits on the original model to nearly 600 nits peak on the Studio 2, allowing for better visibility and color accuracy in varied lighting conditions. Microsoft's design philosophy for the Surface Studio 2 centered on creating a versatile tailored for creative professionals such as artists, designers, and architects, emphasizing seamless integration between hardware and software to mimic traditional creative tools. The device features a 28-inch tiltable that transforms into a digital canvas for sketching and drawing, paired with support for Windows Ink to enable natural, pressure-sensitive input via the Surface Pen. This approach sought to bridge the gap between physical drafting tables and digital interfaces, fostering intuitive interaction without the need for external peripherals. Development of the Surface Studio 2 spanned roughly two years following the original's launch, culminating in its announcement at Microsoft's October 2018 hardware event, where the company highlighted its evolution amid growing emphasis on mixed-reality experiences and high-fidelity visuals. Engineers focused on refining the device's capabilities to support emerging technologies like , prioritizing immersive graphics without altering the foundational chassis design. A pivotal element was the retention and optimization of the Zero Gravity Hinge mechanism, which uses a combination of springs and linkages to enable effortless tilting down to a 20-degree angle without motors or electronics, thereby enhancing portability and optimizing desk-space efficiency for studio environments.

Announcement

The Surface Studio 2 was officially announced by on October 2, 2018, during a hardware event held in , where it was unveiled alongside the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2. The event highlighted the device's evolution as a creative , emphasizing its role in enabling immersive digital workflows for artists and designers. Microsoft marketed the Surface Studio 2 as the "fastest Surface ever," boasting up to 50% faster GPU performance compared to the original Surface Studio through the integration of Pascal-based graphics. Pre-orders for began immediately following the announcement on October 2, 2018, with initial availability starting November 15, 2018, in select markets including the , , , and . The base configuration, featuring an i7-7820HQ processor, 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB SSD storage, and an GTX 1060 , was priced at $3,499, while upgraded options extended to $4,799 for models with 32 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD, and a GTX 1070 GPU. Launch bundles were offered through and authorized retailers, often including the Surface Pen for enhanced stylus input, targeting professional creators in initial markets such as the and with broader international rollout planned for early 2019.

Specifications

Surface Studio 2 (2018)

The Surface Studio 2, released in 2018, is an all-in-one desktop PC designed for creative professionals, featuring upgraded hardware over its predecessor to support demanding workloads like and . It maintains the signature 28-inch adjustable display but incorporates a more powerful discrete GPU and faster storage options. All configurations ship with Pro, upgradable to Windows 11. The processor is a quad-core i7-7820HQ from the 7th generation family, with a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz, paired with 8 MB of SmartCache. Graphics options include the GTX 1060 with 6 GB GDDR5 memory in the base configuration or the GTX 1070 with 8 GB GDDR5 for higher-end models, enabling GPU-accelerated tasks in applications like . Memory is available in 16 GB or 32 GB DDR4 configurations at 2666 MHz, soldered to the and non-upgradable. Storage uses a PCIe NVMe SSD in 1 TB or 2 TB capacities for rapid file access and boot times. The display is a 28-inch PixelSense with a of 4500 x 3000 at 192 pixels per inch (ppi), a 3:2 , 10-point support, and typical brightness of 450 nits, calibrated for color accuracy.
CategorySpecification
Connectivity4x (including 1 high-power port), 1x (USB 3.1 Gen 1, non-Thunderbolt), , SDXC card reader, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), 4.1, Xbox Wireless support
Camera5 MP front-facing with 1080p HD video recording and Windows Hello IR face authentication
Audio2.1-channel stereo speakers with Audio
WeightApproximately 9.56 kg (21 lbs) for the full system
Power SupplyExternal with grip-release cable

Surface Studio 2+ (2022)

The Surface Studio 2+ was released in October 2022 as a mid-cycle refresh of the original Surface Studio 2, focusing on internal hardware upgrades to enhance performance for creative workflows while maintaining the core design and form factor. This update introduced a more modern processor and graphics solution, along with refined connectivity options, to better support demanding applications like and . The processor in the Surface Studio 2+ is the 11th-generation i7-11370H, a quad-core CPU with a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz and turbo boost up to 4.8 GHz, paired with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics for lighter tasks. This represents a generational leap from the 7th-generation i7 in the 2018 model, providing improved efficiency and multi-threaded performance for professional software. For graphics, the device features an GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU with 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, enabling ray tracing and AI-accelerated features through 12 Ultimate support. This discrete GPU upgrade delivers significantly higher rendering speeds compared to the GTX 1060 or 1070 options in the original Surface Studio 2, particularly benefiting GPU-intensive tasks in tools like or software. The device is available in a single configuration with 32 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1 TB SSD. Connectivity saw notable enhancements, including three ports supporting USB 4.0 and 4 for faster data transfer and peripheral chaining, alongside two USB-A 3.1 ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and ; the reader present in the original was removed in this iteration. It also supports (802.11ax) and 5.1. These ports also enable native support for up to three external 4K displays at 60 Hz, expanding workspace capabilities beyond the built-in screen. Additional upgrades include refined thermal management to sustain higher performance levels during prolonged use, while retaining the same 1080p HD front-facing camera, dual Studio Mics, Dolby Atmos speakers, and overall weight of approximately 9.56 kg (21 lbs) as the 2018 model. The device uses an external , with improved efficiency due to the newer components. At launch, the Surface Studio 2+ was available in a single configuration featuring the i7-11370H processor, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, and RTX 3060 GPU, priced at $4,499.

Features

Display and tilt mechanism

The Surface Studio 2 features a 28-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 4500 × 3000 pixels, delivering 13.5 million pixels at a pixel density of 192 ppi and a 3:2 aspect ratio optimized for creative workflows such as and . The display supports and color profiles with individual color calibration for accurate reproduction, and it includes Corning protection along with a 10 nm oleophobic coating to minimize fingerprints and enhance durability during extended use. Central to the device's versatility is the Zero Gravity Hinge, a counterbalanced mechanical system that enables smooth, manual adjustment of the display angle without motors or electronics. This hinge allows repositioning from a 90° upright desktop mode for traditional to a low 20° studio mode ideal for and sketching, supporting the full device weight of up to 9.56 kg without sagging or requiring user support. Input on the display is facilitated by 10-point capabilities, enabling precise gesture-based interactions, while the integrated pen digitizer supports the Surface Pen with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition for natural inking experiences. Ergonomically, the design incorporates minimal bezels around the display for an immersive viewing area and the Zero Gravity hinge for adjustable tilt to suit user posture during prolonged sessions. Software features in Windows enable display orientation switching between landscape and portrait modes, accommodating varied creative applications without hardware reconfiguration. Lacking an official IP rating for water or dust resistance, the Surface Studio 2 is engineered primarily for stationary desk environments, with compatibility for spill-resistant accessories like the Surface Keyboard to mitigate minor liquid exposure risks.

Accessories and input

The Surface Studio 2 is bundled with a Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, and Surface Mouse, all of which connect wirelessly via for seamless integration with the device. The Surface Keyboard offers a full-sized layout with chiclet keys for comfortable typing, while the Surface Mouse provides precise optical tracking and is available in optional colors such as white or black for aesthetic customization. Key accessories include the Surface Pen, which enables precise drawing with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading, and a rubber eraser tip for natural corrections. The Surface Dial serves as a rotary that can be placed directly on the to access radial menus, allowing users to adjust tools such as brush size, color, or zoom in applications like without disrupting workflow. These accessories leverage full Windows Ink compatibility, supporting features like handwriting-to-text conversion in apps such as OneNote and radial menu interactions via for enhanced productivity. The primary input methods encompass gestures on the display, pen-based inking, and external or keyboard navigation, as the device lacks a built-in trackpad and relies on peripherals for cursor control. An optional Surface Arc Mouse provides portable, foldable input with touch surface scrolling, compatible via for users needing mobility alongside the stationary setup. Accessories are sold separately or in bundles, typically adding $200–300 to the base cost depending on configuration, with the Surface Dial priced at around $99 and the Arc Mouse at $79 in 2018. Firmware updates for these peripherals are delivered automatically through to ensure ongoing compatibility and performance improvements.

Reception

Critical reception

The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 received generally positive reviews from professional critics, who praised its innovative design and display quality while critiquing its high cost and dated components. awarded it an 8.5 out of 10, highlighting the 28-inch PixelSense display's color accuracy (covering 99% of P3) and the responsive Zero Gravity hinge for sketching, though it noted the quad-core i7-7820HQ CPU lagged behind competitors and the lack of 3 limited connectivity. The Verge also gave it an 8.5 out of 10, commending the brighter display (over 500 nits) and GeForce GTX 1070 GPU's performance in creative tasks like , but criticized the 7th-generation processor and $3,499 starting price as outdated and expensive relative to alternatives like the . rated it 4 out of 5, emphasizing its appeal for artists due to the tiltable touchscreen and support, but pointed out rear-facing ports' inconvenience and limited upgradability. Reviewers consistently lauded the Studio 2's strengths in creative workflows, such as smooth pen input for and robust GPU handling of , with one noting it as "by far the best desktop available... for folks who spend the bulk of their day , sketching, ." However, common drawbacks included fan noise under heavy loads, the absence of Adobe RGB support for professional print work, and a premium price that made it less competitive for general users. Across sites like and , it averaged around 4 out of 5 stars, positioning it as a niche tool for creators despite performance compromises. The Surface Studio 2+ (2022) garnered similar acclaim for its refined all-in-one form but faced criticism for incremental updates and an even steeper . scored it 4 out of 5, praising the upgraded Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU for better ray tracing in 3D applications and the addition of three Thunderbolt 4 ports, though it lamented the 11th-generation i7-11370H CPU instead of a newer one and thicker bezels. ITPro also rated it 4 out of 5, highlighting 10-25% faster over the original Studio 2 in creative benchmarks and the unchanged yet excellent display, but noted minimal design changes and a $4,499 starting that felt unjustified for the upgrades. Critics echoed sentiments like "an all-in-one PC that simply can't be matched" for its versatile tilt mechanism, while pointing to persistent issues like fan noise and no slot. Overall, reviews averaged about 4 out of 5, affirming its status as "the ultimate canvas for creators" in Microsoft's lineup.

Commercial performance and discontinuation

The Surface Studio 2 launched in November 2018 with a starting price of $3,499 for the base configuration featuring an i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD storage, and an GeForce GTX 1060 GPU, while higher-end models with upgraded RAM, storage, and graphics reached up to $4,499. The device maintained its premium positioning, but post-launch discounts became common; by 2020, retailers offered reductions of up to 20-30% on remaining stock to clear inventory, reflecting softening demand in the all-in-one PC segment. In October 2022, introduced the Surface Studio 2+ as a mid-cycle refresh of the original model, featuring an updated 11th-generation i7 processor and 3060 graphics, available in a single configuration priced at $4,499. Targeted at creative professionals such as designers and artists, the Surface Studio 2 achieved niche commercial success but lower sales volumes compared to mainstream Surface products like the Surface Pro and lines, with no official unit figures disclosed by amid the broader Surface portfolio generating $6.7 billion in revenue for 2022. Its high price and specialized form factor limited broader adoption, positioning it as an underperformer relative to more versatile laptops in 's lineup. The Surface Studio 2+ launched on October 25, 2022, without a full redesign, and was sold on an "available until stock depletion" basis rather than as a traditional ongoing product. Production of the 2+ ceased in late 2024, with the discontinuation announced on December 6, 2024, effectively ending the entire line, with no successor announced as of November 2025. Despite its discontinuation, the Surface Studio series left a legacy in influencing creative workstation designs, paving the way for portable alternatives like the Surface Laptop Studio, which prioritized for future development. committed to driver and firmware support for the Surface Studio 2 until October 2, 2024, and for the Surface Studio 2+ until October 2, 2028, with ongoing security updates available for both models per 's lifecycle policy at least until October 14, 2031. In the market, it directly competed with Apple's as a premium all-in-one for content creators, though its elevated pricing constrained mass appeal; as of 2025, refurbished units remain available through retailers like Amazon.

References

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