Despite being launched only a few months ago, the Surface Pro 2 has quietly received a processor upgrade, WinBeta reports. Following the unsuccessful December 2013 software update that Microsoft was forced to put on hold until after the holidays, some new Surface Pro 2 buyers decided to have their now-faulty devices replaced with a new device and discovered the CPU upgrade in the process.
“I returned my Surface Pro 2 (v. 256GB) because of the poor performance after the failed 12.10.13 firmware update,” one user wrote on Microsoft’s forum. “I recall the SP2 I returned having a [1.6GHz] i5 4200U processor. To my surprise, when I checked the System Properties in the Control Panel on my replacement SP2, the processor was upgraded to a i5 4300U @ 1.9Ghz. – 2.5 GHz.”
Microsoft has confirmed the processor update, without explaining why it decided to upgrade it.
“Microsoft routinely makes small changes to internal components over the lifetime of a product, based on numerous factors including supply chain partnerships, availability, and value for our customers,” a Microsoft spokesperson told the publication. “With any change to hardware or software, we work to ensure that the product experience remains excellent.”
The refreshed Surface Pro 2 model should be available in retail stores as well, The Verge has learned, which means new tablet buyers will get the faster Intel processor. The Surface Pro 2 and Surface 2 have been sold out ahead of the holidays with multiple retailers, although it’s not clear whether the processor change had anything to do with the lower Surface inventory these holidays.
