The Surface Book 2 hybrids received new firmware that solves the problem of extreme CPU slowdown, as well as another serious performance problem that resulted in the continuous shutdown of separate graphics processors, leaving users in the driver's seat. in integrated graphics.
Let's start with the processor throttling debacle, which would affect Surface Pro 6 users as well, although a workaround is not mentioned for them (more on that later).
It started in August, when a number of complaints were received online by users whose Surface devices dropped the processor to 400 MHz, which is ridiculously slow for a modern computer.
As we noted at the time, the issue was apparently due to a CPU failure indicator, incorrectly indicating that the Surface hardware was too audible.
In the latest version of the Surface Book 2 firmware, Microsoft claims that it has addressed the following issue: "182.1004.139.0 fixes a CPU throttling issue down to 0.4 GHz and improves battery stability."
It is not clear exactly what Microsoft means by "battery stability", but any improvements to the battery are always welcome.
GPU gone
Regarding the "Endangered GPU" issue, it was actually caused by the Windows 10 May 2019 update and resulted in the update crashing on Surface Book 2 Discrete Graphics devices.
It seems that GTX 1060 users are primarily concerned, forcing the Surface to use integrated graphics with predictable results that are painful for those trying to perform more demanding tasks.
Anyway, Microsoft notes that it solved "a graphics card Device Manager disappearing issue" (although the GPU wasn't a bit more than the GPU just showed up there) no).
With this fix applied, Surface Book 2 users who had been previously locked out since the Windows 10 May 2019 Update should, in principle, be able to download it.
Battery booster
So what about Surface Pro 6 users who have apparently suffered from the 400 MHz error? The October firmware update for this device sadly does not mention this particular issue.
There is good news.However, while the October SP6 update does one thing, it's good: It increases battery life, Microsoft says explicitly, rather than stability.
I hope this means that users will benefit from the hybrid's longer longevity while traveling. We have one of these devices, and the battery that does not last that long is one of our biggest problems, so we keep our fingers crossed to help us as we promised.
For what it's worth, we've never experienced a limitation, but some users have certainly used these previous online reports. Hopefully, a patch corresponding to the one delivered to the Surface Book 2 is in the works for Surface Pro 6 users who have had issues with CPU throttling.