Microsoft Surface Pro X Teardown

Introduction

Less than a month after dropping the new Surface Pro 7, Microsoft is back with the even-newer Surface Pro X—a fresh design with hints of improved repairability. On any other Surface teardown, we'd be braced for some serious pain—but since ripping into the Surface Laptop 3, we're cautiously optimistic here. Bring on the era of repairable tablets, Microsoft—we're ready. Let's see what you've got.

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Tools Required:

• T3 Torx Screwdriver
• T6 Torx Screwdriver
• iMac Opening Tool
• Heavy-Duty Suction Cups (Pair)
• SIM Card Eject Tool
• Tweezers

Step 1 - Microsoft Surface Pro X Teardown

The Microsoft Surface Pro X features a 13" PixelSense display with 2880 × 1920 resolution (267 ppi). It is powered by a Microsoft SQ1 3.0 GHz ARM processor (based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8cx) with a Microsoft SQ1 Adreno 685 GPU. The device comes with 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM (16 GB optional) and a removable 128 GB solid state drive (256 GB or 512 GB optional). It has 5 MP and Windows Hello front-facing cameras, and one 10 MP rear-facing camera. Connectivity includes two USB-C ports and one Surface Connect port. It also features Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit LTE.

Step 2

Unlike the Surface Pro 7, the Pro X is a complete redesign, model number 1876. It features rounded corners, a narrower profile, and a reduced port selection, notably omitting the USB-A port, MicroSD card slot, and headphone jack in favor of USB-C.

Step 3

The kickstand on the Pro X allows for a sleeker hinge design. Beneath the kickstand, a trap door, secured by a T3 screw, reveals an SSD and a SIM slot. The SSD appears to be the same as the one used in the Surface Laptop 3. Powering on the device without the SSD results in no sign of life, suggesting it may act as a battery kill switch. No fasteners are found under the kickstand, indicating the use of adhesives for opening.

Step 4

The display can be lifted using suction cups. The adhesive holding the display is cuttable foam, an improvement over previous Surface Pro devices, requiring no heat or prying.

Step 5

Flex cables are present along the bottom of the display. The adhesive peels off cleanly. The display chips include Microsoft X904163 and X904169 display drivers, Winbond Q16FWUXB2, Analogix ANX2684, SiW SW50014A, and SiW SW5077.

Step 6

The heat sink is secured by a single Torx screw. All screws used so far are Torx fasteners, consistent with the previous Surface Pro models. After removing the heat sink and shields, the motherboard can be slid out.

Step 7

Key components identified on the motherboard include:

• Microsoft SQ1 3.0 GHz ARM processor
• Samsung K3UH5H50AMJGCL 4 GB LPDDR4X RAM x2 (8 GB total)
• NXP LPC54S00TJ EV180 microcontroller
• Macronix MX25U1635E serial NOR flash memory
• Winbond 26Q256JW 256 Mb serial flash memory
• Qualcomm SDR8150 RF transceiver and modem
• Qorvo 78052 14CEM RF Fusion MHB

Step 8

The back side of the board has minimal silicon. A silver jumper wire is present, possibly a shielded diversity antenna, labeled "NEW SAM." Potential interpretations for "NEW SAM" include Super Activity Monitor, Silver Aerobic Master, Slippery Agile Meerkat, or Solidified Aerodynamic Meter.

Step 9

The kickstand hinge mechanism incorporates a small see-saw design to release the SSD cover. A SIM eject tool or paperclip can be used to operate the see-saw, allowing access to the SSD for upgrades. The SSD interface and SIM reader are combined into a single module. The design is noted for its space efficiency in a thin tablet.

Step 10

The Surface Pro X features a 38.2 Wh quad-cell battery. Modular USB ports and the Surface Connect port are also present. The modularity of components is a significant aspect of the device's design. The battery is noted as being firmly glued in place.

Step 11

Microsoft has made repair-focused changes between the Pro X and the Laptop 3. The SSD is user-replaceable using a SIM eject pin and a T3 driver, without needing to remove the screen. This standardization with the Laptop 3 is seen as a positive for repairs. The display is held by foam adhesive that does not require heat or solvents for removal, considered a fair compromise for a tablet.

Step 12 - Final Thoughts

The Microsoft Surface Pro X receives a repairability score of 6 out of 10. Key factors contributing to this score include the user-removable SSD, the use of standard Torx fasteners, modular components, and an improved display removal process that requires no heat. However, the firmly glued-in battery, requiring near-total disassembly for service, is a drawback.