Surface Pro 4 Teardown Review!

Since 2012, Microsoft has given us a new Surface Pro every year and every year, it has scored a one out of ten on our repairability scale. We got our hands on the 4th version of the Surface Pro and we are hoping that this one is going to buck the trend and be much easier to disassemble and repair. Will the Surface Pro 4 get a better score? Let’s tear it down and find out.
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[@stevesar4867]

watching this on a surface pro 4... i feel like im watching an autopsy. great video.

[@CloudObsolete]

I searched 'Surface 4', the first 20 videos all had ads. This was 21. Thanks for getting to the the point. Subscribed!

[@aaronseet2738]

Watching this to figure out how to extract and salvage the SSD once my (third) SP4 finally dies the same pathetic death by corrupted flickering/ghosting display output from absurd overheating.

[@_james4766]

Love this channel

[@peterfixes]

Looking good, Gwendolyn. Keep it up!

[@changyulin47]

can you do the i5/i7 version? this m3 is fanless

[@imaginalex5850]

Is there a connector on the m3 motherboard to add a fan as it's only "passive" cooling for this version ? there is room for a fan in there so i want to know if the connector was there. To prevent any throttling from the m3 while playing some games. Actually, the M3 is much faster than the I3 sp3 and a little bit slower than the i5 SP4 and almost catch up to the i5 SP3 model. the m3 is pretty good.

[@8peterp]

Hi ,do you have any info about the recent flickergate issue? what causing it ,can this be fixed?

[@jovelwalter]

Hello All, I am looking for a good link to order a new screen for my surface pro 4. I prefer it to NOT be aftermarket. please help and thank you.

[@MrBryanNASA]

Finally a software that work with they own hardware , really nice keep going , no more third partys

[@LiquidSnake1988]

how do you even put it back?

[@adrianstealth340]

Are batteries available for these? Better still a higher capacity battery?Thinking mine will need a battery replacement one day

[@MrDavestarr2001]

Is there no cmos battery in the sp4?

[@adrianstealth340]

Replacement batteries on eBay they look exact same too , when the time comes I'll be replacing the battery in mine

[@kianfoongwind1663]

Is it possible to fix a shaking screen? I have read sources and most said that it had to do with the heatsink. Could anyone shed some light in this?

[@creativeclaude5304]

Seems like the best one I have found. The other surfaces are rated 1 lol! what would be the performance review on a scale 1-10?

[@Chiragatrey]

Do a teardown review for the new lumia flagships when they come out please

[@pramodsenevi]

Coolest tech channel on KZbin.

[@potatopotato9131]

I need to change my battery on the Surface Pro 4, this is a bit disappointing to find that it's not very servicable

[@BobbyJay1]

Can't wait to see the surface book teardown

[@giotphan9673]

Ipad pro realased , can you tear it ?

[@thesvenvids7708]

Are you doing one for the Surface Book too?

[@HenB1z]

That would be good

[@debarghya.sarkar]

+TheSvenVids It's done in thier site

[@dino130395]

+TheSvenVids It's on their website! I hope video will come soon

[@leonardsalt]

+TheSvenVids It just came ut, I watched it just before this one :D

[@gearz2570]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqixpaSpa9WFp80

[@justadude317]

Nice review! Quick question, can the M2 drive be extracted from here and installed in a Desktop? Or is there an M2 case i could put it in and use as an external? (My surface pro 4 died some months back)

[@rosly_yt]

I don't see any reason why not! It's a standard M.2 form factor

[@mohamedelhefnawy9447]

i would like to upgrade my SSD from 256 to 1 TB is it doable? and which brand of SSD ships can fit with internal section of Surface Pro 4 ? your recommendation for SSD brand and model please !

[@captainminsupala124]

Dr. Mohamed Elhefnawy up

[@LiquidSnake1988]

up

[@AlexanderLong]

As some one who is leading a local repair café, I do predicate your videoes a lot, and I do hope everything is repairable easily enough, instead of have to toss to the dumpsters. However sometimes, I do wish it is hard to tear down so it can be build more durable, hard to break in the first place. I have been using my first gen Surface Pro for last two had half year with out any issues. So if it is meant to last more than 3 years, I am Ok for it hard to teardown, than some device easy to teardown but also easy to break.

[@RyandBurtson]

Saw a damaged Surface Pro 4 on eBay for super cheap and thought, “What the heck, I should finally get one!” Glad I checked iFixit first. Seems like this would be a pain to repair, probably not worth the money I would be saving

[@Cardigan4472]

I really like the surface pro 4, but since my SSD is broken, I have to open the device. I looked this video several times and tried to heaten the device up with a hairdryer, but without success.There seems to be so much glue, that it is impossible to open. Has anyone of you managed to remove the display ?

[@bq5577x]

I think you're already done with your repair, but if you heat up the adhesive, you've got to cut it. By cutting the adhesive with something like a business card, you keep the tension of the glass and be able to pop it up. I think it might be useful to use a suction cup for support when lifting the display. (Repaired several glass Samsung phones, without breaking the back glass //did several screen replacements)

[@SanativeSparrow]

Is the RAM soldered onto the board or can it be replaced?

[@KianGurney]

Sadly, soldered.

[@HShango]

Apple and msft always go to samsung in terms of storage for there tablets and smartphones.

[@ManuelHefti]

Thank you for publishing this video. I have a faulty Surface Pro 4 where the battery started to blow up just right after the warranty run out. Microsoft Support dismissed the problem and did't gave my any help, but was passing the problem from one to another table. So eventually I have to solve the problem myself by buying a battery and replace it myself. This behavior is really unintelligible for me, as a battery that blows up is not just a convenience problem, it is an actual safety risk and should be attended by Microsoft instantly and without further questions... I would never spend again $1'000+ in a Microsoft Hardware product and definitely do not advise to buy a Surface.

[@2teKnoA]

You're using metric scale.. Thanks!

[@cdotnage23]

2 is a bit harsh. you marked it down for the same thing everyone else does. gluing battery down, fusing lsd etc. I was expecting a 4 at least. Still love the vids though, super informative

[@stupidlittlehat2472]

I also want to know is it possible to add a fan in this m3 model to prevent it from throttling when playing games or using other demanding apps?

[@TheSAMathematician]

+stupidlittlehat I really doubt throttling will be a problem with a chip as weak as the m3.

[@roxxor3]

they would have added a fan if it would throttle. microsoft isnt apple.

[@tt__shin]

hoow to upgrade the ram?

[@rosly_yt]

Ya don't.

[@bmwcarguye36cars68]

How the hell do you fit a fan in this thing???!!!! 😧😂❤👌

[@hiransh3316]

Surface pro 4 vs surface pro 3 with new type cover and new surface pen? which is a better value proposition for a college student mainly looking for portability, for taking notes and battery life for a day's use in class.

[@kninez13]

+Hiran SH I'm a student just like you with a SP3 for school. I'd say get a lightly used SP3 off ebay and buy the new type cover and pen, you can get a decent deal for less than $1000 total.

[@hiransh3316]

+kninez13 Thank u :) $1000 for the i7, 512gb with 8gb of ram?

[@kninez13]

Hiran SH If you manage to find that deal for the surface pro 3 then go for it. I got my i5, 256gb, 8gb ram SP3 plus the type cover for $600. Brand new price is around $1300 to $1400. Just make sure you compare the specs of the SP3 you are getting to the SP4 with equivalent specs. As long as you are getting at least a 40-60% discount, it's worth it.

[@hiransh3316]

kninez13​ Wer did u find tat deal? Like, wat websites do u use? I tried eBay and Craigslist. I dint find any good deals tr.

[@VatManStreamUA]

hmm... 4-th gen of surface tablet get +1 repaire point, so i think 28-th gen can make 10\10 points?)

[@cheernastics1214]

Should i get this out a iPad mini can't choose?!?!?!

[@Imname62]

Get the ipad & grab photon and you won't be missing much.

[@NhoyBarangay]

Please do a Surface Studio teardown. I'm split between a Surface Studio and Cintiq QHD Touch.

[@dylanchadderton1]

thats an easy one...Studio.

[@karasmic]

Nhoy Barangay Studio for dayz

[@marktf7237]

Nhoy Barangay studio

[@enabels]

Still sticking with My day 1 Surface Pro 1.

[@rene78]

+enabels1 how's the battery now after 3 years and no possibility to change it?

[@enabels]

Battery still works great! The surface pro 1 never had very good battery life, but all cells are still healthy. If you are looking for a surface though, get at minimum the pro 3. My experiences may be unique but I am a network engineer. I was excited about the product line which is why I was an early adopter and I also know how to take care of batteries that are hard to replace.

[@Jezez]

Surfacebook? :)

[@kayboog2000]

I say "4".. removal of the ssd is kinda big news?...Like to see the Surface Book next..if you take request.

[@ryankelsey7]

Is the ram upgrade able?

[@NyzmaKumala]

+Ryan Kelsey no its stick to mainboard fyi this is not desktop pc

[@captainminsupala124]

can I replace ssd of 128gb to 1tb?

[@captainminsupala124]

@liquidsnake

[@PedroPascoaPedro]

i payed for a teardown and i get a slideshow!? prospoterous!

[@EnnTomi1]

wtf is that bag 1:00

[@PaulSebastianM]

Teardown!

[@catlightst]

so we can't replace the disappointing wireless chip or RAM then ....

[@tauthianova8018]

Inside hardware layout and design looks like my old HP laptop.

[@dqrides6446]

The surface pro is a two in one- computer and tablet while the iPad is just a tablet so you can not compare a computer with a tablet with the computer running a full computer OS

[@nicko9799]

Combing a desktop OS with a tablet OS is just a mess played with a surface pro 3 running Windows 10 it was so laggy Running desktop audio apps like Spotify and iTunes cuts out when you turn the tablet off iPad pro not only has the best App Store for tablets it combines the best of iPads 10 hour battery life vs 6 on surface pro 4 (even though Microsoft says 9) Plus iPad has Touch ID and 4 speakers that changes orientations based on where it's being held it also has 50% louder speakers than iPad Air 2 which is already louder than Microsoft surface Anyway it's all about choice I want a tablet to do tablet stuff and unfortunately Microsoft surface products have more desktop OS in it then tablet OS iPad pro has a tablet OS but can multitask too two apps at once

[@marviosantos]

+Nick Eddy Dude, there is something really wrong with your surface then.. I have 3 SP3's , two I5's and one I7, these things run anything I throw at them, and and throw a lot. Heck I've done live recording with pro tools, 24 tracks and the thing ran it without batting an eye. Also, windows 10 rocks, you just have to know how to use it

[@TR-vt1tm]

Helpful but don't like background music.

[@natanel8962]

Multiple batteries?!

[@catlightst]

+Techno Arceus multiple cells (normal laptops mostly have 6 cells (that are normally - 18650 Batteries) inside) which are great to salvage for electronics projects or powerful chinese flashlights and such. (ultrabook and extra small laptops have these custom shaped cells)

[@wangronald6985]

2 points hahaha

[@czasnachiny]

Yesterday I discovered another disappointment and kind of break deal. Warranty for this exclusive device is only one year and only local. So, If is buy it in US, I spend over 2k $ for laptop, and when I am on business in Europe or Asia, something is broken, If I need to fix it immediately I have to fly to US. Great…

[@czasnachiny]

Can you find inside place for LTE modem ? I would like to buy SP4, but only WI-FI version is kind of huge disappointment. For me tablet is like smartphone with big screen. Probably most of you will agree with me that smartphone without Internet is not smart any more. I want to stay online on my tablet all the time. Be able to receive notifications immediately etc. I don't want to create hot spot in my phone and killing my battery, or carry with me all the time mobile router. Mobile router is not light, plus it is another device which you have to remember to recharge. I am from Poland but live in China. No matter if I am in China or Poland, LTE or 3G is everywhere and quite cheap. I love Surface idea, I want to buy one but not without LTE. This days almost every cheap tablet made in china has LTE option. Why Microsoft, when they built the one of the most expensive tablets on the world they decided to forget such a basic thing like mobile Internet connection?

[@marviosantos]

+Damian Chen The surface is really not a tablet, it is a full fledged computer, huge difference there. Also, you're going to give the surface a score on something that the manufacturer actually went out of their way to make you NOT do it? Seems strange to me. It's like faulting a smart phone for being difficult to work on :)

[@czasnachiny]

+Marvio Botticelli Surface is hybrid, between laptop and tablet. Recently people repeats in reviews that Surface Book is first laptop, surface pro 4 is first tablet. Anyway, Surface pro 4 from advertising and price level was It was built not only for artists but also for businessmen. It is hard to do business without Internet 24h. Yesterday I discovered another disappointment and kind of break deal. Warranty for this exclusive device is only one year and only local. So, If is buy it in US, I spend over 2k $ for laptop, and when I am on business in Europe or Asia, something is broken, If I need to fix it immediately I have to fly to US. Great…

[@mironmajkes3965]

Lol so memory and processor are not replaceable? Lol........... what a mess.

[@jeneralgod]

oh good, the SSD is easily replaceable :)

[@ifur]

Wow Microsoft doubled the point by 1 to 2. Thats why I don't buy microsoft porducts other than software

[@eastmountainfilms]

2/10! Finally a bit better!

[@FRGDEC]

+eastmountainfilms If you don't care about warranty, you can upgrade your storage fairly easily

[@JoRosieQueen68]

+nathan casarez Well,it is recomended to buy a good surface pro 4,the edition with intel core I5 or I7 and than add your own ssd,it is much better.

[@xyzw888]

+nathan casarez I'd rather go get an external drive and plug it on. Found a 2TB Toshiba one for less than $90

[@catlightst]

+JosephKing75 CBP yeah, tho I think I'll be okay with 256GB SSD, SD-Card and an External Disk or SSD. Now I just have to figure out if I should get i5 with 8GB or i7 with 16GB. currently I have a 6 year old i7 laptop with 12GB of RAM, and 12GB on it is less than I would like.

[@JoRosieQueen68]

Ørjan Lønningen my pc has 4gb of ram,i would like to go to 8 or 16.

[@tomswan3401]

Your vid is too short, on youtube u show almost nothing. Maybe on your site the video is more complete, however there are better videos here about surface pro 4 teardown. So thumbs down from me.