Microsoft Surface Teardown We took apart Microsoft's first foray into tabletry on October 26th, 2012. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/IbojIYyYWO4LigNK Brittany McCrigler Moderate Microsoft Surface

We got our hands on Microsoft's new Surface, and to its credit, it lasted a good twenty minutes before we decided to tear it open.

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We got our hands on Microsoft's new Surface, and to its credit, it lasted a good twenty minutes before we decided to tear it open.

Ready for more than just a surface-level relationship? Follow us on Twitter or like us on Friendster 3.0.

Tools
 Heat gun or hair dryer iFixit Guitar Picks set of 6 Plastic Opening Tools Spudger T4 Torx Screwdriver T5 Torx Screwdriver Is that the display assembly from a PC laptop? Nope, it's the new Microsoft Surface with Windows RT. Is that the display assembly from a PC laptop? Nope, it's the new Microsoft Surface with Windows RT. Notable tech specs: Notable tech specs: 10.6&quot; ClearType HD Display (resolution of 1366x768 pixels) 10.6" ClearType HD Display (resolution of 1366x768 pixels) Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor 2 GB RAM 2 GB RAM 32 or 64 GB flash storage 32 or 64 GB flash storage Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) + Bluetooth 4.0 Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) + Bluetooth 4.0 720p HD Front and Rear facing LifeCams 720p HD Front and Rear facing LifeCams http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/N4AJPJyEWGTuytpd http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2NTtEbtAImIcJbUY To give the Surface laptop-like connectivity, nearly every edge includes ports and buttons. They are (from left to right): To give the Surface laptop-like connectivity, nearly every edge includes ports and buttons. They are (from left to right): Magnetic charging, USB 2.0, and Micro-HDMI out on the right side Magnetic charging, USB 2.0, and Micro-HDMI out on the right side Magnetic connection for the Touch Cover or Type Cover on the bottom Magnetic connection for the Touch Cover or Type Cover on the bottom Headphone jack and volume rocker on the left side Headphone jack and volume rocker on the left side http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/XgZfgqtiAuwuViUC http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/hOecoeWOcxSeFJKe http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/WoMweZAX1tg2cWh2 Just like your first big-kid bike, this <del>laptop</del> tablet comes with a kickstand to prop it up in notebook mode. Just like your first big-kid bike, this ~~laptop~~ tablet comes with a kickstand to prop it up in notebook mode. One of the most notable features of the Surface is its Touch Cover keyboard, which protects the screen when closed and provides a full QWERTY typing experience when open. One of the most notable features of the Surface is its Touch Cover keyboard, which protects the screen when closed and provides a full QWERTY typing experience when open. For users who find the Touch Cover to be too much a compromise, Microsoft offers the <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/accessories/type-cover" rel="nofollow">Type Cover</a>, a chiclet keyboard that also folds up to protect the Surface's LCD. For users who find the Touch Cover to be too much a compromise, Microsoft offers the [http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/accessories/type-cover|Type Cover], a chiclet keyboard that also folds up to protect the Surface's LCD. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/NInKPGCTJpPtUmHu http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/L6AbSUjZSmvaxcD2 We begin our expedition by removing the kickstand. We begin our expedition by removing the kickstand. Fun fact: the kickstand is held in place by a few Torx screws. Fun fact: the kickstand is held in place by a few Torx screws. Sans kickstand, we can easily view the markings on the back of the Surface's rear case. The Surface with Windows RT has a model number of 1516. Sans kickstand, we can easily view the markings on the back of the Surface's rear case. The Surface with Windows RT has a model number of 1516. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/psGR1gHsPJWVIQ6g http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EV5uYADQDsrUi1wm http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BmrLdwepGA6rFqr2 Small bezels tend to hide screws, so the first place we look to open the Surface is its long plastic camera cover. Small bezels tend to hide screws, so the first place we look to open the Surface is its long plastic camera cover. Our pictures make it look easy, but removing this plastic cover took about half an hour and a lot of careful prying. Our pictures make it look easy, but removing this plastic cover took about half an hour and a lot of careful prying. Chalk it up to inexperience. This step should take less than ten minutes once we create guides for it. Chalk it up to inexperience. This step should take less than ten minutes once we create guides for it. Not only did we find the screws we were searching for, but there is also what appears to be a tamper-evident seal that simply reads &quot;Surface.&quot; Not only did we find the screws we were searching for, but there is also what appears to be a tamper-evident seal that simply reads "Surface." The tamper-evident label is composed of multiple sections. Unfortunately, it breaks apart upon removal. The tamper-evident label is composed of multiple sections. Unfortunately, it breaks apart upon removal. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/lNUvUhV2JA2mwPZM http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/VjryPvdeGoYRuIna http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/kYNs2YNepfo3ecdj After removing a total of <strong>17</strong> T5 Torx screws, (10 under the kickstand and 7 under the camera cover), the rear case comes right off—almost. After removing a total of '''17''' T5 Torx screws, (10 under the kickstand and 7 under the camera cover), the rear case comes right off—almost. A lone ribbon cable still tethers the battery to a ZIF connector on the Surface's motherboard, which we make quick work of with the ever-trusty spudger. A lone ribbon cable still tethers the battery to a ZIF connector on the Surface's motherboard, which we make quick work of with the ever-trusty spudger. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/i4KZwud2LCyBuBJn http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/mpbnS35GvHTKe4o2 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/XFn4HLcmuJaoXBhe The big question of the day: is the battery easily removed? The big question of the day: is the battery easily removed? Answer: Yes. It's glued in, but it's way easier to remove than on the iPad. A couple of minutes of spudging around, and it's out. Answer: Yes. It's glued in, but it's way easier to remove than on the iPad. A couple of minutes of spudging around, and it's out. We get our first look at the battery. As is the norm, the dual battery cell is adhered to the <a href="http://www.wpcentral.com/microsoft-surface-tablets-sport-vapormg-casing" rel="nofollow">VaporMg</a> rear case. We get our first look at the battery. As is the norm, the dual battery cell is adhered to the [http://www.wpcentral.com/microsoft-surface-tablets-sport-vapormg-casing|VaporMg] rear case. The 7.4 V, 31.5 Wh battery is manufactured by Samsung. It fits right in between the iPad 2's 25 Wh battery, and the iPad 3's 42.5 Wh unit. The 7.4 V, 31.5 Wh battery is manufactured by Samsung. It fits right in between the iPad 2's 25 Wh battery, and the iPad 3's 42.5 Wh unit. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/oRokbQSfdmqSNwXa http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/JC1F6XQADHNBRsRN Next we find a large orange ribbon cable leading to the &quot;Apple-esque&quot; magnetic charging port. The microSDXC card slot that hides underneath the kickstand is also attached to this ribbon cable. <a href="http://bit.ly/TLikGp" rel="nofollow">And not a single bother was given that day</a>, so we proceeded to dismantle the speakers. Next we find a large orange ribbon cable leading to the "Apple-esque" magnetic charging port. The microSDXC card slot that hides underneath the kickstand is also attached to this ribbon cable. [http://bit.ly/TLikGp|And not a single bother was given that day], so we proceeded to dismantle the speakers. We love modular components inside tablets and smartphones, and these speakers fit that bill. A little bit of spudgering, and our Surface has gone silent. We love modular components inside tablets and smartphones, and these speakers fit that bill. A little bit of spudgering, and our Surface has gone silent. With two speaker assemblies we are living in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Ksrmbwr1s" rel="nofollow">stereo</a>. With two speaker assemblies we are living in [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Ksrmbwr1s|stereo]. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EVuRGkJdaQfaJBIe http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/xZRUQrdKWF2klwl4 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/6WBerrKW2ogRNcW2 Next to the display in the front case we find, well, some speaker-looking thing. Next to the display in the front case we find, well, some speaker-looking thing. Inside the case of our mystery component we found a voice coil, so we're pretty sure it's some sort of microphone or secondary speaker, or possibly a linear vibration motor. Inside the case of our mystery component we found a voice coil, so we're pretty sure it's some sort of microphone or secondary speaker, or possibly a linear vibration motor. Update: It looks like a Precision Microdrives <a href="https://catalog.precisionmicrodrives.com/order-parts/product/c10-100-10mm-linear-resonant-actuator-3-6mm-type" rel="nofollow">Precision Haptic Linear Resonant Vibrator</a>, responsible for haptic feedback. Update: It looks like a Precision Microdrives [https://catalog.precisionmicrodrives.com/order-parts/product/c10-100-10mm-linear-resonant-actuator-3-6mm-type|Precision Haptic Linear Resonant Vibrator], responsible for haptic feedback. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/dDr1OSSP3AkJ15Tn http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2fFC2nHL2JWCgPqG http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EyHSLCEQvJ5cSpfE The headphone jack and volume buttons aren't holding on to their real estate too tightly, and they easily come out next. The headphone jack and volume buttons aren't holding on to their real estate too tightly, and they easily come out next. We still count this as a modular component, even though it's two things on the same ribbon cable. We have certainly <a href="/Teardown/iPod+Nano+7th+Generation+Teardown/10826/2#s38930">seen worse</a> lately as far as modularity goes. We still count this as a modular component, even though it's two things on the same ribbon cable. We have certainly [guide|10826|seen worse|stepid=38930] lately as far as modularity goes. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/qkvXoClIWAByw2al http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/sNd3pXqNYDnCCmuB We disconnect the display and digitizer cable from the motherboard with the help of a <a href="/Tools/Plastic-Opening-Tools/IF145-000?utm_source=ifixit_guide&amp;utm_medium=wiki_text&amp;utm_term=if145-000&amp;utm_content=product_link">plastic opening tool</a>. We disconnect the display and digitizer cable from the motherboard with the help of a [product|IF145-000|plastic opening tool]. Let's get the motherboard out and see what goodies are attached to it. Let's get the motherboard out and see what goodies are attached to it. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/aMOFihA5ouYXWELk http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/kWyatvZJcpGDOZCK Oh no! We can't Skype with our grandmothers now that the front-facing camera is gone! Oh no! We can't Skype with our grandmothers now that the front-facing camera is gone! We had to wait until the motherboard was out to remove this camera, as a plastic bezel pins it down from beneath. We had to wait until the motherboard was out to remove this camera, as a plastic bezel pins it down from beneath. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/JBBhqXQlgmsqjlFL http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/gALTPFM5OwrvkhxC Off comes another 720p camera from the motherboard. It feels like we've done this before… Off comes another 720p camera from the motherboard. It feels like we've done this before… The exclusion of a 1080p rear-facing camera either means cost was a big concern, or that Microsoft's designers don't expect you to use the Surface as your main camera. The exclusion of a 1080p rear-facing camera either means cost was a big concern, or that Microsoft's designers don't expect you to use the Surface as your main camera. Perhaps they too realized how <a href="http://www.doobybrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/spike-lee-obama.jpg" rel="nofollow">goofy you might look</a> when taking pictures with a tablet. Perhaps they too realized how [http://www.doobybrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/spike-lee-obama.jpg|goofy you might look] when taking pictures with a tablet. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/aCnGIMcrrSPYRKXV http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EMDgtCGnRLVEBDWf Prominent ICs on the bottom of the motherboard: Prominent ICs on the bottom of the motherboard: NVIDIA <a href="http://www.nvidia.com/object/tegra-3-processor.html" rel="nofollow">1.4 GHz Tegra 3</a> Processor NVIDIA [http://www.nvidia.com/object/tegra-3-processor.html|1.4 GHz Tegra 3] Processor Samsung <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/product/flash-emmc/detail?iaId=2324&amp;productId=7641" rel="nofollow">KLMBG4GE4A</a> 32 GB NAND Flash (left) and <a href="http://www.atmel.com/devices/at32uc3l064.aspx" rel="nofollow">Atmel UC3L microprocessor</a> (top right). Samsung [http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/product/flash-emmc/detail?iaId=2324&productId=7641|KLMBG4GE4A] 32 GB NAND Flash (left) and [http://www.atmel.com/devices/at32uc3l064.aspx|Atmel UC3L microprocessor] (top right). Micron 2RE22 D9QBJ 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM Micron 2RE22 D9QBJ 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM Texas Instruments <a href="http://www.ti.com/product/tps659110" rel="nofollow">TPS659110</a> power management IC Texas Instruments [http://www.ti.com/product/tps659110|TPS659110] power management IC Marvell <a href="http://www.marvell.com/wireless/avastar/88W8797/" rel="nofollow">88W8797-BMP2</a> wireless MIMO SoC Marvell [http://www.marvell.com/wireless/avastar/88W8797/|88W8797-BMP2] wireless MIMO SoC Wolfson <a href="http://www.wolfsonmicro.com/products/codecs/WM8962/" rel="nofollow">8962E</a> low power audio codec Wolfson [http://www.wolfsonmicro.com/products/codecs/WM8962/|8962E] low power audio codec Cypress Semiconductor <a href="http://www.cypress.com/?mpn=CY8C20466A-24LQXI" rel="nofollow">CY8C20466A</a> CapSense® Controller with SmartSenseTM Auto-tuning Cypress Semiconductor [http://www.cypress.com/?mpn=CY8C20466A-24LQXI|CY8C20466A] CapSense® Controller with SmartSenseTM Auto-tuning http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/kJPLhr5dsLNwXTAb The backside of the motherboard doesn't have any chips, but it does have two Wi-Fi antennas, the ambient light sensor, a couple microphones, and a precarious wire running most of its length. The backside of the motherboard doesn't have any chips, but it does have two Wi-Fi antennas, the ambient light sensor, a couple microphones, and a precarious wire running most of its length. Ambient light sensor Ambient light sensor Wolfson <a href="http://support.code-red-tech.com/CodeRedWiki/RDB4078Docs?action=AttachFile&amp;do=get&amp;target=WM7220_Microphone.pdf" rel="nofollow">WM7220</a> Microphones Wolfson [http://support.code-red-tech.com/CodeRedWiki/RDB4078Docs?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=WM7220_Microphone.pdf|WM7220] Microphones Precarious wire Precarious wire The Wi-Fi antennas are labeled: The Wi-Fi antennas are labeled: Antenova A10416-WIFI-A2 Antenova A10416-WIFI-A2 Antenova A10416-WIFI-A1 Antenova A10416-WIFI-A1 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/u56tJTPsUbNYFMuF Following the mother(board) is the daughter(board) featuring three Atmel MXT154E touchscreen controllers. Following the mother(board) is the daughter(board) featuring three Atmel MXT154E touchscreen controllers. This board only deals with matters pertaining to the 10.6&quot; touchscreen. Everything else is either located on the motherboard or on its own ribbon cable. This board only deals with matters pertaining to the 10.6" touchscreen. Everything else is either located on the motherboard or on its own ribbon cable. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BtNJ4YVUB6BhdTgg http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/RHOQuKi5uPYqTV5Y http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/IjEq3O3hmtC3KUyL The back side of the daughterboard contains only a few prominent ICs: The back side of the daughterboard contains only a few prominent ICs: Atmel MXT1386 touchscreen controller Atmel MXT1386 touchscreen controller <a href="http://www.ti.com/product/msp430g2402" rel="nofollow">TI MSP430G2402</a> Microcontroller [http://www.ti.com/product/msp430g2402|TI MSP430G2402] Microcontroller 1600P E284A Crystal Oscillator 1600P E284A Crystal Oscillator http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/HpowHuoYPfiitDJJ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZQ5i2LWNucBUg5EG We tried to remove the keyboard connector, but were <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O1hM-k3aUY" rel="nofollow">disappointed</a> to find it's wedged firmly under the LCD. Replacing the connector will require either bending the magnesium frame or separating the display. We tried to remove the keyboard connector, but were [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O1hM-k3aUY|disappointed] to find it's wedged firmly under the LCD. Replacing the connector will require either bending the magnesium frame or separating the display. We were on a teardown roll, so we pressed on and pulled the display from the VaporMG frame, which required a heat gun, some guitar picks, and plenty of patience. We were on a teardown roll, so we pressed on and pulled the display from the VaporMG frame, which required a heat gun, some guitar picks, and plenty of patience. The display's LTL106AL01-002 label indicates Samsung as the manufacturer. Its sister panel, the <a href="http://www.panelook.com/LTL106AL01-001_SAMSUNG_10.6_LCM_overview_16968.html" rel="nofollow">LTL106AL01-001</a>, appears to be 1280 x 800 resolution. We didn't test the Surface's display before taking it apart, and we trust Microsoft not to lie… The display's LTL106AL01-002 label indicates Samsung as the manufacturer. Its sister panel, the [http://www.panelook.com/LTL106AL01-001_SAMSUNG_10.6_LCM_overview_16968.html|LTL106AL01-001], appears to be 1280 x 800 resolution. We didn't test the Surface's display before taking it apart, and we trust Microsoft not to lie… But maybe someone can do a quicky double-check on the display resolution, just for giggles? But maybe someone can do a quicky double-check on the display resolution, just for giggles? http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/1EeZVoMWrDheDMJV http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/3OEIWFP21dVJAHDO http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/MFejuCq1jeWvRhgm Microsoft Surface Repairability: <strong>4 out of 10</strong> (10 is easiest to repair). Microsoft Surface Repairability: '''4 out of 10''' (10 is easiest to repair). Several components are modular and replaceable without requiring desoldering. Several components are modular and replaceable without requiring desoldering. You can remove the battery pretty easily—once you've suffered through the opening procedure. You can remove the battery pretty easily—once you've suffered through the opening procedure. It's pretty difficult to remove the rear panel and gain access to the device. It's pretty difficult to remove the rear panel and gain access to the device. It is impossible to remove the keyboard connector without first removing the display from the frame. It is impossible to remove the keyboard connector without first removing the display from the frame. LCD and glass are fused together and strongly adhered to the case, increasing cost of replacement. LCD and glass are fused together and strongly adhered to the case, increasing cost of replacement. You'll have to use a heat gun and lots of patience to gain access to the glass and LCD. You'll have to use a heat gun and lots of patience to gain access to the glass and LCD. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/SXEyCCdPsfkyHCHf http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/NQEEdwZXkAVVh3Tl

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.