The ASUS TUF Dash 15 is more expensive but it offers significantly better performance in intensive tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering programs thanks to its powerful processor and dedicated GPU. It's less portable due to its larger size and heavier weight, but it has a better keyboard and is more suitable for intensive gaming. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is less expensive, more portable, has a higher-quality webcam, and is lighter, making it a good choice for general use and mobility. However, it has lower performance capabilities for demanding tasks, a smaller screen, and less storage. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS TUF Dash 15
Good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good overall display quality
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
Excellent portability
Very good speakers
Key differences
General Use
7.6/10
7.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
272.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both good for general use, though the ASUS TUF Dash 15 is somewhat better.
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 is rated good for general use due to its high-performance CPU, higher RAM, and dedicated GPU, making it well-suited for multitasking and demanding applications, but it's heavier and has a lower portability score than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2. The Surface Laptop Go 2, rated fair for general use, offers a high-resolution touchscreen and superior portability with a lighter build and compact size, yet it has a less powerful CPU, less RAM, and relies on integrated graphics, thus it's not as capable for intensive tasks but excels in on-the-go use.
Gaming and AI
7.4/10
6.0/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 is good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 is designed with a high-end Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics card and a high screen refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and 3D applications, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 uses an integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics solution with a standard refresh rate, making it less suited for these demanding tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.8/10
6.5/10
8.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 is good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 is better suited for engineering and design because it has a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and a dedicated GPU which are very important for such tasks, along with a high refresh rate screen of good quality. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 offers better portability and has higher quality speakers and less operating noise, but it compromises on CPU performance, RAM, lacks a dedicated GPU, and while it has a good touchscreen, the lower screen resolution and refresh rate make it less optimal for intensive design work.
Screen Quality
7.0/10
6.9/10
15.6in
SIZE
12.4in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
272.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 for gaming and AI, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the ASUS TUF Dash 15 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 both offer screens with ample brightness and resolution, making text and images clear and easy on the eyes. Engineers and designers will appreciate that both laptops feature screens capable of displaying a wide range of colors, essential for accurate design work. However, both laptops fall short for gaming and 3D applications due to their lower refresh rates, which can't deliver the smooth visuals desired by gamers and professionals working with fast-moving graphics.
Portability
Good
Excellent
15.6in
SIZE
12.4in
4.4 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has excellent portability, while the ASUS TUF Dash 15 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,150
$565
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 has a price of $1,150 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 costs $565.
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.4/10
7.0/10
8.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 has 9 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has 8 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
7.4/10
7.8/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and ASUS TUF Dash 15 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the ASUS TUF Dash 15 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 compare to other laptops
"The Asus TUF Dash F15 FX517ZR is a laptop with mobile RTX 3070 and acceptable battery life. The Asus TUF Dash F15 was made for high-performance applications like video editing, rendering, and gaming. The laptop can manage the latter in QHD resolution and at high to maximum settings. However, the focus isn't on maximum performance, but instead, it's about a compromise between performance and portability."
"The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 review is a compact companion with old hardware. The Surface Laptop Go 2 shows some weaknesses. Microsoft didn't really develop the second generation of the Surface Laptop Go 2 any further but has only equipped it with a slightly more powerful Core i5 processor. However, the performance still remains at a fairly low level overall, but for many users, it definitely should still be sufficient for everyday tasks."
Get a great deal on the ASUS TUF Dash 15 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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