If you prioritize performance for tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or gaming, the Gigabyte A5 with its AMD Ryzen processor and Nvidia RTX graphics card would be a better choice, although it might be less portable due to its larger size and heavier weight compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3. On the other hand, if you value portability and longer battery life for general use or less intensive tasks, and are okay with lower storage and memory, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 with its compact design and integrated graphics would be more suitable, plus it could save you some money. 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 Gigabyte A5
Good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good overall display quality
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Excellent portability
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.1/10
6.1/10
7.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Gigabyte A5 is good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
6.8/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
7.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Gigabyte A5 is good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is only fair.
The Gigabyte A5 is preferred for engineering and design because it has stronger CPU and GPU capabilities which are essential for such tasks, and it is equipped with more RAM and a higher capacity storage, delivering better overall performance in demanding programs. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is more portable due to its lighter weight and smaller size, and it has a high-quality screen, but it falls short in processing power and RAM, making it less suited for heavy engineering software that needs more resources to run efficiently.
Screen Quality
7.2/10
6.8/10
15.6in
SIZE
12.4in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
281.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
The Gigabyte A5 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
The Gigabyte A5 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 have panels with resolutions and brightness levels that are sufficient for activities like browsing the web, watching videos, and working on documents, which makes them suitable for general use. For engineering and design tasks that require color accuracy, both laptops might have decent color coverage, ensuring that professionals see accurate representation for their projects. However, for gaming and 3D applications, where a high refresh rate is crucial for smooth motion, both laptops are less ideal due to likely having lower refresh rates which can result in less fluid visuals in fast-paced scenarios.
Battery
6.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Gigabyte A5 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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.
Portability
Good
Excellent
15.6in
SIZE
12.4in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has excellent portability, while the Gigabyte A5 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.2/10
7.8/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 and Gigabyte A5 both have good build quality, though the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
The Gigabyte A5 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both good for general use.
The Gigabyte A5 offers a stronger CPU and more RAM, giving it an edge in performance for general use compared to the Surface Laptop Go 3, which has less RAM and a less powerful integrated GPU. However, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight, and also offers a higher battery life, which are key factors for users who prioritize mobility over raw performance.
Content Creation
7.3/10
7.3/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 and Gigabyte A5 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
7.0/10
7.1/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 and Gigabyte A5 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.
Cost
$830
$789
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Gigabyte A5 has a price of $830 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 costs $789.
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How the Gigabyte A5 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 compare to other laptops
"Ignoring price, the Gigabyte A5 has a hard time against the similarly fast competition. Besides the loud noise in 3D mode (performance mode), the high temperature development of the components should be mentioned on the downside. Despite the relatively thick case, the laptop gets very warm and loud under load, which does not exactly speak for the cooling system. The plastic surfaces look rather cheap and also tend to rattle. In most other disciplines - be it the input devices, the screen, the connectivity or the battery runtime - the Gigabyte laptop does not stand out from the crowd, neither positively nor negatively. However, those who primarily pay attention to the price-performance ratio will get a pretty good offer with the Gigabyte A5."
"When it comes to affordably priced laptops, the numbers after the dollar sign are crucially important—more so than in any other price category. By increasing the starting price of its Laptop Go line by $200 and not changing much else, Microsoft irrevocably altered the calculus surrounding the decision of whether to buy the Surface Laptop Go 3. Sure, it has a newer processor and longer battery life, but don’t think for a second you’re not paying dearly for that extra RAM and SSD capacity at that new price."
Get a great deal on the Gigabyte A5 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
About Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
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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About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.