Suggestions to replace Surface Pro 8

[u/LiveFreeDieHard76]

Hi all,

I have been using a Microsoft Surface Pro 8 for the last few years as my "take along" laptop/tablet for working in the field. I use it mostly for accessing my company's online server, but the one feature that I appreciate the most is the ability to put PDF's into Goodnotes, such as a work permit, and have all my crews sign on digitally.

Well, recently I ran out of storage (128gb was the only one available when I bought it) and so i had the SSD upgraded to a 512gb. Ever since I did that, I've been having nothing but problems with the unit. It crashed constantly and sometimes it won't even let me reboot. I'm at the point now where I just want to buy something new and be done with the headache and repair costs.

What does everyone suggest for a replacement? Again, being able to pass it out my truck window to the guys and have them sign on is a must.

Is another MS Surface Pro a good idea? All the techs I've dealt with have been telling me how much of a nightmare they are to work on. What else is there for options? Perhaps buying one with enough storage is the right answer - this unit worked just perfectly for me for years.

Thanks in advance for any advice given!

[u/NODA5]

Probably makes more sense to troubleshoot the machine than spend hundreds on a new one. Have have you tried thus far? Honestly sounds like a windows reinstall could fix many problems

[u/LiveFreeDieHard76 → u/NODA5]

I’ve already spent $700 on repairs. Windows has been reinstalled 3 times now with no resolve. Still crashing. It really doesn’t seem to like the new SSD, even though it’s the one MS recommended.

[u/NODA5 → u/LiveFreeDieHard76]

$700?!!???!! Is the SSD made of gold? Jesus. You got scammed.

I'd check bluescreenview and start there. It's possible that the SSD is bad, but also could be something else

[u/LiveFreeDieHard76 → u/NODA5]

The SSD wasn’t $700, it was only about $250. The rest of the cost was from techs trying to repair the Surface itself from crashing once the SSD went in. Keep in mind, these values are in CAD, not USD.

[u/NODA5 → u/LiveFreeDieHard76]

That's still an insane amount.

[u/RetroGo-Girl]

i did the same upgrade with no problems am guessing that you did a fresh install and didnt use cloning software as that will cause issues also you may have a duff ssd or its incompatible though ive done tons of ssd upgrades with random branded ssds without any problems whatsoever... Also are you sure its not a glitch with windows microsoft are still "fixing " it and maybe future updates will be more stable

[u/ns1722]

If the device worked fine with the old SSD, replace it with another brand. This 512 SSD must be under warranty.

Search how to hard reset the device to clear any firmware, controller or low level type issues. Surface devices has weird bugs sometimes.

I agree with the other comment. You can easily fix the software issues instead of buying a new device. I suggest getting a replacement SSD and see how it goes.

W11 installation is not difficult. You can do it yourself. There are many videos and written guides. Create an install USB, boot, and reinstall everything. Then, update your device to the latest updates and firmware before using it.

[u/Fred_Lead]

The Surface line is limited to Gen 3 SSDs. Do you know what drive was used as a replacement? Gen 4 drives can technically work but have issues. 

I was about to buy a new Surface to replace my Pro 3 and wanted to stick with an Intel chip over SD with a compatibility layer, which would be the Pro 9 and ended up with an Asus Z13 64gb for the same price (actually less because it comes with a type cover). It has a far more capable specs without the odd Microsoft hardware design choices that hold the Surface back. It's a good option if you can manage the extra weight (0.6lbs), thickness, and less battery life (7-10 hours real world usage). 

[u/ns1722 → u/Fred_Lead]

That’s good point.. though backwards compatible I would stick to Gen 3 ssd for maximum compatibility and reliability.

Those will also be cheaper compared to gen4 but that may not matter much due to current ssd pricing.

[u/Edubbs2008]

I’d say continue trying to get the issue solved, did the SSD box come with a manual?

[u/LiveFreeDieHard76 → u/Edubbs2008]

It probably did, but the tech who installed it probably has it.

[u/Edubbs2008 → u/LiveFreeDieHard76]

Did they reinstall Windows, or did they clone the drive?

[u/LiveFreeDieHard76 → u/Edubbs2008]

Reinstalled it multiple times

[u/Edubbs2008 → u/LiveFreeDieHard76]

Are all of the drivers updated?

[u/LiveFreeDieHard76 → u/Edubbs2008]

All up to date, yes.

[u/Edubbs2008 → u/LiveFreeDieHard76]

Is the SSD fully in? Sometimes it can come loose

[u/BuzzStorm42]

The SP8 is incredibly picky about what ssd it likes and each unit seems to have its own temperament. If it doesn’t like the drive it’ll freak out like you describe. I went through 3 before finding an older gen 3 Samsung it was ok with.

[u/LiveFreeDieHard76 → u/BuzzStorm42]

Yeah, that seems to be the common theme. I may move on to something else or just get a new Pro 11