Processors
Microsoft is outfitting the Surface Book 2 with Intel's brand new, eight-generation processors. The notebook will include an option for an eighth-gen Core i7 processor (quad-core) in both models. There will also be an option for a seventh-gen Core i5 (dual-core) on the 13.5-inch model. The use of eighth-gen, quad-core processors, could give the Surface Book 2 a leg up on performance over the X1 Carbon, which features seventh-gen Intel processors that are dual-core (Core i5 or Core i7).
Additionally, the Surface Book 2 will include an option for discrete Nvidia GeForce graphics in both models -- GTX 1050 for the 13.5-inch model, and GTX 1060 for the 15-inch model. The entry-level configuration for the 13.5-inch model includes Intel HD Graphics 620. The X1 Carbon doesn't have an option for discrete graphics, with Intel HD Graphics 620 as the standard.
