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Nvidia RTX Spark is an ARM-based Windows 11 platform scheduled to launch on October 16, 2026. Its headline configuration combines a 20-core Grace CPU, a 6,144-CUDA-core Blackwell GPU and up to 128GB of unified memory, but those specifications are not independent performance results. This live benchmark will separate measured CPU, graphics, AI and compatibility behavior from Nvidia’s claims.
What RTX Spark is
RTX Spark is a system-on-chip platform for thin laptops and compact desktops. The CPU uses Nvidia’s Grace design with ARM v9.2 cores, while the integrated GPU uses the Blackwell architecture. The CPU and GPU share coherent memory rather than using separate system RAM and graphics VRAM.
| Configuration | CPU | GPU | Memory | Power specification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top laptop | 20 Grace cores in two 10-core clusters | 6,144 CUDA cores | Up to 128GB LPDDR5X | 45–80W laptop TDP |
| Second laptop option | 18 Grace cores | 5,120 CUDA cores | Up to 64GB | 45–80W laptop TDP |
| Desktop configuration | 20 Grace cores | 6,144 CUDA cores | Not stated | 140W |
Nvidia’s technical description specifies up to 128GB of fully coherent LPDDR5 memory on a 256-bit interface with 300GB/s bandwidth. Product listings use LPDDR5X for the laptop configurations, so the exact memory type depends on the OEM system.
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How fast is the Grace CPU?
Core count alone cannot establish CPU leadership. The Grace processor is ARM-based, and results can differ sharply between software compiled for ARM and x86 applications running through Windows compatibility translation.
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- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
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CPU test conditions
For every run, the benchmark record will identify the exact OEM model, firmware revision, Windows 11 build, memory capacity, cooling profile, Windows power mode and whether the machine is plugged in or on battery. The same test will be repeated enough times to report run-to-run variation rather than a single favorable score.
Workloads that matter
- Native ARM single-core and multi-core tests.
- x86-emulated single-core and multi-core tests.
- Software compilation, with the compiler and target architecture recorded.
- Browser workloads using the same browser version and tabs.
- Creator applications, noting whether the application and plug-ins are ARM-native.
The resulting table will keep native and translated scores separate. That distinction is essential: an x86 benchmark result is partly measuring the compatibility layer, not just the Grace cores.
RTX Spark GPU and creator performance
The integrated Blackwell GPU is listed with fourth-generation ray-tracing cores and fifth-generation Tensor Cores. Nvidia says the platform supports DLSS 5, Reflex 2, G-SYNC, NVIDIA Broadcast, RTX Remix and both Studio and Game Ready drivers.
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Graphics test protocol
Each game run will state the resolution, quality preset, ray-tracing setting, DLSS mode, frame generation and Reflex settings, driver version, power state and whether the game is native ARM or translated x86. Rasterization and ray tracing will be reported as separate results. Average frame rate alone is insufficient, so frame-time plots and 1% lows will show stutter and pacing.
Rank #2
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5060
- Integrated with 8GB GDDR7 128bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
Creator workloads
Video tests will identify timeline resolution, source and export codec, effects, export duration and whether CUDA, OptiX, NVENC or Tensor acceleration was active. A faster export caused by GPU acceleration is not directly comparable with a CPU-only result, so the acceleration path will be part of every result.
Is RTX Spark good for local AI?
Unified memory is the platform’s clearest potential advantage for local AI. Nvidia documents native CUDA, TensorRT and NVFP4 support and says a system with up to 128GB can accommodate models of up to 120 billion parameters and a 1-million-token context. Those are Nvidia capability claims, not independently reproduced capacity or speed measurements.
AI measurements
- Prompt length and context length.
- Time to first token and sustained tokens per second.
- Model, quantization and framework.
- CPU-only, GPU-accelerated or unified-memory execution.
- GPU utilization, memory consumption and sustained temperature.
Short demonstrations can hide thermal throttling or memory pressure. Longer sessions will therefore be measured after the system reaches a stable temperature, with the power source recorded. A model that fits in unified memory may still be too slow for practical use, so capacity and throughput will be reported independently.
Can RTX Spark really game at 1440p?
Nvidia’s June announcement claims AAA gaming at 1440p above 100 frames per second with ray tracing, DLSS and Reflex. That is a vendor claim; it is not a universal RTX Spark performance level. The measured result must name the game, preset, ray-tracing options, upscaler, frame-generation mode and power state.
Rank #3
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
- Integrated with 16GB GDDR7 256bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
Windows game compatibility
Nvidia’s October 13 launch announcement says RTX Spark supports hundreds of games and major anti-cheat solutions. Named launch examples include Counter-Strike 2, Fortnite, Marvel Rivals, Rocket League and War Thunder. The benchmark will test native ARM builds separately from x86 games running through compatibility layers.
For each title, the compatibility log will record whether the game starts, whether anti-cheat allows online play, shader-compilation time, frame pacing, 1% lows and any difference between battery and AC operation. “Runs” is not enough if an anti-cheat driver blocks multiplayer or if shader compilation causes repeated stutter.
What is known before launch
Nvidia lists up to 1 petaflop of FP4 AI performance, 120-billion-parameter models, a 1-million-token context and 1440p gaming above 100fps among its headline figures. All four are specifications or claims from Nvidia and require independent reproduction under stated conditions.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTom’s Guide reported hands-on RTX Spark laptop testing at Computex 2026 for video editing, gaming and AI and described the early results as impressive. That report provides context, not a repeatable benchmark table. It also noted that pricing was not known at the event.
Rank #4
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- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
How to compare RTX Spark with other systems
A fair comparison with an x86 gaming laptop or an Apple or AMD system must hold resolution, game settings, driver versions and power state constant. The useful comparison axes are:
- Native and translated CPU single-core and multi-core performance.
- GPU rasterization, ray tracing, frame-time consistency and 1% lows.
- AI tokens per second, time to first token and maximum practical model size.
- Creator export time with the same codec, effects and acceleration path.
- Battery life, wall power, noise and sustained thermals.
- Game and anti-cheat compatibility.
- Memory capacity, display characteristics and total system price.
What buyers should verify
The RTX Spark platform is scheduled for October 16, 2026, but the exact OEM configuration determines real performance and value. Nvidia’s product materials name ASUS ProArt P16, Dell XPS 16, HP OmniBook Ultra 16, Lenovo Pro 9n, Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra and MSI Prestige N16 Flip AI+, while launch materials also name Acer and GIGABYTE. CPU and GPU configuration, memory, cooling and firmware can vary between those systems.
Confirm the retail model, installed memory, display, charger, warranty and final price before comparing systems. A 20-core/6,144-core configuration with 128GB is not equivalent to an 18-core/5,120-core model with 64GB, even though both carry the RTX Spark name.
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