Writers at The Verge spent a week testing powerful new Windows laptops equipped with Nvidia's RTX Spark N1X processor, an Arm-based system-on-chip featuring Nvidia RTX Blackwell graphics, numerous cores, and unified memory designed to handle local AI models and gaming. Devices tested include Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra, the Asus ProArt P16 and P14, Lenovo Yoga 9n 2-in-1, and HP OmniBook Ultra, with prices ranging widely from $2,599.99 to $6,999.99. Reviewers evaluated app compatibility, noting that Windows on Arm has matured significantly due to native applications and Microsoft's Prism emulation layer, though occasional quirks and specialized software limitations still exist. On the gaming front, testers found that the N1X can deliver stable framerates through emulation and DLSS, but results vary significantly depending on the title, often requiring compromises in resolution or graphics settings due to CPU bottlenecks or thermal constraints. While Nvidia claims the SoC performance sits between an RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 laptop GPU, reviewers advise tempering expectations for maximum settings compared to dedicated gaming laptops or desktops. Ultimately, the new superchip offers strong potential for developers, coders, and content creators seeking local AI capabilities and portable gaming on Windows on Arm hardware.
A week with RTX Spark: everything we’ve learned using Nvidia’s new laptops
The Verge has spent a week testing laptops powered by Nvidia's new Arm-based RTX Spark N1X processor. Available across devices from six manufacturers, the high-end SoC features Nvidia RTX Blackwell graphics and unified memory configurations up to 128GB designed for local AI and gaming.
Why it matters
Nvidia's entry into the Arm-based SoC market challenges established players like Apple, Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm in high-end laptops and small desktops. By combining unified memory for local AI models with Blackwell graphics, it tests the viability of powerful Windows on Arm devices for developers and creators.
Topic dossiers NVIDIA