ASUS ProArt P16 review: A sleek showcase for NVIDIA's RTX Spark - Engadget

Why it matters

This review examines ASUS's ProArt P16, the company's first notebook built around NVIDIA's RTX Spark platform, which combines an Arm-based processor with a Blackwell GPU and generous unified memory in a slim, premium chassis. The reviewer frames RTX Spark not as a replacement for Intel or AMD processors, but as a distinct branch of PC design aimed at AI researchers and enthusiasts who want to run large local models. The machine performed strongly in graphics and AI benchmarks, beating Apple's flagship MacBook Pro in those tests, though Qualcomm's rival chips showed stronger raw CPU results. The steep cost, driven largely by memory pricing, is the main drawback, and the reviewer notes the platform may add further pressure to RAM prices already inflated by AI demand. The broader significance is competitive: NVIDIA entering the Windows hardware space could push AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm to improve their offerings, even if RTX Spark itself serves a narrow audience rather than the mainstream laptop market.