ASUS prices 128GB Arm laptop at $7,000 for AI work
The new ProArt P16 runs large language models locally, but its cost and Arm architecture limit its appeal to specialists.
By Michael Lombardi ·
A new laptop from ASUS allows users to run large artificial intelligence models directly on their devices without connecting to a cloud server. The ProArt P16 is the first notebook to feature NVIDIA's RTX Spark chip, a system-on-a-chip design that combines a 20-core Arm processor with a Blackwell GPU. It supports up to 128GB of unified memory, a configuration that lets it handle demanding AI tasks in a 3.9-pound aluminum chassis.
The price point distinguishes the machine from standard consumer hardware. The base model starts at $2,800, but the cost rises sharply as memory increases. The specific unit tested, which includes 128GB of RAM, is priced at $7,000. This premium positioning targets professionals who require local processing power rather than general consumers.
Inside the device, the RTX Spark architecture mirrors designs seen in Apple's M-series chips. It is intended to sit alongside existing x86 hardware and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips rather than replace them. The review notes that while NVIDIA's entry may pressure competitors like AMD and Intel to improve their offerings, the high demand for RAM from the AI sector makes it unlikely that prices will drop soon.
Performance benchmarks show a mixed picture for the P16. It scored approximately 3,000 points lower than an ASUS A16 equipped with a Snapdragon X2 Elite chip in PCMark 10 Applications. It also trailed slightly in single-threaded CPU tests on Geekbench 6. However, the system excelled in graphics and AI workloads. It outperformed a MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip by 4,700 points in GPU testing and achieved a score of 3,895 in Procyon's AI Computer Vision 2 test, compared to Apple's 3,267.
In practical use, the laptop ran the Qwen3.8 27B model, which requires 42GB of RAM, with ample memory remaining. It also managed to run Cyberpunk 2077 and Control: Resonant at high settings. In Control: Resonant, the system achieved 70 frames per second at 1440p with ultra settings and 4x frame generation. Lowering the graphical settings increased that rate to 120 frames per second. NVIDIA states the graphics hardware matches the power efficiency of the RTX 5070 mobile GPU.
Compatibility remains a hurdle for many users. Most games rely on Microsoft's Prism emulator for the Arm CPU, which can reduce performance and cause issues. While native Arm64 versions exist for titles like Fortnite and DOTA 2, NVIDIA is still working with anti-cheat developers. Adobe has ported its major software to the platform, but support from other multimedia applications is less certain.
The physical design draws praise for its build quality and display. The 16-inch OLED screen reaches 1,600 nits, making it one of the brightest panels available on a laptop. The device is lighter than Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro, which weighs 4.7 pounds. It features three USB-C ports, a USB Type A port, HDMI, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader, though it lacks an Ethernet port. Battery life in testing lasted 10 hours and 51 minutes, which is less than the 15-plus hours found in many premium rivals. The black finish is prone to collecting fingerprints.
For gamers, the review suggests the ASUS Zephyrus G16, which includes an RTX 5070 and a 240Hz OLED screen, is a better value at $2,124. That model offers full compatibility and stronger gaming performance. The reviewer recommends that general users and gamers wait at least a year before considering the RTX Spark platform, reserving the P16 for AI researchers who can justify the expense.
Source: Engadget
