NVIDIA has confirmed that the first Windows 11 PCs powered by its RTX Spark platform are expected to begin shipping in October 2026, with two N1X configurations planned for laptops and compact desktops.
The higher end version will support up to 128GB of unified memory, a 20 core Grace CPU, and a Blackwell RTX GPU with 6,144 cores. A second, slightly less powerful model will be limited to laptops and will use an 18 core CPU with a 5,120 core Blackwell RTX GPU.
Several major PC manufacturers are preparing RTX Spark systems, including Lenovo, Acer, Dell, HP, ASUS, and Microsoft.
| Specification | Higher end RTX Spark | Laptop RTX Spark |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 20 core Grace | 18 core Grace |
| GPU | 6,144 Blackwell RTX cores | 5,120 Blackwell RTX cores |
| Unified memory | 24GB to 128GB | 24GB or 32GB |
| Form factors | Laptops and compact desktops | Laptops |
| First shipments | October 2026 | October 2026 |
| Architecture | Arm | Arm |
Two RTX Spark N1X Versions Target Different PCs
NVIDIA is dividing RTX Spark into two main hardware configurations.
The more powerful version is designed for both laptops and small desktop systems.
It supports memory configurations ranging from 24GB to 128GB, giving manufacturers considerable flexibility when building systems for professional workloads.
The second configuration is aimed only at laptops.
It supports either 24GB or 32GB of unified memory and reduces both CPU and GPU resources compared with the flagship version.
This model could help manufacturers produce RTX Spark laptops closer to the $2,000 range instead of positioning every system at the highest end of the market.
AI Development Is a Major Focus
NVIDIA is positioning RTX Spark heavily around local AI development.
The platform supports NVIDIA's broader AI software stack and is designed to work with Windows Agent Framework.
NVIDIA says systems can support AI agents with models reaching 120 billion parameters, depending on configuration and workload requirements.
The unified memory design is especially relevant for AI because the CPU and GPU can work from the same memory pool.
Higher capacity systems with up to 128GB could therefore handle much larger local models than typical consumer laptops with separate system and graphics memory.
RTX Spark also supports hardware accelerated 4:2:2 video processing, targeting video editors and other creative professionals.
Gaming Is Also Part of the RTX Spark Plan
Although AI is one of the main selling points, NVIDIA is also presenting RTX Spark as a gaming capable platform.
The company expects many games to reach around 100 frames per second at 1440p when using ray tracing and DLSS, though actual performance will depend on the game, settings, and individual device.
Because RTX Spark uses Arm architecture, software compatibility remains an important issue.
NVIDIA says major game developers are preparing native games and frameworks to reduce compatibility problems.
That could help RTX Spark avoid some of the challenges Windows on Arm systems have historically faced with games, launchers, anti cheat software, and other supporting applications.
Lenovo and Acer Join the Launch Lineup
Lenovo is preparing a Yoga 9n laptop based on RTX Spark.
Acer is also developing a small form factor desktop system.
Other manufacturers including Dell, HP, ASUS, and Microsoft have announced RTX Spark devices that are expected to arrive before the end of 2026.
Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra is among the announced products, although an exact release date has not yet been confirmed.
The first retail systems are expected to begin appearing in October, but availability will vary by manufacturer.
RTX Spark Could Create a New Windows PC Category
RTX Spark combines Arm based CPUs, Blackwell graphics, unified memory, AI acceleration, and gaming support in a single SoC.
The highest configuration is particularly notable because of its support for 128GB of unified memory, which places it well beyond the memory capacity found in most mainstream laptops.
The lower configuration gives manufacturers another option for creating less expensive systems while keeping the same basic architecture.
Much will depend on pricing, battery life, software compatibility, and real world performance once commercial devices begin shipping.
With laptops and compact desktops expected from several major brands, October 2026 will provide the first clear indication of how NVIDIA's RTX Spark strategy performs outside demonstrations and reference hardware.
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