ASUS ProArt P16 costs $7,000 to run local AI models
The new laptop features NVIDIA's RTX Spark chip and 128GB of RAM, positioning it as a specialized tool for creators rather than a general-purpose machine.
By Leila Reynolds ·
ASUS has released the ProArt P16, a laptop that runs on NVIDIA's new RTX Spark system-on-a-chip instead of the traditional processors from Intel or AMD. The device is designed for users who need massive amounts of memory to run artificial intelligence models locally. It is not a machine for the average consumer, but a specialized tool for power users.
The price tag reflects that specific focus. The base model starts at $2,800, but the cost rises quickly as memory increases. The review unit tested by Engadget on October 23, 2026, included 128GB of RAM and carried a price of $7,000. For comparison, a dedicated gaming laptop from ASUS with similar graphics performance costs significantly less at retail.
Inside the aluminum chassis sits the RTX Spark, a chip that combines a 20-core Arm CPU with a Blackwell GPU. This setup allows for up to 128GB of unified memory, a design similar to Apple's M-series chips. The hardware enables the laptop to run large AI models without sending data to the cloud. The reviewer noted that the system handled the Qwen3.8 27B model, which uses 42GB of RAM, with plenty of memory to spare.
Performance in graphics and AI tasks is strong. In Geekbench 6 GPU tests, the P16 outperformed a MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip by 4,700 points. It also scored 3,895 in Procyon's AI Computer Vision 2 test, beating Apple's score of 3,267. For image generation, the P16 scored 1,519, which is 600 points higher than the Apple device. In gaming, the laptop achieved 70 frames per second in Control: Resonant at 1440p resolution with ultra settings and medium ray tracing.
General computing speed, however, lags behind some competitors. The P16 scored about 3,000 points lower in PCMark 10 Applications tests than an ASUS A16 equipped with a Snapdragon X2 Elite chip. It also trailed slightly in Geekbench 6 single-threaded CPU testing. The reviewer described the platform as a new branch of PC design that will sit alongside existing x86 hardware and Qualcomm chips, rather than replacing them.
The physical design is a strong point. The 16-inch OLED display is very bright, reaching 1,600 nits. The keyboard and haptic touchpad are large, and the ports include three USB-C connections, USB Type A, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a full-size SD card reader. The laptop weighs 3.9 pounds, making it lighter than the 4.7-pound Apple MacBook Pro. However, there is no Ethernet port, and the black finish attracts fingerprints easily.
Battery life is a weak spot. The PCMark 10 Applications test yielded a result of ten hours and 51 minutes. This is well below the 15-plus hours that many premium laptops offer. Performance did not change when the laptop was unplugged from its charger. The fans were also loud during gaming sessions, which reduced the comfort of the user experience.
Compatibility remains a concern for some users. Most games rely on Microsoft's Prism emulator to run on the Arm CPU, which can reduce performance. Native Arm64 builds exist for titles like Fortnite, DOTA 2, and Marvel Rivals. NVIDIA is working with anti-cheat companies, but some multiplayer games may still have issues. Adobe has brought its main software to the platform, but support from other multimedia applications is less certain.
The clear target buyers are AI professionals who can justify the high cost for the memory capacity. For gamers, the ASUS Zephyrus G16 is a more cost-effective option at $2,124. That laptop offers better gaming performance and full compatibility at major retailers. The reviewer suggested waiting at least a year before recommending the RTX Spark platform to general users or gamers.
