ASUS ProArt P16 targets AI creators with RTX Spark chip

A new premium laptop from ASUS is built specifically for users who run artificial intelligence models locally. The ProArt P16 is the first device to feature NVIDIA's RTX Spark chip, marking a significant shift in the company's hardware lineup.

The machine is designed for creators who need serious power, but it breaks from previous ProArt models by moving away from Intel or AMD processors. Instead, it runs on a system-on-a-chip that combines a 20-core Arm CPU, a Blackwell GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory. This architecture mirrors the design philosophy of Apple's M-series chips. Microsoft and NVIDIA have promoted this platform as a reinvention of the personal computer, though it appears to be a specialized tool rather than a universal replacement.

The build quality of the P16 is strong. It features a sturdy aluminum chassis and a bright 16-inch OLED display that reaches 1,600 nits. The keyboard and haptic touchpad are generously sized. At 3.9 pounds, the laptop is lighter than the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which weighs 4.7 pounds. Connectivity options include three USB-C ports, a USB Type A port, HDMI, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader, though there is no Ethernet port.

Performance benchmarks show a mixed bag of results. The P16 scored about 3,000 points lower in PCMark 10 Applications than a competing ASUS model with a Snapdragon X2 Elite chip. It also trailed slightly in single-threaded CPU testing. However, it excelled in graphics and AI tasks. It outperformed a MacBook Pro with an M5 Max by 4,700 points in GPU testing and beat Apple's machine by 600 points in AI image generation tests.

In practical use, the laptop handled large AI models like Qwen3.8 27B with ease, leaving plenty of memory available. It also ran games like Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings, though the fans were loud. NVIDIA states the graphics hardware is comparable to the RTX 5070 mobile GPU but more power efficient. Reviewers saw 70 frames per second in Control: Resonant at 1440p with ultra settings, which increased to 120 frames per second at lower settings.

The price is the main obstacle for most buyers. The base model starts at $2,800, but costs rise quickly with added memory. The review unit, equipped with 128GB of RAM, costs $7,000. For gamers, this is significantly more expensive than dedicated gaming laptops. Battery life was also a concern, lasting only ten hours and 51 minutes in standard tests, well below the 15-plus hours offered by many premium competitors.

Compatibility remains a hurdle. Most games rely on Microsoft's Prism emulator for the Arm CPU, which can reduce performance and cause issues. While native builds exist for titles like Fortnite and DOTA 2, some multiplayer games may still struggle. Adobe has brought its major software to the platform, but support from other multimedia applications is less clear.

The target audience is clear: AI professionals and enthusiasts who can justify the cost for the high memory capacity. For general users or gamers, the wait is recommended. A competing ASUS Zephyrus G16 offers better gaming performance and full compatibility for less money. The review suggests waiting at least a year before the RTX Spark platform becomes a mainstream recommendation.