ASUS ProArt P16 Targets AI Specialists With New RTX Spark Hardware

The personal computer market is shifting as manufacturers test new architectures that prioritize artificial intelligence over traditional computing power. ASUS has released the ProArt P16, the first laptop to feature NVIDIA's RTX Spark chip, marking a distinct departure from the standard Intel and AMD processors found in earlier models.

The device is built for creators who demand high performance and large memory capacities. It can hold up to 128GB of RAM within a slim aluminum chassis that weighs 3.9 pounds. This is lighter than the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which tips the scales at 4.7 pounds. The 16-inch OLED display is exceptionally bright, and the keyboard and haptic touchpad are generously sized. Connectivity options include three USB-C ports, a standard USB port, HDMI, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader, though an Ethernet port is absent.

The internal hardware combines a 20-core Arm CPU with a Blackwell GPU. This system-on-a-chip design mirrors the approach taken by Apple with its M-series chips. The reviewer noted that this platform creates a new branch of PC design intended for AI researchers and enthusiasts. It will exist alongside existing x86 hardware and Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips rather than replacing them entirely. While this competition may force other chipmakers to innovate, the high memory requirements could keep prices elevated due to ongoing AI demand.

Cost is the most significant barrier for potential buyers. The base model starts at $2,800, but the price rises sharply with additional memory. The review unit, equipped with 128GB of RAM, is priced at $7,000. Although the laptop handles games well, the reviewer pointed out that dedicated gaming machines offer better value for the money. For example, the ASUS Zephyrus G16 with an RTX 5070 and a 240Hz OLED screen is available for $2,124 at Best Buy and offers full compatibility and stronger gaming performance.

Benchmark results presented a mixed picture. The P16 scored lower than the ASUS A16 in PCMark 10 Applications tests and lagged slightly in single-threaded CPU performance. However, it dominated in graphics and AI tasks. It outperformed the MacBook Pro with an M5 Max by 4,700 points in Geekbench 6 GPU testing. In Procyon's AI Computer Vision 2 test, it scored 3,895 compared to Apple's 3,267. The image generation score was also 600 points higher than the Apple machine.

Real-world performance testing showed the laptop could run the Qwen3.8 27B model, which uses 42GB of RAM, with ample memory remaining. Gaming performance was solid, achieving 70 frames per second in Control: Resonant at 1440p with ultra settings and medium ray tracing. Lowering the settings increased the frame rate to 120 fps, though fans ran loud. Compatibility remains a concern as many games rely on the Prism emulator for the Arm CPU, which can reduce performance. Native Arm64 builds are available for titles like Fortnite and DOTA 2, but some multiplayer games may still face issues with anti-cheat software.

Other drawbacks include a black finish that attracts fingerprints and a battery life of ten hours and 51 minutes in testing. This is notably shorter than the 15-plus hours offered by many premium competitors. Performance did not drop when the laptop was unplugged. The review concludes that AI professionals are the clear target audience who can justify the cost. General users and gamers should likely wait at least a year before considering the platform.