RTX Spark tested: Strong GPU, just okay CPU
NVIDIA has officially launched RTX Spark, marking the company’s return to Windows silicon design after years of speculation. The new system-on-chip, based on the MediaTek N1X architecture, features 18 or 20 cores with 5,120 to 6,144 GPU cores and support for up to 128GB of unified memory, positioning it as a significant new option for Windows computing.
Early testing reveals a performance split: the RTX Spark delivers strong GPU capabilities suitable for demanding graphics workloads and AI applications, but CPU performance falls short of expectations. This limitation may restrict the chip’s appeal to general-purpose computing and could impact performance in CPU-bound tasks and certain gaming scenarios.
The launch has received substantial ecosystem support from major industry players. Microsoft has implemented platform-level optimizations for Windows, while third-party developers including Adobe, Blender, and anti-cheat software providers have mobilized to optimize their products and frameworks specifically for the RTX Spark. This coordinated effort reflects confidence in the launch despite the CPU performance concerns. The broad developer participation suggests NVIDIA’s new chipset will have solid compatibility across major software categories, even as the CPU limitations remain a notable trade-off.