The Nvidia N1X SoC offers, in its most powerful variant, 20 Grace CPU cores, a Blackwell graphics unit with 6144 CUDA cores, and up to 128 GB of LPDDR5x memory. In editorial tests, the platform achieved up to 280 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 with 6x frame generation, while Gears of War: E-Day maintained full fluidity at 1440p on high graphics settings while running on battery power. The Windows system received a "Get Started" configurator, support for installing Hermes, Perplexity, and OpenClaw agents from the Windows Store, and a Prism emulator optimized for the new microarchitecture.
N1X chip technical parameters and performance
The N1X chip was created in collaboration with MediaTek. The Grace processor is divided into two clusters: 10 performance (P) cores and 10 energy-efficient (E) cores. The Blackwell graphics portion features 24 MB of L2 cache, fifth-generation Tensor cores, and fourth-generation Ray Tracing cores. In the cheaper variant, Nvidia installs 18 CPU cores and 5120 GPU cores.
The unified LPDDR5x memory reaches a transfer rate of 9400 Mbps. According to the manufacturer's measurements, the platform consumes about 80 W of total CPU and GPU power, and at a 60 W limit, it offers twice the energy efficiency in games compared to a setup consisting of an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and a dedicated RTX 5070 card.
Game measurements show the real-world behavior of the chip. Gears of War: E-Day running on the Surface Laptop Ultra performed at 1440p on high graphics settings with DLSS 4.5 scaling and frame generation enabled, showing no drops in fluidity after unplugging the power adapter. Meanwhile, in Cyberpunk 2077, the new DLSS Frame Generation mode boosted the result from 213 fps to 280 fps with 6x frame generation. Mobile gaming on the Arm architecture, however, still relies on image reconstruction and the Prism emulator.
Windows modifications and AI model support
Peter Dawoud from Microsoft announced the implementation of the "Get Started" configurator. The new mechanism allows users to download and launch an AI agent from the Windows Store with two clicks. At launch, the system supports Hermes, Perplexity, and OpenClaw tools, with plans to add Meta's Muse model and GitHub Copilot integration in the future. In tests, the OpenClaw configuration required reinstallation due to a local network gateway error.
Versions with 128 GB of memory can host local models ranging from 120 to 125 billion parameters, such as Qwen3.8-Flash-Next. Nvidia's Windows application includes a slider that lets the user decide how much of the unified RAM pool is allocated to the graphics core. This is a crucial feature for cheaper configurations with 24 GB or 32 GB of memory, where resources must be shared between the system and applications.
x64 programs without a native Arm version are processed by the Microsoft Prism emulator, which receives monthly compatibility updates. Anti-cheat systems have also been addressed. Anti-cheat engines for Fortnite, Marvel Rivals, Arc Raiders, Counter-Strike 2, and Dota 2 are functional at the platform's launch. The Ricochet protection in the Call of Duty series will receive support for the Arm architecture in 2027, while Electronic Arts has only just committed to adapting its Javelin system.
Surface Laptop Ultra pricing and availability
Sales of the devices begin on Friday, October 16, 2026. The base Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra with 24 GB of unified memory costs $2,600. The variant with 128 GB of memory and a 1 TB SSD is priced at $5,900. The Asus ProArt P16 with the same chip starts at $2,800.
Sources
- The Verge - Tech: How Windows is being optimized for Nvidia’s RTX Spark laptops
- Engadget: NVIDIA's RTX Spark is good for Windows, even if you don't need local AI
- Gizmodo: Nvidia’s RTX Spark PCs Aren’t a Revolution, but They May Change Laptops Forever
Article prepared with the help of artificial intelligence based on: The Verge - Tech, Engadget, Gizmodo. Facts checked automatically against these sources. The Wiadomości PRO newsroom is responsible for this publication.
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