ASUS P16 targets local AI buyers
The new Arm-based laptop costs up to $7,000 and offers 128GB of unified memory for running large language models locally.
By Olga Kaur ·
Microsoft and NVIDIA have long promised a fundamental shift in personal computer architecture, a claim now embodied in a specific hardware release. ASUS launched the ProArt P16 on October 23, 2026, marking the first laptop to use NVIDIA's RTX Spark system-on-a-chip.
The device is engineered for a specific professional niche rather than the general consumer market. It features a 20-core Arm CPU paired with a Blackwell GPU and up to 128GB of unified memory, a configuration that mirrors Apple's M-series chip designs. This hardware setup allows users to run large AI models directly on the device without relying on cloud servers.
Pricing reflects the specialized nature of the machine. The base model starts at $2,800, but the cost rises sharply with increased memory capacity. The top-tier configuration, which includes 128GB of RAM, carries a price tag of $7,000. Reviewers noted that while the laptop handles gaming tasks, it costs significantly more than dedicated gaming hardware, making it a poor value proposition for casual players.
Performance benchmarks show a mixed profile. The P16 trailed ASUS's Snapdragon X2 Elite-equipped A16 by approximately 3,000 points in PCMark 10 Applications tests. However, it outperformed a MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip in graphics and AI workloads, scoring 4,700 points higher in Geekbench 6 GPU tests. In Procyon's AI Computer Vision 2 test, the P16 recorded a score of 3,895, compared to 3,267 for the Apple machine.
Practical testing confirmed the laptop's utility for AI tasks. It successfully ran the Qwen3.8 27B model, which requires 42GB of RAM, while maintaining ample memory headroom. The 16-inch OLED display reached 1,600 nits, and the 3.9-pound aluminum chassis is lighter than the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Battery life during application testing lasted 10 hours and 51 minutes, falling short of the 15-plus hours typical of premium ultrabooks.
Compatibility remains a hurdle for non-AI users. Most games rely on Microsoft's Prism emulator for the Arm CPU, which can reduce performance and cause stability issues in multiplayer titles. Adobe has optimized its core software for the platform, but support from other multimedia applications is still limited. For gamers seeking better value, an ASUS Zephyrus G16 with an RTX 5070 is available for $2,124, offering full x86 compatibility and higher refresh rates.
The ProArt P16 establishes a new category of Arm-based workstation for AI researchers. It sits alongside existing x86 and Qualcomm Snapdragon X systems rather than replacing them. While the hardware is powerful, the high entry price and compatibility constraints mean it remains a specialized tool for professionals who require local AI processing power.
Source: Engadget
