Preorder Microsoft Surface RTX Spark Dev Box – Starting at $5,999.99
microsoft.comI didn’t see the memory bandwidth/speed (someone can correct my mental model; yes, I know I can ask an LLM) which is just as important as vram size.
RTX Spark laptops / desktops use the RTX Spark N1X SoC, which is targeted at mobile platforms.
see https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/rtx-spark-n1x-6144-cor...
But many of the specs on that page are estimates, but given this is a mobile-specific SoC, you can assume that the perf-envelope is lower than the DGX Spark SoC.
The ASUS RTX Spark desktop box has a 240W power supply while Microsoft supplies a 165W power supply with their dev box (under "What's in the box").
see https://www.asus.com/displays-desktops/mini-pcs/proart-mini-...
Asus also lists support for 4 displays and multiple SSD slots while Microsoft supports 3 displays for their dev box.
Personally I am more excited for the O3 AI cube that while not as powerful will hopefully be much more open and probably a lot cheaper too.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Xiaomi-unveils-AI-Cube-mini-PC...
MSFT's video announcing the preorder for the dev box - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilmBGeGldrI&t=3595s
For US$100 less, you can get the 128GB Surface Laptop Ultra, but with a 1TB SSD, 15-inch toushscreen+webcam and keyboard instead of 2TB SSD+DIY screen and keyboard.
Not sure about the Ethernet port though. Maybe they expect the user to use a USB port for wired networking?
see https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/configure/surface-lapt...
Under Key Tech Specs, in the Networking section, all it mentions is WiFi 7. No Ethernet???
Looks like Ethernet to me? https://cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/image/microsoftcorp/...
Not sure what the speeds are, but a CAT6 port seems to be present.
Yeah, the dark pics don't help one figure out what's available.
The pics for the Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra are pretty dark, especially around the ports, as well. I don't see an Ethernet RJ45 port nor is any listed under Key Tech Specs for the Laptop Ultra.
The engadget article just mentions "Ethernet port" for the RTX Spark Dev Box - no speed rating. see https://www.engadget.com/2280520/microsofts-surface-rtx-spar...
The DGX Spark has 10G Ethernet, so you'd hope for about $1K less, you'd still get 10G.
The physical design is weird. Why not go for a slab-like pizza box design? Instead you have a podium - small rectangular base below a wider rectangle on top.
The top looks like a crumb/dust magnet.
from the main RTX Spark Dev Box page,
The "Close Look" popup mentions that it's 3D printed aluminum case."Surface RTX Spark Dev Box features an anodized aluminum body with 1,000 air vents built into its grid chassis—a nod to its 1,000 teraflops of compute performance."Why is the headphone jack on the back???
I think there are two buttons on the top rear left of the box - I'd hope power and reset buttons.