– Microsoft’s Surface RTX Spark Dev Box is a new Mac Studio rival using Nvidia’s RTX Spark chipset.
– The Dev Box pushes a 20-core ARM CPU and 6,144 Blackwell CUDA cores to 100W.
– It includes 128 GB of unified memory in an aluminum body.
– Multiple ports are featured in this mini-PC design.
– Availability is set for 2026 via Microsoft’s online store; pricing is unannounced.
Microsoft Doubles Down on Nvidias New Chip
Yesterday, Microsoft joined multiple manufacturers in embracing Nvidia’s nascent RTX Spark chipset. As we discussed separately, the Surface Laptop Ultra combines the RTX Spark with a 2,000-nit Mini LED display in a design that is already being compared with the MacBook Pro 16 we reviewed earlier this year (curr. $2,529 on Amazon). This new chip is clearly making waves.
A New Mac Studio Rival Emerges
However, Microsoft is not done with Nvidia’s RTX Spark chipset just yet. Instead, it has now presented the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box during its Microsoft Build 2026 opening keynote as a new Mac Studio rival. While the Dev Box utilises the same RTX Spark chipset as the Surface Laptop Ultra, the former can push the latter’s 20 ARM CPU and 6,144 Blackwell CUDA cores to 100 W. Also, Microsoft has included the following ports within its new mini-PC:
- Something like Thunderbolt 5 for data
- Dual 10Gb Ethernet for networking
- Multiple USB-C ports for peripherials
Specs and Availability
Moreover, Microsoft plans to offer the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box with 128 GB of unified memory encased in an aluminium body. The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box should be available in 2026 through Microsoft’s online store. Pricing remains unknown for now, though. Incidentally, Microsoft has been here before with the short-lived Windows Dev Kit 2023. One can sign up to receive more information about the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box via Microsoft’s dedicated microsite.