Microsoft Opens Preorders for Surface RTX Spark Dev Box
AI-generated image · US National Wire
The high-end AI mini PC targets developers with 128GB of unified memory and a 100-watt thermal envelope.
Microsoft has opened preorders for the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, a high-end AI mini PC designed for developers, according to reporting from The Verge. Slated to begin shipping in November, the device is priced at $5,999.
The hardware is powered by Nvidia's Arm-based RTX Spark platform and features 128GB of unified memory. The machine is specifically optimized for local AI workloads, including the prototyping of AI agents, the use of AI coding tools, and the execution of models that exceed 120B parameters. To support these tasks, the device utilizes Nvidia Tensor cores and operates within a 100-watt thermal envelope. The Verge notes that the chassis is constructed from 3D-printed anodized aluminum and is designed to function as a heatsink.
As part of Microsoft's Project Zenith, the Dev Box comes with a Windows 11 Pro setup optimized for developers. Preinstalled tools include Python, Node, Git, GitHub CLI, GitHub Copilot, Visual Studio Code, and WSL.
While the Surface RTX Spark is more expensive than the DGX Spark mini PC released by Nvidia last year, The Verge reports that component shortages, specifically regarding RAM, have contributed to rising PC prices.