NVIDIA has opened pre-orders for RTX Spark, a small desktop computer built for running artificial intelligence models locally instead of in the cloud. Here is what it does and who it is for.

What it is. RTX Spark is an Arm-based mini PC powered by NVIDIA’s GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, with 20 CPU cores, a Blackwell GPU with 6,140 AI TOPS and 128GB of unified memory. It can run AI models with up to 200 billion parameters, or 405 billion with two units linked.

What local AI means. Instead of sending data to a remote server, the computer runs AI models on the desk. This keeps private data local, cuts ongoing cloud costs and works without an internet connection.

Who it is for. NVIDIA is targeting AI developers, researchers and creators who fine-tune and test models. It ships with the full NVIDIA AI software stack, so code transfers directly to data-centre systems.

The price and timing. It costs $3,999 in the US, with units expected to ship in the coming weeks.

The catch. Reviews call it capable but niche. For most people, cloud AI or a regular laptop remains cheaper. RTX Spark is for those who need local AI horsepower.