ASUS ProArt P16 Laptop Targets AI Users With 128GB RAM

NVIDIA has released its first major system-on-a-chip for personal computers, debuting inside the ASUS ProArt P16 laptop. The device aims to serve creators who run local artificial intelligence models, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD processors.

The P16 is a premium machine that prioritizes memory capacity. It supports up to 128GB of unified RAM, a feature the review identifies as its main selling point for AI enthusiasts. The hardware combines a 20-core Arm CPU with a Blackwell GPU. This architecture mirrors Apple's M-series designs, creating a new branch of PC hardware that will exist alongside x86 and Snapdragon chips.

Cost remains the primary barrier for most buyers. The base model is priced at $2,800, but the review unit with 128GB of RAM costs $7,000. For gamers, the price tag is particularly steep compared to dedicated gaming laptops. A reviewer noted that while the P16 plays games well, the expense is hard to justify for that specific audience.

Build quality received positive feedback. The aluminum chassis is sturdy, and the 16-inch OLED display reaches 1,600 nits. The laptop weighs 3.9 pounds, making it lighter than the 4.7-pound Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro. Connectivity includes three USB-C ports, a USB Type A port, HDMI, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. An Ethernet port is missing.

Performance benchmarks show mixed results. The P16 scored approximately 3,000 points lower than the ASUS A16 in PCMark 10 Applications. It also trailed slightly in Geekbench 6 single-threaded CPU tests. However, it excelled in graphics and AI tasks. In Geekbench 6 GPU testing, it beat an M5 Max MacBook Pro by 4,700 points. It also outperformed Apple hardware in Procyon's AI Computer Vision and Image Generation tests.

Practical usage confirms the AI focus. The laptop ran the Qwen3.8 27B model, which consumes 42GB of RAM, with memory to spare. It handled Cyberpunk 2077 and Control: Resonant at high settings. In Control: Resonant, the machine achieved 70 frames per second at 1440p with ultra settings and medium ray tracing. NVIDIA states the graphics performance rivals the RTX 5070 mobile GPU while using less power.

Compatibility issues persist for gamers. Most games rely on Microsoft's Prism emulator for the Arm CPU, which can reduce performance and cause stability problems. Native Arm64 builds exist for titles like Fortnite and DOTA 2, but multiplayer games may still fail due to anti-cheat software. Adobe has supported the platform, but other multimedia apps may lag behind.

Battery life fell short of expectations. In PCMark 10 Applications testing, the laptop lasted ten hours and 51 minutes. This is well below the 15-plus hours typical of premium laptops. Performance remained consistent whether plugged in or on battery, but the black finish attracted fingerprints. The reviewer suggested waiting at least a year before recommending the platform to general users or gamers.