Microsoft shows off the $6,000 Surface RTX Spark Dev Box desktop
At its AI-focused Windows event, Microsoft let reporters see the powerful Surface RTX Spark Dev Box desktop, built for AI development, up close. It is available for pre-order at $5,999.99.
Alongside the Surface Laptop Ultra, Microsoft used its AI-focused Windows event to present another high-end device: the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, a desktop PC optimized for AI development. The company gave a brief preview earlier this year, but this was the first proper look at the hardware.
Design and size
Microsoft has described the machine as a compact PC. After seeing it in person, Engadget's reporter concluded that it is compact only relative to its power. The chassis is fairly thin but long, and it rests on an elevated base, so it will take up considerable desk space. About 1,000 air vents cover the body, giving it the look of an oversized Lego brick.
The device is also surprisingly heavy. Microsoft has not published a weight, but the reporter struggled to lift it with one hand and estimated it at no less than 5 to 6 pounds (roughly 2.3 to 2.7 kg), perhaps a little more, with the base making it awkward to hold. It does not appear intended to be portable, and seems closer to Apple's Mac Studio, which is similarly hefty but has a smaller footprint.
Specs and ports
The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box includes a GPU, 128GB of memory and a 2TB SSD. It was not shown running at the event, so it is unclear how much heat it will give off during demanding workloads. The large number of vents suggests thermal management was a priority.
The rear panel has three USB-C ports, a headphone jack, an HDMI port, ethernet and a USB-A port. That should cover a decent monitor and typical peripherals, although, unlike the Mac Studio, there is no card slot.
The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box is available for pre-order now at $5,999.99.
