Microsoft opens preorders for the $5,999 Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, with 128GB of unified memory to run local models with 120B+ parameters, shipping in November (Stevie Bonifield/The Verge)

Microsoft has opened preorders for its high-end AI mini PC, the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, priced at $5,999. According to The Verge, this device features 128GB of unified memory, enabling it to run local models with over 120 billion parameters. The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box is set to ship in November.

The device is part of a collaboration between Microsoft and Nvidia, focused on boosting local AI models, creative apps, and gaming. As reported by TechSpot, Nvidia's RTX Spark platform combines a powerful GPU with up to 128GB of unified LPDDR5X memory, promising near-identical performance whether plugged in or running on battery.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and Windows and Surface chief Pavan Davuluri recently discussed the future of local AI and its impact on the PC. The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box is aimed at developers, and its capabilities were showcased as part of Microsoft's efforts to advance local AI on its Surface devices.

Brief written by urgent.news from Techmeme, The Verge, The Gadgeteer, TechSpot — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.