Nvidia introduces 64GB DGX Spark to throw local AI fans a lifeline amid the RAMpocalypse — new GB10 config starts at $4999 for those who can work with less

DGX Spark
(Image credit: Future)

Nvidia is tailoring its popular DGX Spark platform and the GB10 SoC to better fit the realities of today's AI models and the broader silicon supply crunch. The company is introducing a 64GB version of the Spark that's meant to be more affordable to local AI trailblazers who just don't need 128GB of RAM.

Back when we first began exploring the capabilities of the DGX Spark and similar systems, the general assumption was that lots of RAM would be necessary to hold the most intelligent models one might want to run, and so unified memory systems built around AMD's Strix Halo, Nvidia's GB10, and Apple's M-series chips could all be configured with 128GB of memory or more.

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Jeffrey Kampman
Senior Analyst, Graphics

As the Senior Analyst, Graphics at Tom's Hardware, Jeff Kampman covers everything that has to do with graphics cards, gaming performance, and more. From integrated graphics processors to discrete graphics cards to the hyperscale installations powering our AI future, if it's got a GPU in it, Jeff is on it. 

  • kealii123
    Holy crap that's expensive.

    A mac mini 64gb is cheaper and likely faster
    Reply
  • acadia11
    64GB isn’t squat for local LLM.
    Reply
  • AtrociKitty
    Just one month ago, the 128GB model was readily available for $4k.
    Reply
  • acadia11
    kealii123 said:
    Holy crap that's expensive.

    A mac mini 64gb is cheaper and likely faster
    Not faster, also you can’t link Mac minis together with nvlink
    Reply
  • kealii123
    acadia11 said:
    Not faster, also you can’t link Mac minis together with nvlink
    I bet it is. Much faster ram
    Reply
  • koga73
    Total BS when MicroCenter and other retailers still have the 128GB version listed for $4899, now a 64GB version for MORE? $5000. Which will only drive up the 128GB price.
    Reply
  • usertests
    koga73 said:
    Total BS when MicroCenter and other retailers still have the 128GB version listed for $4899, now a 64GB version for MORE? $5000. Which will only drive up the 128GB price.
    This is your price increase announcement disguised as a product announcement.
    Reply
  • acadia11
    kealii123 said:
    I bet it is. Much faster ram
    No both use lpddr6x. And lpddr5x is not faster than ddr5 it has a lower power profile thats why it’s used in laptops and solutions like this to reduce heat and power and cooling requirements in the system. It’s not likely to be as fast as general ddr5 , but neither Mac mini or dgx spark use ddr5. Also, it’s useful in unified mem architectures which both dgx and Mac mini are.
    Reply
  • Lieutenant Barclay
    lol "local AI fans" yeah they're called "influencers" bro. No one wants their own slop generator.

    Secondly, halving the RAM and upping the price by $1,000 is not "throwing fans a lifeline". You tech writers kiss more tech bro ass with every passing day.
    Reply
  • thestryker
    acadia11 said:
    No both use lpddr6x.
    They both use LPDDR5X however Apple is using 9600 whereas nvidia is using 8533 so while I wouldn't call it "much faster" the Mac Mini does have 12.5% more memory bandwidth.
    acadia11 said:
    And lpddr5x is not faster than ddr5
    This is a giant "it depends". Based on market availability LPDDR5X is significantly faster than any DDR5 which also adheres to JEDEC specification(9600 vs 6400). It's typically easier to get LPDDR to run at higher speeds since signal integrity doesn't have to be worried about in the same fashion. So while technically it's not faster from a practical sense it typically is.
    Reply