Key Takeaways
- Nvidia's Computex keynote streams live at 8PM PT / 11PM ET tonight
- Jensen Huang is expected to announce N1 and N1X ARM processors built with MediaTek
- Microsoft partnership suggests Qualcomm's exclusive Windows on ARM license has ended
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang takes the stage tonight at Computex 2026 in Taipei. The keynote begins at 8PM PT / 11PM ET, and you can watch it embedded below.
The rumor mill points to one major announcement: Nvidia's entry into the PC processor market with ARM-based chips codenamed N1 and N1X. Built in partnership with MediaTek, these processors reportedly combine ARM's power-efficient architecture with Nvidia's Blackwell 2.0 graphics.
Microsoft Partnership and the End of Qualcomm's Exclusivity
Microsoft has been teasing a "new era of PC" for its Surface lineup. The timing is not coincidental. Both companies, along with ARM, have coordinated social media hints pointing to tonight's announcement.
The coordinated messaging strongly suggests Qualcomm's exclusive license for Windows 11's ARM variant has expired. If true, this opens the door for Nvidia to compete directly in the laptop market where Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series currently dominates.
“We are not just entering the PC market; we are reinventing the PC as a physical AI agent platform.”
— Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia
What We Know About the N1 and N1X Chips
Leaked specifications suggest the N1X flagship will support up to 128GB of unified LPDDR5X memory. The chip reportedly has a maximum thermal design power of 80W, positioning it against high-end desktop-replacement laptops rather than ultraportables.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called the integration of Blackwell-class graphics into ARM silicon "the most significant architectural shift in Windows history since the migration to x86." That's a bold claim, but it reflects how seriously both companies are treating this partnership.
Nvidia's Rocky History with ARM
This is not Nvidia's first attempt at ARM-based PCs. Microsoft tapped Nvidia's Tegra ARM CPUs for the Surface RT back in 2012. That machine was widely considered a disaster. It ran a locked-down version of Windows that couldn't run traditional desktop applications, and consumers rejected it.
Since then, Nvidia has struggled to find footing in ARM processors for consumer devices. Qualcomm cornered the high-end market while MediaTek dominated budget devices. The N1 and N1X represent a fresh attempt with a different approach: integrating Nvidia's graphics expertise directly into the silicon.
The Skeptics Have Questions
Discussion on r/hardware and Hacker News reflects mixed expectations. The main concern: can ARM chips running x86 applications through emulation match native x86 gaming performance? First-generation products rarely achieve parity.
Industry analysts are watching whether the MediaTek partnership gives Nvidia enough manufacturing scale to compete with Qualcomm's established supply chain. Building chips is one thing. Building millions of them reliably is another.
Logicity's Take
How to Watch
The keynote streams live at 8PM Pacific / 11PM Eastern tonight. You can watch it embedded above or on Nvidia's official YouTube channel. Expect announcements to last roughly 90 minutes based on previous GTC events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Nvidia's Computex keynote?
The keynote begins at 8PM PT / 11PM ET on May 31, 2026.
What are the Nvidia N1 and N1X chips?
Rumored ARM-based processors for Windows laptops, built in partnership with MediaTek and featuring Nvidia Blackwell 2.0 graphics.
Is Qualcomm's Windows on ARM exclusivity ending?
The coordinated teasing from Nvidia, Microsoft, and ARM strongly suggests Qualcomm's exclusive license has expired, opening the market to competitors.
How much memory will the Nvidia N1X support?
Leaked specifications indicate the N1X flagship supports up to 128GB of unified LPDDR5X memory.
Full breakdown of leaked specifications for the N1 and N1X processors
Need Help Implementing This?
Updated Expectations for Nvidia's Computex Keynote
The new article provides a more specific timeframe for the keynote duration (estimated 90 minutes to 2.5 hours) and mentions that full specifications for the N1 and N1X chips leaked just hours before the event. It also adds context regarding the pre-keynote 'GTC Live' event and explicitly notes that consumer GPU announcements are not expected.
Nvidia Announces RTX Spark Superchip with Agentic AI Focus
The new article confirms the actual product name (RTX Spark Superchip) instead of the rumored N1/N1X codenames. It also provides specific technical specifications, including the 20 Arm CPU cores, 6144 CUDA cores, 128GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and the focus on enabling 'agentic AI' on Windows PCs.
Nvidia Announces Multi-Generational 'RTX Spark' Roadmap
The new source reveals that the platform is officially branded as 'RTX Spark' rather than the rumored 'N1/N1X' codenames. It also provides a multi-generational roadmap beyond the initial launch, detailing upcoming 'Vera Rubin' and 'Rosa Feynman' generations with planned LPDDR6 memory integration.
Huma Shazia
Senior AI & Tech Writer
Produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the Logicity editorial team. Learn more in our Editorial Policy.
