Nvidia’s cute ‘Digits’ AI desktop is coming this summer with a new name and a big brother

Nvidia’s cute ‘Digits’ AI desktop is coming this summer with a new name and a big brother

  • 18.03.2025 19:24
  • theverge.com
  • Keywords: AI, Startup

Nvidia introduced its DGX Spark and DGX Station AI desktops at GTC. The $3,000 Spark, available for preorder, features high performance for local AI model work. Partners like Asus and Dell will offer versions of both systems, with the larger DGX Station targeting enterprise use.

Nvidia NewsNVDAsentiment_satisfiedDELLsentiment_satisfiedBHPsentiment_satisfiedLNVGYsentiment_satisfiedCPTsentiment_satisfied

Estimated market influence

Nvidia

Nvidia

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Nvidia is introducing new AI desktop systems (DGX Spark and DGX Station) which are personal AI supercomputers. These products allow users to work on large AI models locally without needing datacenter connections, positioning Nvidia as a leader in AI hardware for individual use. The introduction of these systems could lead to increased adoption of local AI model development and inference, enhancing their market position.

Asus

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Asus is collaborating with Nvidia to produce versions of the DGX Spark and DGX Station. This partnership likely expands Asus's presence in the AI hardware market, potentially increasing their revenue and solidifying their role as a tech hardware provider.

Dell

Dell

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Dell is working with Nvidia to create versions of the DGX systems. This collaboration could enhance Dell's reputation in AI infrastructure and contribute to their growth in this sector, aligning with broader trends in enterprise tech adoption.

HP

HP

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Neutral

HP is partnering with Nvidia on both the DGX Spark and DGX Station. This partnership positions HP as a key player in providing AI hardware solutions for developers and researchers, which could drive innovation and market share gains for HP in this competitive field.

Boxx

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Boxx is collaborating with Nvidia to produce DGX Stations. This partnership likely strengthens Boxx's position in the AI hardware market, offering them opportunities for growth and innovation in high-performance computing solutions.

Lambda

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Lambda is working with Nvidia on DGX Station production. This collaboration could expand Lambda's capabilities and market reach in AI hardware, contributing to their overall business development.

Supermicro

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Supermicro is partnering with Nvidia to build DGX Stations. This relationship enhances Supermicro's position as a leading provider of high-performance computing solutions, aligning with industry trends towards localized AI processing and advanced hardware requirements.

Lenovo

Lenovo

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Lenovo is collaborating with Nvidia on the DGX Spark production. This partnership likely boosts Lenovo's presence in the AI hardware market, aiding their growth and innovation in this sector.

AMD

AMD

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

AMD is developing GPUs with high unified memory for local LLMs, similar to Nvidia. This competition could drive advancements in AI hardware technology and potentially challenge Nvidia's leadership in the AI supercomputing market.

Framework

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Framework has developed systems that allow GPUs to access up to 96GB of VRAM, similar to Nvidia. This innovation supports localized AI processing and could position Framework as a significant player in AI hardware solutions, competing with established companies like Nvidia.

Context

Analysis of Nvidia’s DGX AI Desktop Launch

Overview

  • Product Line: Nvidia introduced two new AI desktops: DGX Spark (previously "Digits") and DGX Station.
  • Purpose: Designed for running large AI models locally, catering to developers, researchers, data scientists, and students.

Key Product Details

DGX Spark

  • Price: $3,000
  • Form Factor: Mac Mini-sized (small desktop form factor).
  • Performance:
    • Powered by Nvidia’s GB10 Blackwell Superchip.
    • Up to 1,000 TOPS of AI compute for fine-tuning and inference.
    • Supports NVIDIA Cosmos Reason and NVIDIA GR00T N1 foundation models.
  • Specifications:
    • 128GB unified memory.
    • Up to 4TB NVMe SSD storage.
  • Availability: Preorders open now, with deliveries expected this summer.

DGX Station

  • Performance:
    • Delivers 20 petaflops of AI performance.
    • Features 784GB unified system memory.
  • Form Factor: Larger desktop form factor.
  • Availability: Coming later this year, with pricing not yet disclosed.

Market Implications

Expansion in AI Hardware Market

  • Nvidia is targeting both individual users (via DGX Spark) and enterprise/research institutions (via DGX Station).
  • The move underscores the growing demand for local AI model training and inference, reducing reliance on cloud-based solutions.

Competitive Landscape

  • Rivals: AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ "Strix Halo" and Framework’s offerings provide similar capabilities (up to 96GB VRAM).
  • Differentiation: Nvidia’s focus on high-performance computing (e.g., FP4 support, Tensor Cores) positions it as a leader in AI hardware.

Strategic Partnerships

  • OEM partnerships with Asus, Dell, HP, Boxx, Lambda, and Supermicro ensure broader adoption and distribution of DGX systems.

Industry Impact

Local AI Model Adoption

  • The availability of powerful, compact AI desktops could accelerate the adoption of local large language models (LLMs) across industries.
  • This trend aligns with the growing demand for edge computing and reduced latency in AI applications.

Long-Term Effects

  • Market Expansion: Nvidia’s move may expand the AI hardware market by making advanced tools accessible to smaller organizations and individuals.
  • Innovation: The competition with AMD and others could drive further advancements in GPU architecture and unified memory technology.

Conclusion

Nvidia’s DGX Spark and DGX Station represent a strategic push into the personal AI supercomputer market, leveraging its leadership in AI hardware. While competitors like AMD and Framework are closing the gap, Nvidia’s ecosystem and performance advantages position it as a key player in this evolving space.