Intel Arc G3 vs NVIDIA RTX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B) Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no recorded benchmark scores for either the Intel Arc G3 or the NVIDIA RTX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B). Both processors show an average benchmark score of zero, and the head-to-head comparison table is empty. Consequently, there are no measured wins for either part in any workload category. The absence of data means no direct performance delta can be established from the recorded measurements. Both units sit at the 50th percentile among all CPUs in the database, a neutral position reflecting the lack of empirical results rather than any observed performance parity. Until benchmark submissions populate the database, any comparative performance statement would be speculative. The recorded data simply shows two unmeasured mobile processors awaiting testing.

Architecture Differences

The two processors diverge sharply in core topology. The Intel Arc G3 uses 14 cores and 14 threads, indicating no simultaneous multithreading. The NVIDIA RTX Spark uses 20 cores and 20 threads, also without multithreading. The Intel part has a higher base clock at 1.90 GHz versus 1.70 GHz on the NVIDIA, and a higher boost clock at 4.60 GHz versus 4.00 GHz. This gives Intel a 0.20 GHz base advantage and a 0.60 GHz boost advantage.

The cache hierarchies differ substantially. Intel allocates 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3. NVIDIA allocates 128 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. Per-core L1 is 50% larger on Intel, per-core L2 is 25% larger on Intel, and shared L3 is 125% larger on Intel. The NVIDIA part's total on-chip cache capacity is lower across every level.

Memory architecture favors the NVIDIA part. Intel uses a dual-channel LPDDR5X interface with 136.5 GB/s of bandwidth. NVIDIA uses a quad-channel LPDDR5X interface with 273.1 GB/s, exactly double the bandwidth. Both support the same memory type, but the channel count separates them.

Process and manufacturing also differ. Both are built on a 3 nm process node. Intel fabricates its chip at Intel's own foundry, while NVIDIA's part is fabricated by TSMC. The NVIDIA die is measured at 208 mm², while the Intel die size is not recorded in the database. PCIe support is exclusive to Intel, which provides Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only). The NVIDIA part lists PCIe as N/A, meaning no PCIe connectivity is available on that chip.

Integrated graphics differ as well. Intel integrates the Arc B370 GPU. NVIDIA integrates the GB20B "Blackwell" GPU. No performance metrics for either integrated GPU are present in the database.

Power and packaging show clear distinctions. Intel is rated at 25 W TDP, NVIDIA at 38 W TDP, a 13 W difference. Intel uses the Intel BGA 2540 socket; NVIDIA's socket is not recorded. Intel's market segment is mobile, and its production status is Active. NVIDIA's market segment is also mobile, but its production status is listed as unreleased. Intel's release date is recorded as 2026-05-27, while NVIDIA's is recorded as 2025-12-31, meaning the NVIDIA part precedes Intel in the timeline by roughly five months.

The codenames differ: Intel uses Panther Lake, NVIDIA uses N1X. The generation labels also differ, with Intel listed as Arc G3 (Panther Lake) and NVIDIA as Spark (GB10). The NVIDIA part number is GSE1-675-A1, and the Intel part number is SA4QZ. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The NVIDIA RTX Spark has 20 cores and 20 threads, while the Intel Arc G3 has 14 cores and 14 threads. The NVIDIA part has 6 more cores and 6 more threads than the Intel part.

Q: Which processor has higher clock speeds?

A: The Intel Arc G3 has a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The NVIDIA RTX Spark has a base clock of 1.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz. Intel leads by 0.20 GHz at base and 0.60 GHz at boost.

Q: Which processor has more memory bandwidth?

A: The NVIDIA RTX Spark has 273.1 GB/s of memory bandwidth using a quad-channel LPDDR5X interface. The Intel Arc G3 has 136.5 GB/s using a dual-channel LPDDR5X interface. NVIDIA's bandwidth is exactly double Intel's.

Q: Which processor has larger caches?

A: The Intel Arc G3 has 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3. The NVIDIA RTX Spark has 128 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. Intel's cache is larger at every level.

Q: Which processor has PCIe support?

A: The Intel Arc G3 supports PCIe Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only). The NVIDIA RTX Spark lists PCIe as N/A, indicating no PCIe support. Only the Intel part provides PCIe connectivity.

Q: What is the production status of each processor?

A: The Intel Arc G3 is listed as Active, with a release date of 2026-05-27. The NVIDIA RTX Spark is listed as unreleased, with a release date of 2025-12-31. The NVIDIA part is earlier in the release timeline but not yet active.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Arc G3 | NVIDIA RTX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B) |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 14 | 20 |

| Threads | 14 | 20 |

| Base Clock | 1.90 GHz | 1.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| TDP | 25 W | 38 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 2540 | Not recorded |

| Codename | Panther Lake | N1X |

| Generation | Arc G3 (Panther Lake) | Spark (GB10) |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Die Size | Not recorded | 208 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 192 KB (per core) | 128 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 18 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Quad-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 136.5 GB/s | 273.1 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 4 Lanes (CPU only) | N/A |

| Integrated Graphics | Arc B370 | GB20B "Blackwell" |

| Production Status | Active | Unreleased |

| Release Date | 2026-05-27 | 2025-12-31 |

| Part Number | SA4QZ | GSE1-675-A1 |

Shared specifications include 3 nm process node, LPDDR5X memory support, no ECC memory, no unlocked multiplier, and mobile market segment. Neither part has a recorded launch MSRP in the database.

The Verdict

The recorded data draws a clear functional separation. The NVIDIA RTX Spark offers more cores, 20 versus 14, and double the memory bandwidth, 273.1 GB/s versus 136.5 GB/s, with a quad-channel bus. These traits favor workloads that scale across many threads or depend heavily on memory throughput. The NVIDIA part also carries a larger die at 208 mm² and a higher TDP of 38 W versus 25 W, indicating a more power-hungry design that trades efficiency for capability.

The Intel Arc G3 counters with higher clock speeds, 1.90 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost versus 1.70 GHz and 4.00 GHz, which can benefit latency-sensitive single-threaded tasks. It also holds a decisive cache advantage: 18 MB of shared L3 versus 8 MB, 2.5 MB of L2 per core versus 2 MB, and 192 KB of L1 per core versus 128 KB. Intel is the only one of the two with PCIe Gen 5 support, making it the option for systems requiring external connectivity. Its lower TDP of 25 W also positions it as the more power-efficient choice.

Production status matters for selection. The Intel Arc G3 is Active, meaning it is available in the market. The NVIDIA RTX Spark is unreleased, so procurement is not currently possible. The release dates support this: NVIDIA is dated 2025-12-31, and Intel is dated 2026-05-27. Despite NVIDIA's earlier date, its unreleased status makes Intel the only immediately obtainable processor.

The choice hinges on workload and availability. For memory-bandwidth-heavy parallel workloads, the NVIDIA RTX Spark's 20 cores and 273.1 GB/s bandwidth make it the stronger candidate on paper, provided its unreleased status resolves. For single-threaded responsiveness, larger caches, PCIe connectivity, and lower power draw, the Intel Arc G3 is the data-supported pick. With no benchmark scores in the database, these architectural differences are the only measurable basis for a decision. The absence of performance data leaves the final call to the specific application requirements and the ability to wait for the NVIDIA part's release.