Computex is always hectic, and Computex 2026 maintains the same pace. This year’s show had the usual display of powerful laptops, overbuilt gaming rigs, and fun, if not weird, models. AI was everywhere, handheld gaming got superpowered, and even monitor makers came ready with displays that felt like they were pulled off the wish list.
That’s why we’ve put together our Computex 2026 Publisher Awards, highlighting the products that pushed the show forward.
NVIDIA RTX Spark
The most important announcement at Computex 2026 was the NVIDIA RTX Spark. Yes, the AI PC label is starting to sound like a broken record, but this is one of the few examples where the underlying hardware shows incredible potential. NVIDIA calls this the new superchip for Windows PCs, built around a 20-core Grace CPU, a Blackwell RTX GPU with 6,144 CUDA cores, up to 128GB of integrated memory, and up to 1 petaflop of AI performance.
The company built Spark for local AI agents, advanced workflows, and AAA games for small laptops and compact desktops. We’ve seen a lot of powerful chip announcements, but what makes the RTX Spark a little different is the scale of its impact. Nvidia makes the perfect game for the future of Windows PCs, bringing CUDA, RTX, DLSS, Reflex, G-Sync, and local AI acceleration in one place. With plans expected from brands including Dell, HP, Microsoft Surface, and more, the RTX Spark could shape the next wave of premium PCs.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra
Windows is one of the biggest operating systems in the world, so naturally one would expect Microsoft Surface laptops to be the best way to deal with it. Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Ultra feels like the answer many people have been looking for: a powerful and high-end Windows laptop built inside some really sharp hardware.
Using NVIDIA’s new silicon to deliver up to a petaflop of AI computing, and 128GB of integrated memory, this notebook is designed for large spatial models and datasets. It looks like Microsoft is finally taking ports seriously. The Surface Laptop Ultra features USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a full-sized SD card reader, making it feel more creator-friendly than the average small flagship. Add in a new thermal system rated for up to 2.5 times the heat capacity of the Surface Laptop 15-inch, and this easily becomes what a true Windows flagship should have been all along.
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is a handheld that truly showcases Intel’s handheld push. MSI claims it is the world’s first gaming handheld with Intel Arc G3 Extreme processors, making it one of the most powerful of its kind. Combined with an 8-inch 120Hz VRR display, improved ergonomic handles, Hall-effect triggers and sticks, and a refined D-pad, you have a powerful and well-built handheld gaming PC.
In recent years, the portable PC space has become crowded, but the Claw 8 EX AI+ carves out its own space by chasing a high-quality AAA gaming experience in a portable form, with XeSS 3 Multi-Frame Generation, and Xbox Mode support to round out the software side.
Thermaltake CAPO X
Thermaltake’s CAPO X is exactly what you’d expect to see at a show like Computex, where you usually find unmodified PC hardware. CAPO X is a dual-system Micro-ATX chassis that supports up to two M-ATX motherboards in one case. That’s two computers in one tower.
You also get two independent I/O panels for the upper and lower systems. Thermaltake builds AI agent workstations and broadcasts, where one system can run a game while another handles broadcast operations. Niche, sure, but also smart and useful.
Dell Alienware AW3926QW
After a quick look at the Alienware AW3926QW sheet, I had to do a double take. Dell’s latest curved gaming monitor is the world’s first 39-inch 5K OLED gaming monitor with RGB stripe technology, using RGB stripe tandem OLED to deliver up to 1,300 nits of peak brightness while enhancing text clarity.
OLED monitors have always been amazing with contrast and motion, so adding a 1500R curved screen, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500, Dolby Vision, and a dual mode setup that can run at 5K 165Hz or 1080p 330Hz just makes the gaming experience even smoother. After getting a short first experience with this gaming monitor, I’m looking forward to this one.
Dell XPS 13
Despite seeing some pretty cool stuff during Computex 2026, the Dell XPS 13 was our overwhelming favorite. It brings back the premium XPS system in an easily accessible place. It starts at $699 in the US, with a price tag of $599 for eligible buyers, while still offering features like a 2.5K touchscreen display, a lightweight all-aluminum body, a backlit keyboard, and four speakers.
Powered by Intel’s Wildcat processors, the Dell XPS 13 is expected to hit the market on June 16, 2026. For many, this laptop is the complete package: premium enough to feel special, but priced low enough to make sense. The ongoing decline in memory has hit the PC segment hard, so having premium yet affordable laptops is always a win for consumers.
