NVIDIA is reportedly preparing to unveil a huge new processor-related collaboration with Microsoft and ARM at next week's Computex.
While the details surrounding the rumored N1x processors are a closely guarded secret right now, pre-release Geekbench 6 scores are painting a somewhat underwhelming picture, especially when compared with Apple's M-class processors.
NVIDIA's upcoming N1x processors are just about able to match the performance of Apple's M3 Max SoC that debuted around two and a half years back
For the benefit of those who might not be aware, NVIDIA's N1x processor is believed to be a modified version of the GB10 SoC that powers the DGX Spark mini PC. The chip reportedly sports a 20-core ARM CPU designed by MediaTek, an RTX 5070-class GPU, and an LPDDR5X-based unified memory architecture that shares the memory pool between the CPU and the GPU.
The N1x processor's pre-release Geekbench 6 scores are garnering quite a bit of attention ahead of its expected unveiling next week, with the scores made all the more eye-catching due to their supposed near-parity with an Apple chip that debuted around three years back.
For reference, we've uploaded the relevant Geekbench 6 scores for the M3 Max chip that debuted within Apple's MacBook Pro in November 2023.
As is evident from even a cursory comparison of the two sets of Geekbench 6 scores, Apple's M3 Max is outcompeting NVIDIA's N1x despite having launched nearly three years back.
There are a few caveats though. Firstly, the N1x scores were tabulated back in June 2025. However, the fact that these scores largely align with those of the GB10 chipset only adds another layer of veracity to this comparison, despite its long-in-the-tooth status.
Secondly, pre-release Geekbench 6 tests are conducted on unoptimized chipsets/hardware. As such, we will likely see some improvement in these scores when the production version of the N1x processor lands within optimized Windows laptops.
Thirdly, we can't but help notice that the M3 Max has a 14-core CPU versus a 20-core one (reportedly) on the N1x. The fact that the two chipsets are in near-parity right now speaks volumes as to the superiority of Apple's chip design. Of course, as stated earlier, the M3 Max is likely seeing some improvements from Apple's optimized MacBook Pro ecosystem vs. a largely unoptimized N1x chipset.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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