Nvidia's 2016 GPU Technology Conference (GTC2016) kicks off later today with a keynote by CEO Jen-Hsun Huang (5pm UK time). However, even before the event starts, we have a couple of related new products announced and said to be available. Nvidia launched its newest mobile GPU, the Quadro M5500, and as such a component isn't exactly useful on its own (you can't just plug one in your old laptop), partner MSI started to ship its flagship WT72 workstation laptop. Thanks to the new GPU the MSI WT72 is claimed to be the world's first professional Nvidia VR Ready mobile workstation.
The Nvidia Quadro M5500 is based upon the same GM204 GPU behind the Nvidia GTX 980 and 970 graphics cards. This mobile incarnation offers; 2048 CUDA cores, 8GB of GDDR5 RAM, a 256-bit interface, memory bandwidth of 211GB/s and is the first mobile GPU with Nvidia VR Ready accreditation. It is designed to be installed in 17.3-inch mobile workstation platforms and that is what we have with the MSI WT72.
It is claimed that the Nvidia Quadro M5500 is "the world's fastest mobile GPU, delivering up to 35% performance increase over previous models". Users can maximize their VR experience with Nvidia VRWorks tech and we are told that the WT62 is Autodesk VRED certified and compatible with existing VR systems, including Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Back specifically to the laptop from MSI, this impressive workstation is available with a choice of three Intel CPUs, a UHD 4K or 1080p screen and 32GB or 64GB of DDR4 2133MHz RAM. The top model is equipped with an Intel Xeon E3-1505 v5 processor that runs at 2.8GHz (3.7GHz boost). Alternatively you can choose to go with an Intel Core i7 6920HQ or i7 6700HQ chip. The screen on the more expensive two configurations is a 17.3-inch panel with a resolution of 3850 x 2160 pixels (16:9). All screens are Adobe RGB certified. The top model, as mentioned above, is equipped with 64GB of (ECC) DDR4 2133MHz RAM.
All the other specs are identical between models and include; a Super RAID 4 256GB SSD and 1TB SATA 7200RPM HDD, Killer Gaming Network E2400 LAN, a Blu ray burner, SD card reader, Thunderbolt USB 3.0 x6, 1080p webcam, Dynaudio 2+1 speaker system with Nahimic Audio enhancer, 9 cell battery, and they employ a new SteelSeries backlit keyboard with Silver-Lining Print. The MSI WT72 weighs a meaty 3.8Kg (8.4lbs) and measures 4.8cm thick (1.89-inches). The top model costs $6,899 but you can get the lower specified 1080p model for $5,499. Buyers get a three year limited warranty.
