Mobile Workstation Virtual Reality Ready

MSI Computer Corp. recently announced the availability of its WT72 professional-level mobile workstation equipped with the new NVIDIA Quadro M5500 mobile GPU (graphics processing unit). According to details provided by MSI, the Quadro M5500 is the world’s fastest mobile GPU, delivering a performance increase of up to 35% over previous models, with 2,048 cores for optimum speed and power. This makes the WT72 the world’s first professional NVIDIA VR (virtual reality) Ready mobile workstation, according to MSI.

MSI Computer now offers a version of its flagship WT72 professional-mobile workstation equipped with the new NVIDIA Quadro M5500 mobile GPU (graphics processing unit). This, says MSI, makes the WT72 the world’s first professional NVIDIA Virtual Reality Ready mobile workstation. Image courtesy of MSI Computer Corp.

“The WT72 with NVIDIA’s M5500 Quadro GPU is the world’s first VR Ready mobile workstation and can blaze through the most demanding tasks,” says Andy Tung, president of MSI Pan America, in a press statement.

Called the WT72 Workstation 4K (PROVR), MSI reports that its mobile workstation with the Quadro M5500 GPU comes with a variety of NVIDIA technologies to maximize the VR experience, including VRWorks, NVIDIA’s suite of APIs (application programming interfaces), sample code and libraries for VR developers. VRWorks provides rendering technology for VR content called Multi-res Shading as well as Content Priority. The latter provides headset developers control over GPU scheduling to support advanced VR features such as asynchronous time warp, which cuts latency and quickly adjusts images without the need to re-render a new frame as users move their heads.

The WT72 mobile workstation is certified for Autodesk’s VRED 3D visualization and virtual prototyping software. MSI adds that it is also compatible with such VR systems as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Additionally, the WT72 workstation is certified for 3D modeling by Autodesk, PTC, Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Maya for 3D animation, modeling, simulation and rendering.

“The HTC Vive vision is to deliver the most immersive VR experience in the world by putting the customer at the center of the experience, with the content all around them and the ability to move and interact with their virtual world,” said Dan O’Brien, vice president, VR at HTC, in a statement provided by MSI. “We are proud to partner with MSI and NVIDIA and to see the unveiling of the first mobile VR workstation.”

The NVIDIA VR Ready WT72 6QN mobile workstation is powered by your choice of sixth generation Intel Core-i7 processors. It supports up to 64GB of memory and runs under Windows 10 Pro. Image courtesy of MSI Computer Corp.

In addition to its 8GB NVIDIA Quadro M5500 GPU, the WT72 6QN mobile workstation is power by sixth generation Intel Core-i7 processors and 32GB of DDR4 memory, upgradable up to 64GB. The NVIDIA VR Ready WT72 mobile workstation runs under the Windows 10 Pro (multi language) operating system.

Unit hardware features include 256GB Super RAID 4 SSDs (solid-state drives) and a 1TB SATA 7200 RPM storage unit, networking, a Thunderbolt 3 interface providing dual monitor support, six USB 3.0 ports, Blu-ray burner and a 9-cell battery. Other hardware features include a webcam, audiophile-grade speakers, a card reader and a dual fan design. The NVIDIA VR Ready WT72 sports the new SteelSeries backlit keyboard with Silver-Lining Print, which, says MSI, eliminates eye strain. Physical dimensions are 16.85x11.57x1.89 in., and the system weighs 8.4 lbs.

“The NVIDIA VR Ready MSI mobile workstation will help virtual reality become a natural part of our daily lives by making the creation and enjoyment of VR content easy,” said Bob Pette, vice president of Professional Visualization, NVIDIA, in a statement accompanying the MSI NVIDIA VR Ready WT72 mobile workstation announcement. “MSI has a solid reputation for delivering outstanding machines, and the WT72 is no exception.”

The NVIDIA VR Ready WT72 Workstation 4K (PROVR) also provides MSI’s True Color Technology screens with Adobe RGB certification for enhanced wide viewing angles and accurate visuals. Two editions of the VR ready WT72 Workstation 4K (PROVR) are available.

The first, designated the WT72 6QN-218US, comes with an Intel Core 6920HQ CPU running at 2.9GHz to 3.8GHz with Turbo Boost, 32GB of memory and a 4K 17.3-in. UHD (ultra high definition) display that provides 3840 x 2160 resolution. It’s suggested retail price is $4,999.

The second, the WT72 6QN-219US, comes with an Intel Core i7-6820HK processor running at 2.7 to 3.6GHz with Turbo Boost, 32GB of memory and a 17.3-in. FHD (full high definition) anti-glare display with 1920 x 1080 resolution. It’s suggested retail price is $4,599.

For further details on the NVIDIA VR Ready WT72 6QN Workstation 4K (PROVR), visit MSI Computer.

Download the spec sheet for the 17.3-in. UHD WT72 6QN-218US.

Download the spec sheet for the 17.3-in. FHD WT72 6QN-219US.

Go here for more details on all of MSI’s professional-level WT72 mobile workstations.

See why DE‘s editors selected MSI’s WT72 6QN Workstation 4K (PROVR) mobile workstation as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.