MSI debuts Quadro WorkStation with Nvidia Quadro K2000M Graphics

By Matthew S. Smith January 3, 2013

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Looking for a serious productivity powerhouse that can run CAD while you travel? MSI has announced a new option in this limited market: the aptly named Quadro WorkStation. It packs Nvidia’s latest Quadro K2000M graphics chip along with a Core i7-3630QM processor and 12GB of RAM.

The system is derived from the company’s GT60, a 15.6-inch gaming laptop. This means the Quadro WorkStation is a beefy system with serious performance potential. It weighs in at 7.7 pounds and is up to 1.8 inches thick. The emphasis is on work instead of mobility.

Graphics performance from the GPU should be roughly equivalent to a GT 650M. That puts the system behind the pace of the standard GT60, which is equipped with a GTX 670M. The performance gap is compensated by Quadro drivers optimized for 3D design software. It’s a common trade. Raw performance is lost in exchange for stability and driver support.

The laptop’s gaming roots show through in standard features like premium speakers, a Killer-brand network card, and a multi-color backlit keyboard. These extras are joined by three USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and HDMI 1.4. A Blu-ray read/burn drive and a 750GB mechanical hard drive are included, but solid-state storage is not available at launch.

Consumers and professionals will have to pay $2,099 to grab the Quadro WorkStation. Though that seems like a lot, some mobile workstations carry similar price tags while boasting less impressive graphics. MSI’s offering at first glance appears to be a value alternative.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Nvidia

Matthew S. Smith

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Matthew S. Smith is the former Lead Editor, Reviews at Digital Trends. He previously guided the Products Team, which dives…

Computing

How to connect a keyboard and mouse to the Steam Deck

Steam Deck with Keyboard.

One of the best features of the Steam Deck is its varied controls, from face buttons, to joysticks, to touch controls. But there's never a substitute for a full size keyboard and mouse, and fortunately, you can connect them straight to the Steam Deck. It supports wired and wireless connections, although you'll need a USB hub if you want to use a USB connection.

Computing

This ultra-portable Lenovo 2-in-1 laptop is discounted from $649 to $199

lenovo 500w 2 in 1 laptop deal april 2024 classroom

For super cheap laptop deals, take a look at Lenovo right now. You can pay just $199 and get a Lenovo 500w 2-in-1 laptop. According to Lenovo’s estimated value system, the laptop normally costs $649 which is potentially a little overly optimistic but what we do know is that $199 for a 2-in-1 laptop is incredibly cheap. If you simply want an inexpensive laptop for basic typing of documents or web browsing, you’ll be happy with the Lenovo 500w 2-in-1 laptop. Here’s all we know about it.

Why you should buy the Lenovo 500w 2-in-1 Laptop
The Lenovo 500w 2-in-1 laptop keeps things simple with its hardware but you know you’re in safe hands as Lenovo is one of the best laptop brands. Here, you get an Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor along with 8GB of memory and 128GB of SSD M.2 storage. At this price, we’re delighted to see 8GB of memory rather than 4GB and also the use of an SSD instead of eMMC. Such additions means the Lenovo 500w 2-in-1 laptop will be a little speedier than other laptops in this price range.

Computing

This laptop beats the MacBook Air in every way but one

Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 top down view showing tent mode.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

There are plenty of great 13-inch and 14-inch laptops out there, but none that can defeat the M3 MacBook Air head-to-head. That notebook is the complete package when it comes to ultra-portable laptops.