Perhaps one of the hardest missions for gaming laptop users to tackle is overheating. Some even say that heat itself is the enemy, as it can slow down gaming performance and become the critical difference between winning and losing.

On May 16, Samsung Electronics released the new Samsung Notebook Odyssey in the United States. Loaded with a dual cooling system to maximize heat-dispensing capacity, it has cool specifications such as the 8^th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with six cores, NVIDIA^® GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card and others. Samsung Newsroom looked into the updated Notebook Odyssey with a thermal imaging camera to see how it deals with a heated gaming session.

Formidable Dual Cooling and Penta-Heat Pipe

Let’s explore the latest Samsung Notebook Odyssey’s outstanding cooling system. On the bottom of the laptop, users will find a sophisticated dual cooling system that ensures efficient heat control.

The Notebook Odyssey has two cooling fans that dispense heat while absorbing the air from outside. There are 83 blades in each fan in the new Notebook Odyssey – 2.9 times more than in the previous model.

Moreover, the updated Notebook Odyssey creates an airflow that is 15 percent stronger by reducing the thickness of the blades by a third (0.25㎜). This is how the Notebook Odyssey ensures the best performance of the laptop by removing internal heat, while quickly absorbing fresh air on the top and the bottom.

Thermal Imaging Shows the Samsung Notebook Odyssey at Work

Some may wonder whether a laptop can address heating issues at the same level as a desktop. So Samsung Newsroom played a first-person shooter video game “Battlefield V” on the Samsung Notebook Odyssey to put all doubts to rest. One of the first things we examined was the System Status Dashboard, which allows users to check the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) temperature, Frame Per Second (FPS), CPU temperature and other aspects while playing games in real time.

The temperature of the GPU and the CPU stood at 72℃ and 81℃ respectively (above, left). We also measured the external temperature of the laptop with a thermal imaging camera to gauge the level of heat the user might feel. The hottest part was the center of the hinge (between the screen and keyboard) which was 26.8℃ (above, right). The highest temperature recorded was in the user’s left hand, which peaked at 31.2℃ and is represented in white in the picture taken by the thermal imaging camera.

While playing the game for about 30 minutes, the temperature of the GPU and CPU peaked at 79℃ and 91℃ respectively (refer to the left picture above). The thermal imaging camera recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2℃ at the center of the keyboard, which is the most frequently used area. While the laptop generates a certain amount of heat after this time, it had a minimal impact on gameplay as the heat was localized to the center of the keyboard.

Thanks to its portability, if a user has to move when gaming, they can close their Notebook Odyssey and carry it with just one hand. Therefore, it is important to check the temperature of the laptop’s back and the heat remaining on the table through a thermal imaging camera. The peak temperature was 34.3℃ (above, left) on the back center of the new Notebook Odyssey after playing the game. The edges of the laptop were far cooler than the middle. After removing the laptop, the remaining heat on the table was 28℃ (above, right) which is cool enough that the user can touch the table with his or her bare hand.

Another reason why users of the new Samsung Notebook Odyssey don’t feel the heat is because of the laptop’s unique ventilation system. The laptop is designed to draw cool air in from its bottom and the keyboard and then expel warm air through the back and sides, so that the heat doesn’t reach the touchpad or the user’s face.

A Shortcut Key Ushers in a Whole New World: Odyssey Mode

Another exclusive feature of the updated Notebook Odyssey is Odyssey Mode. Users can save settings presets in advance under different profiles for various types of games and press Fn and F11 simultaneously to launch Odyssey Mode. Users can also toggle a number of other features and options, including Beast Mode, Black Equalizer, Dolby Atmos, settings to optimize resolution for the game genre, and the Windows key and touchpad.

Beast Mode enhances the desktop-like performance of the NVIDIA^® GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card. The FPS (refer to the upper right of the picture above) ranged 80 to 90 before starting Beast Mode. If a user enables Beast Mode in the middle of playing a game, they will notice an increase in FPS, making movements on the display seem livelier.

Black Equalizer allows users to control the black levels of the display from 0 to 100 percent. They can clearly see the differences between 20 percent (basic mode), 60 percent (profile 1) and 90 percent (profile 2). Users are able to adjust the shade and brightness to their comfort, helping them to uncover enemies hidden in the game. By modulating black levels according to the different backgrounds in the game – such as canyons, plains, sky – users might be able to improve their gameplay.

The new Samsung Notebook Odyssey is engineered to have formidable performance, an efficient cooling system, and exceptional gaming technologies. The product is optimal for carrying in a backpack as it has a 15.6” display and is 2.39kg in weight and 19.9mm thick. The New Notebook Odyssey is the natural choice for those who are looking for dynamic gaming gear.

Samsung Electronics today unveiled its latest powerhouse mobile computing technology for gamers: the Samsung Notebook Odyssey. For players looking to dominate the competition, and enjoy a deeply immersive gaming experience, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey delivers with a premium metallic design, peak performance, and plenty of powerful features.

“With the best design, performance, and features, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey is untethering gamers everywhere,” said YoungGyoo Choi, Senior Vice President of the PC Business Team, Mobile Communication Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung’s newest high-end gaming laptop ensures users will never again have to compromise to experience the best, most intense games on their mobile computing device.”

Design

The Samsung Notebook Odyssey boasts a new and innovative design to ensure an optimal experience for users—delivering cutting-edge performance in a compact package. The Samsung Notebook Odyssey’s reduced bezel leaves more room for its 144Hz display to shine. Powered by NVIDIA® G-SYNC, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey allows uses to immerses in a deep, interactive gaming experience, with crystal clear picture that lets them see every detail.

As Samsung’s most refined gaming laptop yet, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey’s premium design keeps users ahead of the game when it comes to style.

Performance

Gamers need a laptop that has the latest performance features, and is also prepared to handle everything the most demanding games can throw at it. The Samsung Notebook Odyssey comes packed with all the hardware gamers need to emerge victorious from every battle: the latest Intel® 8th generation hexa-core i7 processor to keep even the most intense games running smoothly, and a high-end NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 20-series GPU. Powered by the new NVIDIA Turing GPU architecture and the RTX platform, these processors bring together real-time ray tracing, artificial intelligence, and programmable shading.

Under the hood, the two redesigned Jet Blade blowers sport 83 blades each, and a new penta-pipe cooling system allows the machine to run as fast and as cool as possible no matter how intense the gaming session gets.

Gaming Usability

The Samsung Notebook Odyssey also offers a new set of exclusive settings and functions. Odyssey Mode allows users to save settings presets under different profiles for various types of games. Beast Mode lets users modulate the Samsung Notebook Odyssey’s performance depending on the software it is running, and the Black Equalizer helps users get a leg up on the competition by improving in-game lighting. Users can also enhance the Samsung Notebook Odyssey experience by adding an extra SSD or switching out the default HDD for added storage.

The Samsung Notebook Odyssey brings together cutting-edge performance, head-turning style, and a suite of exclusive features built to elevate gaming for even the most hardcore users.

Availability

The Samsung Notebook Odyssey will be available starting with the US in early 2019 expanding to Korea, China, and other select regions.

Samsung Notebook Odyssey Product Specifications

In this two-part interview, Samsung Newsroom illustrates how the Odyssey is changing the game in the gaming PC category.

Part 1: eSports Pros Discuss the Odyssey’s Winning Performance

Boasting powerful performance capabilities, gaming desktops have long been preferred to laptops by professional gamers. But thanks to the Samsung Notebook Odyssey, that may no longer be the case. Injae Kim and Jaehong Ryu of the professional eSports team Lunatic-hai explain why.

Q. You recently had the chance to test out the Samsung Notebook Odyssey. What were your first impressions?

Injae Kim: For me, the simple but powerful design really stuck out. While both color options are impressive, I especially liked the white model, which is rather unique for a gaming laptop. A good design can catch the attention of the public, which is something gamers have to consider.

Jehong Yu: The first thing I noticed was the size. I expected it to be small, but it turned out to be just the right size for playing.

Q. How did using the Samsung Notebook Odyssey compare to using a gaming desktop?

Injae Kim: Before using the Odyssey, I wondered if it would really stack up to a desktop in terms of performance but I ended up being very impressed. Thanks to the computer’s NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card, the images on the screen transitioned smoothly without lag, just as they do on a desktop. The colors were vibrant and the visuals extremely clear.

Jehong Yu: When I’m playing a game, I’m very sensitive to my surroundings. My performance can easily be affected if something is off. But with the Odyssey’s life-like color contrast, wide-view angle display and anti-glare screen, I didn’t notice any differences. I felt as if I were playing on a desktop like I usually do.

Q. What sets the Odyssey apart from other gaming PCs?

Jehong Yu: The ventilation system. Even after using the laptop continuously for long periods of time, the Odyssey didn’t get overheated, so its performance didn’t drop off. I once left the Odyssey on my bed, and the bedspread stayed cool.

Injae Kim: The curved keycaps feel very comfortable, and it doesn’t take long to get used to using them. Also, the WASD keys, which are the most frequently used keys in most games, are backlit, making them easier to find, even when playing in the dark.

Q. Of all the Odyssey’s features, which are your favorite?

Injae Kim: In addition to the laptop’s performance and portability, I find the keyboard shortcuts to be very useful. For example, I simply need to press two keys to access the System Status Dashboard, which lets me quickly check the frame rate and hard drive space. I can also record my gameplay without having to download additional programs, like most other computers require you to do.

Jehong Yu: The computer’s Beast Mode, which can easily be switched on with the press of a hot key, optimizes game performance by making the computer faster and the picture smoother. I kept Beast Mode on the entire time I used the Odyssey.

Part 2: Odyssey Designers Showcase a Design That’s Ahead of the Game

The design of the Samsung Notebook Odyssey is truly one of a kind. So much so that it was awarded the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2017, an accolade that appraises the best design products of the year. Jusuek Lee from Samsung Design Europe discusses the concept and the inspiration behind the aesthetics.

Q. What inspired the name of the computer?

Jusuek Lee: We wanted to design a device that could take gamers on an exciting adventure. Therefore, we named the laptop ‘Odyssey.’

Q. Tell us a little bit about the concept of the design.

Jusuek Lee: The Odyssey was inspired by the strength of the fabled dragon, which is evident in the details of the device’s unique design. The front logo, for example, resembles the eyes of the mythical creature. And, like the scales on a dragon’s skin, the laptop’s HexaFlow Vent located on its bottom panel enables optimal performance for even the longest gaming sessions. It also ensures that the device stays continuously cool.

Q. The hexagon shape is prevalent in the design of the Odyssey. What’s the story behind this?

Jusuek Lee: Of all shapes, the hexagon has the most stable and solid structure. Take a honeycomb, for example. Each hexagonal wax cell of the structure utilizes a limited amount of space while being able to support and balance a great amount of weight.

Likewise, the hexagonal ventilated bottom supports the laptop very well, while simultaneously cooling the device. If you look closely, you can see that each hexagon of the vent is skewed at a slightly different angle, and all are drawn from a singular point. This task alone took longer than any other part of the design process, as one small error would have spoiled the entire design.

Our design team also incorporated the same tilted hexagon shape into the laptop’s front logo and trackpad, thus unifying the entire design of the device.

Q. Why did you choose the colors?

Jusuek Lee: Most gaming PCs look so serious and dull. We wanted to create a completely new design that could appeal to all users. So, in addition to black, we also selected white for the body, a color that is both gender-neutral, innovative and unique to the product category.

For the accents, such as the keyboard backlight, we chose red, a straightforward hue symbolic of energy and enthusiasm, including the passion our users have for gaming.

Available in 17.3-inch and 15.6-inch models, and featuring refinements in design, cutting-edge technology and enhanced gaming usability, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey is no ordinary computer. From its eye-catching aesthetics and optimized keyboard to its advanced display and high-power performance, the device takes gaming experiences to entirely new heights.

A Design That Raises the Game

The Samsung Notebook Odyssey was inspired by the strength of the fabled dragon, which is evident in the details of the device’s unique design. The front logo, for example, resembles the eyes of the mythical creature. And, like the scales on a dragon’s skin, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey’s HexaFlow Vent located on its bottom panel is a cooling and ventilation system that enables optimal performance for even the longest gaming sessions. It also ensures that the device stays continuously cool.

On closer inspection, one cannot help but to be drawn to the device’s keyboard, which includes ergonomically curved keycaps (0.5mm volcano keycaps on the 17.3-inch, 0.3 mm crater keycaps on the 15.6-inch) for more comfortable gaming. Backlit WASD keys on the 15.6-inch model stand out in a dynamic red hue, providing users with optimal interaction. With the 17.3-inch model, users can also choose the backlight color of individual keycaps to make locating their most frequently used keys more intuitive.

Game-Changing Display

Equipped with a full-HD display and powerful backlight that features 300 nits (17.3-inch) or 280 nits (15.6-inch) of brightness, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey allows users to see each frame of the action in extreme clarity.

Its portable size and anti-glare treatment that minimizes reflection—and subsequently distractions—allows for a superior gaming experience in just about any environment.

Moreover, with its wide-view angle display, viewers can play with accuracy and precision from any angle. The display also offers high-quality, vibrant images that equate to an immersive, cinema-like HDR video experience by transporting gamers into exciting scenes with lifelike color contrast.

This performance is only enhanced by a NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card* which can handle even the most graphics-intense games out there with precision and power.

A-Game Performance, Superior Usability

Powered by a 7th Generation Intel® Core i7 processor (Quad Core 45W), the Samsung Notebook Odyssey offers users superior performance. Should users decide to do so, they can also upgrade the SSD drive more conveniently by simply opening the door on the HexaFlow Vent.

Furthermore, seamless keyboard shortcuts, like the one to the System Status Dashboard (Fn+F10), enhances usability by letting gamers quickly check frame rate to ensure premium performance and confirm memory and hard drive space. Or, should a gamer want to capture a memorable battle scene or show off an epic racing record, they simply need to press Fn+F11 to start recording their gameplay.

Samsung Notebook Odyssey also comes preloaded with software solutions for peer-to-peer sharing between devices, as well as PC Message and PC Gallery that enable users to easily share files, messages and photos.

Every part, piece and detail of the Samsung Notebook Odyssey has been thoughtfully designed and built from the ground up, offering excellence in performance and usability to give gamers the best gaming experience possible.

“The Samsung Notebook Odyssey allows for smoother gameplay, even during graphics-heavy games,” said Injae Kim, a professional gamer who participated in the Overwatch event at the Samsung CES 2017 booth. “I really like the feel of the keyboard and the fact that the ventilation keeps the computer cool so I can play just about anywhere, added Jehong Yu, another gamer present at the event.

* This feature currently applies to the 15.6-inch model.

Samsung Electronics today unveiled the award-winning Samsung Notebook Odyssey, a new portable gaming PC with high-power performance and dynamic display. Available in 17.3-inch and 15.6-inch models, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey packs power in a beautiful and innovative design with premium features to offer a premium gaming experience.

“The Samsung Notebook Odyssey was designed specifically with gamers in mind and is equipped with exclusive features to offer users one of the best gaming notebook available on the market,” said YoungGyoo Choi, Senior Vice President of the PC Business Team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “Today, serious and even casual gamers seek computing devices that not only pack power for intense graphics-rich games but also feature a stylish and portable design. We’re excited to expand our PC portfolio with a premium gaming solution featuring refinements in design, cutting-edge technology and enhanced gaming usability.”

Unmatched Features for High-Power Performance

The Samsung Notebook Odyssey includes exclusive features built specifically for intense and casual gamers alike. With advanced technology, such as the HexaFlow Vent, an advanced cooling and ventilation system that helps the device remain cool. Created for maximum performance and endless play, users can also open the HexaFlow Vent, which is located on the bottom panel of the device, to upgrade the storage and memory*.

For optimal gameplay, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey is equipped with an intelligent and robust processor. Powered by a 7th Generation Intel® Core i7 processor (Quad Core 45W), both models of the Samsung Notebook Odyssey offer users lightning fast performance with premium graphic technologies.

New Advanced Display for High-Quality Vivid Images

In addition to its high-performing engine, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey 17.3-inch offers a beautiful viewing experience including a backlight that goes up to 300 nits (280 nits on 15.6-inch) in brightness for crystal clear images. Its mesmerizing screen also includes an anti-glare surface treatment to minimize reflection, allowing gamers to focus on their next move without distractions.

The Samsung Notebook Odyssey transports gamers into faraway lands and exciting scenes with life-like color contrast and wide-view angle display. It also offers high-quality vibrant images to provide an immersive and dynamic cinema-quality HDR video experience.

Innovative Design and Function with Enhanced Usability

Without comprising on function, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey features an innovative design that’s both functional and refined to provide users with optimal usability. Unlike many bulky gaming PCs, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey is easily portable, allowing users to take their game with them on the go.

Beyond its sleek design, The Samsung Notebook Odyssey’s keyboard includes advanced features including ergonomically curved keycaps (0.5mm volcano keycaps on the 17.3-inch, 0.3mm crater keycaps and backlit WASD keys to provide users with optimal interactions on the 15.6-inch). For personalization and easy access to crucial keys, users can also choose the backlit color of individual keycaps on the Samsung Notebook Odyssey 17.3-inch.

In addition to its premium gaming features, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey includes exclusive software solutions for peer-to-peer sharing with other devices such as smartphones. With PC Message and PC Gallery, gamers can easily share files, messages and photos anytime, anywhere.

Samsung will debut Notebook Odyssey at CES 2017’s regular exhibition hours, from January 5-8 at the Booth #15006, in LVCC, Level 1, Central Hall.

*Additional memory and storage sold separately.

Samsung Notebook Odyssey Product Specifications

	Samsung Notebook Odyssey (17.3-inch)	Samsung Notebook Odyssey (15.6-inch)
SCREEN	17.3-inch Full HD (1,920 X 1,080), Wide-View Angle Display, Anti-Glare Type	15.6-inch Full HD (1,920 X 1,080), Wide-View Angle Display Anti-Glare Type
PROCESSOR	Up to 7th Generation Intel® Core i7 processor | Quad Core 45W	Up to 7th Generation Intel® Core i7 processor | Quad Core 45W
MEMORY	Up to 64GB (DDR4, 4 SODIMM, Single Memory Door)	Up to 32GB (DDR4, 2 SODIMM, Single Memory Door)
STORAGE	Up to 512GB PCIE SSD + 1TB HDD | Dual SSD + HDD, Triple Storage	Up to 256GB PCIE SSD + 1TB HDD | SSD + HDD, Dual Storage
GRAPHICS	TBD	NVIDIA GTX1050 (40W Full PERFORMANCE) GDDR5 4GB/2GB
INPUT	Volcano Keycap (0.5mm) / 2.5mm stroke / Customized real RGB LED color for individual keys	WASD Key highlight / LED BACKLIT KEYBOARD / CRATER KEYCAP: CURVED KEYCAPS
BATTERY	93Wh	43Wh
CMF	BLACK	BLACK / WHITE
WEIGHT	3.79kg	2.53kg
HEIGHT	35.6mm – 37.7mm	24.0mm – 28.2mm
PORTS	Type-C (Thunderbolt3) | USB 3.0 (4EA) | HDMI | LAN | 3-in1 | HP | MIC	USB 3.0 (1EA) | USB 2.0 (2EA) | HDMI | LAN | 3-in1 | HP & Mic Combo

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.