Review Samsung Series 3 300E5C Notebook

Samsung wants to score some points with the especially good price-performance ratio of the Series 3 models. They are offered in 11.6" (305U1A), 13.3" (300V3A), 17.3" (300E7A), and 15.6-inch form factors, our test unit being the latter. In order to achieve the low price, Samsung relies mainly on 2011 Sandy Bridge processors.
Our test candidate, the 300E5C A06DE, is equipped with an Intel Core i3-2310M CPU and 4 GB of system memory. In terms of video performance, the notebook uses the integrated Graphics 3000 chip. Samsung also offers models with a discrete graphics card, such as the 350V5C S05 (forthcoming) with an AMD Radeon HD 7670M. In terms of storage device, our model is equipped with a conventional hard drive working at 5400 RPM.
Case
The case reminds us very much (except for the lighter gray) of the already reviewed sister model 305E7A (17.3-inch, AMD CPU and GPU) and 355V5C-S05DE (15.6-inch, AMD): the housing is made of black and gray plastic. The only glossy surface is around the keyboard and it proves to be a dirt magnet. On the display lid we find the familiar grooved pattern.
While the resistance to pressure could definitely be improved, the base unit fares well against twisting. The same characteristics of the display lid can also be improved.
The tight hinges prevent one-handed opening of the notebook. They also prevent wobbling of the lid. Samsung has not opted for a transport lock.
Connectivity
The interfaces and their arrangement match that of the 300E5A-S01. The layout favors right-handed users. External monitors can be connected via the digital HDMI or via the analog VGA ports. Samsung could have upgraded at least one of the three USB 2.0 ports to a USB 3.0 standard.
Communication
Fortunately, here we are offered Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit-LAN (10/100/1000 MBit), Atheros AR9485WB-EG Wireless Network Adapter (b/g/n) and Bluetooth V4.0 + HS that support the latest standards.
The quality of the 0.3 megapixel webcam is far from perfect, but it suffices for video telephony.
Accessories
Besides the basic necessities, such as the 48 Wh battery and the 65 W power supply, in the package we find a couple of information pamphlets, including a quick start guide. As is now usual, the user is responsible for the creation of the recovery DVD. This can be accomplished via the Samsung Recovery Solution software.
Maintenance
The hard drive and system memory can easily be reached through the maintenance cover on the bottom. Unfortunately there are no free slots or 2.5-inch bays - any upgrades require the removal of the installed components. Further disassembly, in order to reach and clean the fan and heat sink, is more complex and could void the warranty in case of damage.
Warranty
The manufacturer offers 24 months. This period can be extended depending on the seller.
Input Devices
The input devices are identical to the ones in 305E7A-S03DE and 300E5A-S01:
Keyboard
The chiclet keyboard has a good typing feel and a separate number pad. No faults can be found with the layout either.
Touchpad
The matte surface allows a precise cursor movement. The Elan Smart-Pad supports the modern multi-touch gestures. The two mouse buttons are centrally mounted and respond well.
Display
The installed 15.6-inch screen carries the name AUO21EC and comes from the Chinese manufacturer AU Optronics. The maximum resolution of 1366x768 pixels matches the price range of the notebook. The display is in the now common 16:9 format.
Fortunately, the screen has a matte surface and a good maximum brightness of 212 cd/m². In addition, the user should be satisfied with the relatively uniform illumination of 83%, a relatively low black level of 0.6 cd/m², and a good contrast ratio of 353:1.
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Brightness Distribution: 83 %
Contrast: 353:1 (Black: 0.6 cd/m²)58.5% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
80.9% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
56.9% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Subjectively, we liked the color reproduction and contrast. As with most notebooks in this price range, our test unit could not cover the sRGB and AdobeRGB color spaces. However, this is only important for the professional computer graphics users. The color reproduction suffices for office and Internet applications.
Outdoors, our Samsung test unit scores points with its matte surface. The brightness of 200 cd/m² suffices for use in the shade. There are no disturbing reflections caused by the viewing or light angle. Due to the weather conditions, only one photo in the shade was taken. But we assume that for use in direct sunlight, the brightness should be a bit higher, depending on the user's preferences.
Performance
Our test candidate is based on the Intel HM75 (Panther Point) chipset (-> manufacturer information), which supports both Ivy Bridge and Sandy Bridge processors. Our device is equipped with an Intel Core i3-2310M Sandy Bridge CPU, 4 GB of system memory, and a 5400 RPM hard drive. The integrated Graphics 3000 provides the graphics output. Thus our test unit is aimed more at office and Internet applications then at demanding 3D tasks.
Alternative Series 3 models, such as the already reviewed 355V5C, have a discrete middle-class graphics solution.
Processor
The Core i3-2310M by Intel is a dual-core processor of the Sandy Bridge generation. Thanks to Hyperthreading, up to four threads can be calculated simultaneously. Turbo Boost is lacking because of the graphics chip, which depending on the cooling capacity varies its clock frequency between 650 and 1100 MHz. You can read more about the CPU in our article. Our Benchmark list of mobile CPUs provides a performance ranking.
Fortunately the CPU performance in all CPU oriented benchmarks is on the expected level. In addition the CPU and GPU performance remains available on battery power. In comparison to the competition, only the Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E530 with a Core i5 Sandy Bridge CPU is significantly faster.
System Performance
The two PCMark tests, PCMark Vantage and PCMark 7, assess the performance of each individual component and summarize the overall score. Here, a fast storage device has a positive impact, while the graphics performance does not carry as much weight. Overall the system performance was on the expected level for this hardware configuration. Again, only the Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E530 (Core i5-2450M, GeForce GT 630M) is significantly better than our test unit. Given the price range, all the devices are equipped with 5400 RPM hard drives. A faster storage device (SSD, hybrid solution or even 7200 RPM HDD) could provide a significant performance boost.
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value) | |
Samsung Serie 3 300E5C-A06DE | |
Lenovo IdeaPad N581-MBA4YGE | |
Asus Pro P53E-SO102X | |
HP ProBook 4530s-B0Y11EA | |
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E530, Sandy Bridge |
PCMark Vantage - 1024x768 Result (sort by value) | |
Samsung Serie 3 300E5C-A06DE | |
Lenovo IdeaPad N581-MBA4YGE | |
Asus Pro P53E-SO102X | |
HP ProBook 4530s-B0Y11EA | |
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E530, Sandy Bridge |
PCMark Vantage Result | 5216 points | |
PCMark 7 Score | 1922 points | |
Help |
Storage Devices
The installed Hitachi Travelstar 5K750 HTS547550A9E has a capacity of 500GB and works at 5400 RPM. The results of the HDTune and CrystalDiskMark are typical for a 5400 RPM model.
Graphics Card
The Graphics 3000, integrated into the processor, has already been reviewed numerous times. Although the Core i3 processor has no Turbo Boost function for both its cores, the graphics chip can be overclocked from 650 MHz up to 1100 MHz. You can read more about the graphics chip in our article. Our Benchmark list of mobile Graphics cards and Games list provide performance ranking. The Samsung is mainly aimed at users with fairly moderate demands on 3D performance.
As the comparison chart below demonstrates, our test unit fares well against devices with the same graphics card in both 3DMark tests, 3DMark Vantage and 3DMark06, and in the OpenGL test by Cinebench R11.5. In contrast, the results of the Shading test in both versions of Cinebench R10 (32-bit and 64-bit) are surprisingly low. Lenovo's ThinkPad Edge E530 is the only compared notebook with a discrete AMD Radeon HD 7640G and significantly surpasses our 300E5C in this area. In view of the degree of popularity of the graphics card and the target use, office and Internet application, we did not run any gaming tests. In short, the 300E5C is enough for low settings and resolution in demanding 3D games.
3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x (sort by value) | |
Samsung Serie 3 300E5C-A06DE | |
HP ProBook 4530s-B0Y11EA | |
Lenovo IdeaPad N581-MBA4YGE | |
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E530, Sandy Bridge | |
Asus Pro P53E-SO102X | |
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E320 NWY3RGE |
3DMark Vantage - 1280x1024 P GPU no PhysX (sort by value) | |
Samsung Serie 3 300E5C-A06DE | |
HP ProBook 4530s-B0Y11EA | |
Lenovo IdeaPad N581-MBA4YGE | |
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E530, Sandy Bridge | |
Asus Pro P53E-SO102X |
3DMark 06 Standard Score | 4400 points | |
3DMark Vantage P Result | 1661 points | |
Help |
Emissions
System Noise
In idle state, the Samsung seems quite the quiet fellow. Sometimes the fan turns off completely, leaving only the faint noise of the rotating hard drive. Under load, we measured a noise level of 41.3 dB(A) with the standard settings. Those who find this too loud can use the Easy Settings tools to turn on the Silent Mode. Then the maximum volume under load falls to 35.3 dB(A) - at the expense of performance, since the clock frequencies are reduced. No fan control abnormalities were noticed.
Noise Level
Idle |
| 30.3 / 31.2 / 31.4 dB(A) |
HDD |
| 30.9 dB(A) |
DVD |
| 35.3 / dB(A) |
Load |
| 39.8 / 41.3 dB(A) |
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30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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Temperature
Under low load, for which our 300E5C was designed, the temperatures of the surfaces remained within limits. This was not the case with the unrealistic stress test, several hours of 100% CPU and GPU load, where the 50 oC (122 oF) mark was exceeded with the standard settings. In practice, one should expect a problem free lap use.
During the stress test, the temperatures of the two CPU cores and the graphics chip remained in the green. The clock frequency of both cores remained stable. Only the GPU fluctuated at about 950 MHz. No throttling was observed, because the 3DMark06 we ran immediately afterwards ended with insignificant differences compared to a cold run.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.4 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 34.3 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 52.2 °C / 126 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.9 °C / 84 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 38.6 °C / 101.5 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.6 °C / 81.7 F (-11 °C / -19.8 F).
Speakers
The speakers are located above the keyboard. The sound remains undistorted even at maximum volume, but lacks bass as is usual for devices without a subwoofer. In order to enjoy music, we recommend the use of external speakers or quality headphones. The test of the 3.5mm jack showed no problems.
Battery Life
Power Consumption
The energy consumption of the hardware showed a maximum of 11.2 W in idle, 45.1 W under moderate 3D load with 3DMark06, and 56 W under full load. The Silent Mode not only lower the noise level, but also the clock frequency of the Core i3-2310M processor. Thus the power consumption falls to 23.6 W during the 3DMark06 run and 28 W during the stress test.
Off / Standby | ![]() ![]() |
Idle | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Load |
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Key:
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Battery Life
Our test candidate is equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a 48 Wh capacity. Thus with minimum brightness, energy-saving profile, and Wi-Fi modules turned off, it reached a battery run time of almost 7 hours in the Battery Eater Reader's test. Under load, simulated by the Classic test of the Battery Eater tool, with maximum brightness, high performance profile, and wireless modules turned on, the battery was empty after about 1.5 hours. This value is the minimum battery run time.
In reality, with 150 cd/m² brightness and a full battery you can surf the Internet via Wi-Fi hotspots for about 4 hours and watch DVDs for about 3.5 hours. In both tests the energy-saving profile was chosen, which suffices for these tasks.
HP's ProBook 4530s and Lenovo's IdeaPad N581 offer similar battery life. Asus' Pro P53E with a 56 Wh battery and significantly lower screen brightness offers longer run times. Lenovo's ThinkPad Edge E530 fares worse under load because of its discrete graphics card, but offers better video performance.
Verdict
In the Series 3, Samsung has focused on good value for money. It is positive that these savings have not come at the expense of user essentials, such as the screen and the input devices. The display is not among the brightest, but in conjunction with the matte surface, it suffices for outdoor use in the shade. In addition one can work comfortably with both the keyboard and the touchpad.
On the other hand, Samsung has saved from the interfaces. The user should have had access to at least one USB 3.0 port. Furthermore, we could have seen a modern Ivy Bridge processor. Instead, Samsung has fitted the notebook with a Core i3-2310M processor from the Sandy Bridge generation. The application performance matches the conventional hard drive. The competition does not offer anything better in this price range either.
In terms of workmanship, there is still room for improvement. The direct rivals are consistently better. HP even uses brushed aluminum for the surfaces of its ProBook.
Our test candidate is not aimed at demanding 3D tasks, such as computer games. Instead, its focus is more on office and Internet use. Those needing more graphics and system performance should look at Lenovo's ThinkPad Edge E530 with its dedicated video card. This notebook also boasts a somewhat brighter screen, but offers a shorter battery life under load.