Samsung SyncMaster 305t review

We did notice some slight streaking problems in testing. Our streaking test helps us detect light or dark shadows that trail an image in areas where large changes in contrast are present. This test basically deals with the display rendering a large chunky graphic such as a bar graph and has nothing to do with streaking that may result from a fast moving image. The Samsung showed that while for the most part streaking was not an issue, we were able to pick out some instances of streaking where the contrast was heaviest. We did not notice the same streaking issue on the Gateway XHD3000, otherwise their relative performance was very close overall.

Juice box

Samsung SyncMaster 305T	Average watts per hour
On (Default Luminance)	128.22
On (Max Luminance)	128.22
On (Min Luminance)	50.71
Sleep	0.4
Calibrated (200 cd/m2)	89.31
Score	Poor
Annual energy cost (@$0.1135/kWh)	$38.64

Testing note: We used the Kramer VM-2DVI distribution amplifier during testing. This device let us test two 30-inch displays at their native resolution at once.

Find out more about how we test LCD monitors.

Service and support
Samsung backs the SyncMaster 305T with a three-year parts-and-labor warranty, which also covers the backlight. Toll-free phone technical support is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Samsung's Web site includes links to the user manual and specifications. Everything is laid out clearly and we had no trouble finding what we needed. Samsung, however, does not keep drivers for this display on its site.