The Asus Chromebox 3 Mini PC with Intel Core i7-8550U stands out for its compact design, powerful performance, and Chrome OS efficiency. Ideal for productivity, media streaming, and lightweight gaming, it offers 8th-gen Intel processing, dual 4K display support, and enterprise-grade security. Its fanless design and seamless Google integration make it perfect for home offices and businesses.
What Are the Key Specifications of the Asus Chromebox 3?
The Asus Chromebox 3 features an Intel Core i7-8550U quad-core processor (1.8 GHz base, up to 4.0 GHz Turbo), Intel UHD Graphics 620, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and 128GB SSD storage. It supports dual 4K displays via HDMI 2.0 and USB-C, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and runs Chrome OS for cloud-based workflows.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8550U (4C/8T) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD 620 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 128GB M.2 SSD |
How Does the Intel Core i7-8550U Enhance Performance?
The Intel Core i7-8550U’s 4 cores and 8 threads deliver 40% faster multitasking than previous generations. Its 15W TDP balances power and efficiency, enabling smooth 4K video editing and 20+ Chrome tab management without throttling. The integrated UHD Graphics 620 handles casual gaming and hardware-accelerated video decoding.
In benchmark tests, the i7-8550U scores 1,543 in Cinebench R20, outperforming the i5-8250U by 28% in multi-threaded workloads. This makes the Chromebox 3 capable of running Android Studio containers and Linux VMs simultaneously. The processor’s Turbo Boost 2.0 technology dynamically adjusts clock speeds based on thermal headroom, ensuring consistent performance during extended Zoom calls or data analysis tasks. Combined with Chrome OS’s lightweight architecture, users experience near-instant wake times and seamless app switching.
Which Use Cases Are Ideal for the Asus Chromebox 3?
This Chromebox excels in digital signage, conference room setups, and home offices. Its small size (5.9 x 5.9 x 1.6 inches) fits behind monitors, while Chrome OS’s low maintenance suits kiosks and shared workspaces. Developers also use Linux app support for coding via Crostini.
What Connectivity Options Does the Chromebox 3 Offer?
It includes 2x USB-C 3.1, 4x USB-A 3.1, HDMI 2.0, microSD slot, and 3.5mm audio. USB-C ports support DisplayPort Alt Mode for dual 4K@60Hz displays. Enterprise models add RJ45 Ethernet and Kensington lock slots for enhanced security.
The dual USB-C ports enable daisy-chaining peripherals like docking stations, external SSDs, and 4K monitors. For example, users can connect a 4K projector via HDMI while driving a secondary ultrawide monitor through USB-C. The USB-A ports maintain compatibility with legacy devices like printers and webcams. In enterprise environments, the RJ45 port ensures stable Gigabit Ethernet connections for VoIP systems or NAS access. The microSD slot supports up to 512GB cards, ideal for photographers transferring raw files directly into Google Photos.
| Port Type | Quantity | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C 3.1 | 2 | Power Delivery, DisplayPort |
| USB-A 3.1 | 4 | 5Gbps data transfer |
| HDMI 2.0 | 1 | 4K@60Hz output |
Can You Upgrade the Asus Chromebox 3’s Hardware?
Yes. The Chromebox 3 allows RAM upgrades up to 32GB and SSD swaps via its M.2 2280 slot. However, soldered Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules limit wireless connectivity upgrades. Always verify compatibility with Chrome OS hardware lists before purchasing components.
To upgrade, remove the bottom panel to access the SO-DIMM slots and M.2 bay. Crucial DDR4-2400 modules and Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSDs are confirmed compatible. Note that Chrome OS requires specific firmware for NVMe drives, so formatting via recovery media may be necessary. While the Wi-Fi card isn’t replaceable, USB 3.0 adapters like the TP-Link Archer T3U can add Wi-Fi 6 support. Enterprises can leverage the USB-C ports for hardware security keys like YubiKey 5Ci to enhance authentication protocols.
“The Chromebox 3 i7 is a game-changer for businesses adopting cloud workflows,” says tech analyst Marco Hernandez. “Its enterprise management console simplifies deployment, while hardware certifications ensure reliability. For power users, the Linux container support bridges the gap between Chrome OS and traditional development environments.”
FAQs
- Does the Chromebox 3 Support External GPUs?
- No. The USB-C ports lack Thunderbolt 3, making eGPU setups impossible. Gaming is limited to browser-based titles or Android apps like Genshin Impact at medium settings.
- Is the Chromebox 3 Compatible with Windows?
- Officially, no. Chrome OS is preinstalled, but tech-savvy users can flash custom firmware to run Windows 10/11. However, driver issues may occur for Wi-Fi and audio components.
- How Long Does Asus Provide Software Updates?
- Asus guarantees Chrome OS updates until June 2026, aligning with Google’s 8-year support policy for Chromeboxes. Post-2026, it’ll receive security patches but no feature updates.