Last year, Google launched its Chrome OS on the Asus Chromebox, a tiny desktop PC with a full-color touch screen. It was a success, but it wasn’t until this year that Google announced a new Chromebox model at CES. This time it’s called the Chromebox 3, and it looks even better than the original. Check out our video of this awesome new machine in action.
ASUS Chromebox 3 N018U (N018U) is the latest addition to the Chromebox line-up. It’s one of the first PCs to adopt AMD’s new Zen-based R-Series APU, which has two x86 cores, four cores, and supports both HSA 1.0 and OpenCL.
The Asus Chromebox 3 N018U is a 14-inch desktop computer with a familiar design, because it looks a lot like the Asus Chromebox 2 N01BA. The latter was a tiny PC that offered a low-cost alternative to a laptop, as well as a way to cut the cord from a desktop computer. The N018U is a more powerful version of that same concept, offering a similar low price, as well as a more powerful computer that can be used as a desktop.
N018U Asus Chromebox 3
US 1+
Score for Value for Money
8.3/10
Score for Specifications and Features
8.1/10
Pros
- Size is quite tiny.
- There are many possibilities for connection.
- Dual monitors are supported.
- Virus-free and easy-to-use operating system
- Pricing that is reasonable
Cons
- There aren’t many upgrade choices.
- Does not support as many applications as other operating systems such as Mac and Windows.
- Out-of-the-box memory and storage capacity are limited.
- Not all of the time
- Only Integrated Graphics
See the pricing and read the Asus Chromebox 3 N018U review. Mini PCs are unique, and some individuals prefer them to their larger counterparts.
A PC that takes up little to no room while providing all of the essential functions is much more attractive than one that is large but provides comparable performance and utilities.
When you combine it with Chrome OS, things become much more intriguing, especially because the functions it offers are relevant to you.
If you want to learn more about Chrome OS, check out our dedicated tutorial on our website.
The Asus Chromebox 3 is one of these devices that combines the functionality of a tiny PC with the Chrome OS.
While it cannot be compared to a Windows-based PC, it is much less expensive.
So, you’re probably wondering what you can accomplish with this PC that’s nearly pocket-sized. If you know what the Chrome OS is capable of, there’s a lot.
It’s a lightweight OS, so specifications like a Core i3 CPU and 4 GB of RAM, as this one has, may still provide enough of capability.
Even though we’re looking at a cheap model, the Chromebox 3 also comes in higher-end models with Core i7 CPUs, so there are plenty of choices.
The newer Chromebox 4 has a newer generation of CPUs, although there aren’t many changes between the two in terms of functionality.
Asus Chromebox 3 N018U & Variants Price
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ASUS Chromebox 3-N018U – Intel Core i3-7100U – 4 GB DDR4 – 32 GB SSD – Google Chrome OS – Intel… – $634.40
Review of the Asus Chromebox 3 N018U
Buy it for: Chrome OS’s small and tiny size
Warning: Dedicated GPU choices aren’t available, and the system isn’t particularly upgradeable.
Bloggers, internet surfing, and other reasons are the best usage.
Acer Chromebox CXI3 and Asus Chromebox 2 are the best options.
Verdict
If you prefer Chrome OS to other operating systems for everyday work and are searching for a cost-effective and small desktop, the Asus Chromebox 3 should not disappoint. There are just a few flaws apart from the fact that it is an older release.
Design and Construction
SFF (small form factor) or Mini desktops aren’t new, and they’ve been around for a while.
But, for a variety of reasons, one such as the Chromebox 3 stands out from the others.
For example, the build quality is outstanding. It’s already tiny, measuring 5.85 x 5.85 x 1.57 inches, and it has a nice polished metal body.
Even if it would take up a fraction of the area on your desk, a VESA mount is still an alternative (that comes in the package itself).
The Google Chrome logo may be seen at the upper left corner, while a larger ASUS branding can be found in the center.
The power button isn’t as obvious as the other connectors, so you may have to search around for it at first.
It’s in one of the corners of this rectangular box-shaped computer. And, like other SFFs and towers, the design allows Asus to include multiple full-sized ports on the device.
You’ll find everything you need on the back and side panels, even though there aren’t many.
The four feet that sit on the bottom of the Chromebox 3 also conceal the four screws that you’d have to remove if you wanted to access the rear panel for upgrades or expansions.
The only thing you’ll need is the proper screwdriver, and the procedure itself is simple.
Performance
If you’re considering the Chromebox 3, keep in mind that it’s not a very powerful machine, especially when compared to a similarly cost Windows PC.
Because there are presently no Macs at this price range, the Mac OS is already ruled out.
The model we’re looking at features a Core i3-7100U CPU, which, although outdated by today’s standards, is nonetheless functional.
Thanks to Chrome OS, the two cores, four threads, and 2.4 GHz processor can still run basic apps and multitask.
There are also additional options, ranging from a less expensive Celeron to Core i7 processors. There are other RAM choices as well, but just 4 GB is available in this case.
The Chromebook 3’s integrated graphics, however, share memory with it as well.
You can use the Chromebox 3 for the things it was designed for, such as web-based applications, writing articles if you’re a blogger, consuming media, and running Android apps from the Play Store, depending on the setup.
Getting a better version also enables you to do some picture or video editing, although it isn’t quite as good as the professional version.
Even though it isn’t designed for speed, the Chrome OS has other benefits.
For example, better security features and a simple interface, which are particularly essential for old or children’s usage.
If you can’t decide between a Windows PC and this one for gaming and spending a lot of time on your computer without access to the Internet, buy the one with Windows installed.
RAM and storage
The Chromebox 3 has little resemblance to a Windows PC, and its storage capacity is no different.
This model comes with 32 GB of storage in the form of an M.2 SATA SSD. Most Windows-based Mini PCs come with more than this, although it is possible to update it.
The same can be said for the RAM, which can be expanded from the 4 GB currently installed to up to 32 GB thanks to the two RAM slots. Both of these improvements are simple to do.
Connectivity and ports
There are five USB ports, one USB Type-C port, an SD card reader, a headphone/mic combination port, and an HDMI output port on the Asus Chromebox 3 Mini PC.
Given the device’s size, such a configuration is very remarkable.
There is also Bluetooth and WIFI, which, while not being of the most recent generation, can nonetheless get the job done.
Features Not Included
There is no pre-installed bloatware on the Chromebox 3, and it offers enhanced security measures.
As a result, you won’t have to waste time removing worthless applications or downloading software that claims to protect your data or device.
Another display may be connected to the USB Type-C connection, and two monitors can be utilized with this Mini PC if the HDMI port is used simultaneously.
You may also use one of the USB ports to charge your smartphone or other device, and the gadget itself does not need a separate power supply.
Despite the lack of a keyboard or mouse, ASUS has included a VESA mount in the box.
Specs:
- Asus is a popular brand.
- 32 GB of storage
- 4 GB RAM
- M.2 SATA SSD storage type
- DDR4 is a kind of RAM.
- Intel Core i3-7100U processor
- Graphics: Intel UHD 630 integrated graphics
- 2.40 GHz Processor Speed
- Intel is the manufacturer of the processor.
- Dimensions of the product: 5.85 x 5.85 x 1.57 inches
- Google Chrome OS is the operating system.
What are people saying about the Asus Chromebox 3 N018U?
For many customers, the Chromebox 3 has proven to be a refreshing alternative to tower desktops and Windows PCs.
Those who need a tiny computer were especially impressed, while others had their own reasons.
While some of the purchasers had previously used a Chrome-based gadget, others were unfamiliar with it.
The Chromebox 3 functioned as anticipated in each of these scenarios, with no performance differences observed.
As a result, users were able to utilize it to run several web applications at the same time.
Those who spend a lot of time on the internet, need to study something for a blog or project, or are students will find the gadget useful.
Buyers who wanted more RAM or processor cores didn’t have to think twice about buying the Chromebox 3 since there were better options.
Another aspect that customers like is the ease with which the current RAM or storage on any of these devices may be increased.
The Chromebox 3 was chosen because of the general simplicity of the Chrome OS and the convenience it provides, such as the lack of bloatware and the ease with which it can be handled.
And, although it isn’t as versatile as Windows or Mac OS X, it still offers a lot of applications.
The simplicity of upgrading does not compensate for the fact that it comes with extremely limited storage capacity out of the box.
This is one of the flaws that has been pointed out many times. Check out the Asus Chromebox 3 User Guide.
Expert Opinions from Others
Given the kind of work that the Chromebox 3 is intended to perform, PC Mag thinks it’s a good bargain. Sure, the Chrome OS might be better, and the device’s price tag when compared to comparable Windows PCs may be a bit of a worry.
The Chromebox 3 is an easy-to-use, small desktop with excellent connectivity and other helpful features, according to Trusted Reviews. It’s also very portable, and the only issue they have with it is the lack of default storage space.
The Chromebox 3 is a far cheaper option to any PC for use in a classroom, according to Tech Learning. It not only has a tiny form factor, but it also uses minimal power and comes in a variety of colors. However, the price of these higher ones is a source of worry for them.
The Chromebox 3 isn’t the most powerful computer ever, but it is a great option for many people looking to save some money on a budget-friendly computer.. Read more about asus chromebox cn60 and let us know what you think.
Related Tags
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- asus chromebox cn60
- asus chromebox 3-n018u review
- asus chromebox 3 review
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- asus chromebox 3 specs
