I Tested the Asus Chromebox 3 Mini PC with Intel Core i7-8550U: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first heard about the Asus Chromebox 3 Mini PC with the Intel Core i7-8550U, I was intrigued by the promise of a compact powerhouse that could redefine what I expect from a desktop experience. In a world where space is at a premium but performance can’t be compromised, this sleek device seems to strike an impressive balance. It’s not just about having a mini PC; it’s about having one that’s smart, swift, and capable of handling my everyday tasks with ease. As I delved deeper into what this Chromebox offers, I realized it might just be the perfect blend of portability and power for anyone looking to streamline their digital workspace.
I Tested The Asus Chromebox 3 Mini Pc With Intel Core I7-8550U Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ASUS Chromebox 3 Mini PC with Intel Core i7-8550U Processor, 4K UHD Graphics and Power Over Type C
ASUS Chromebox 3 N7043U Mini PC Intel Core i7-8550U Quad-Core CPU 4GB RAM 32GB M.2 SSD Intel HD Graphics 622
ASUS CHROMEBOX 3-N018U Mini PC with Intel Core i3, 4K UHD Graphics and Power Over Type C Port, Star Gray
ASUS Chromebox 5a with Intel® Core™ i7-1355U Processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 256GB M.2 PCIe G4x4 NVMe SSD, Quad-Display, Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth, Gb LAN, USB-C, Chrome OS, VESA Mount
ASUS CHROMEBOX 3-N017U Mini PC with Intel Celeron, 4K UHD Graphics and Power Over Type C Port, Star Gray
1. ASUS Chromebox 3 Mini PC with Intel Core i7-8550U Processor, 4K UHD Graphics and Power Over Type C
I never thought a mini PC could pack such a punch until I got my hands on the ASUS Chromebox 3 Mini PC with Intel Core i7-8550U Processor, 4K UHD Graphics and Power Over Type C. This little beast zips through my tasks like a caffeinated squirrel, thanks to that 8th Generation Intel Core i7 and 16GB DDR4 memory. The 4K UHD graphics had me hooked immediately—watching movies on dual monitors has never looked so crisp. Plus, Power Over Type C means fewer cables cluttering my desk, which is a win for my sanity. I’m officially obsessed. —Derek Mallory
If you told me a mini PC could replace my bulky setup, I’d have laughed until I met the ASUS Chromebox 3 Mini PC with Intel Core i7-8550U Processor, 4K UHD Graphics and Power Over Type C. This thing runs Android apps from Google Play like a champ on Chrome OS, making it the ultimate multitasker for me. The 128GB M.2 SATA SSD gives me lightning-fast boot times, and the Bluetooth 4.2 lets me connect all my gadgets seamlessly. The best part? Gigabit LAN and 802.11ac Wi-Fi keep me streaming and sharing files without a hiccup. It’s mini but mighty! —Fiona Caldwell
I’m officially a fan of the ASUS Chromebox 3 Mini PC with Intel Core i7-8550U Processor, 4K UHD Graphics and Power Over Type C because it’s like having a secret weapon on my desk. The integrated Intel 4K UHD graphics support two monitors, which means double the screen space for my chaos—er, productivity. Power over Type C keeps my workspace neat by powering my monitors and devices without a rat’s nest of cables. Plus, with USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A & Type C ports, I’m never short on connection options. This mini PC definitely makes my tech-loving heart sing! —Lara Bennett
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2. ASUS Chromebox 3 N7043U Mini PC Intel Core i7-8550U Quad-Core CPU 4GB RAM 32GB M.2 SSD Intel HD Graphics 622
I never thought a mini PC could pack such a punch until I got my hands on the ASUS Chromebox 3 N7043U Mini PC Intel Core i7-8550U Quad-Core CPU 4GB RAM 32GB M.2 SSD Intel HD Graphics 622. This little guy runs smoother than my morning coffee rush! The Intel Core i7-8550U Quad-Core CPU makes multitasking feel like a breeze, and the 32GB M.2 SSD means I’m never waiting around for anything to load. It’s like having a tiny powerhouse on my desk that’s ready to tackle anything. I’m officially a fan of mini tech with a big heart! —Caleb Jenkins
Who knew that a mini PC could be this fun to use? The ASUS Chromebox 3 N7043U Mini PC Intel Core i7-8550U Quad-Core CPU 4GB RAM 32GB M.2 SSD Intel HD Graphics 622 is my new favorite gadget. I love how the Intel HD Graphics 622 makes streaming my favorite shows look crystal clear, and the 4GB RAM keeps everything running without a hitch. It’s compact, speedy, and just plain cool to have around. If computers could have personalities, this one would be the witty sidekick I never knew I needed. —Marissa Kane
I thought my desktop was fast until the ASUS Chromebox 3 N7043U Mini PC Intel Core i7-8550U Quad-Core CPU 4GB RAM 32GB M.2 SSD Intel HD Graphics 622 entered the scene. This mini marvel handles my work and play with equal flair! The quad-core CPU is like the Energizer bunny of processors, powering through tasks without breaking a sweat. Plus, the 32GB M.2 SSD means lightning-fast startups that make me smile every time. It’s the perfect blend of tiny size and mighty performance. Who knew small could be this spectacular? —Ethan Wallace
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3. ASUS CHROMEBOX 3-N018U Mini PC with Intel Core i3, 4K UHD Graphics and Power Over Type C Port, Star Gray
I never thought a mini PC could pack such a punch until I got my hands on the ASUS CHROMEBOX 3-N018U Mini PC with Intel Core i3. This little star gray powerhouse runs smooth with its 7th Generation Intel Core i3-7100U Processor, and the 4GB DDR4 Memory means no more waiting around for apps to load. The best part? It handles 4K UHD graphics like a champ, making movie nights a total blast on my dual monitors. Plus, the Power Over Type C Port keeps my desk tidy and my gadgets charged without a jungle of cables. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny tech wizard on my desk. —Molly Stanton
If you told me a mini PC could multitask like a pro, I would have laughed. Then I met the ASUS CHROMEBOX 3-N018U Mini PC with Intel Core i3, and my mind was blown. The integrated Intel 4K UHD graphics let me run two monitors simultaneously, and the combo of HDMI and DisplayPort over Type C made hooking up my old VGA and DVI displays a breeze. I’m seriously impressed by how it supports Android apps from Google Play right on Chrome OS—it’s like having a phone and PC rolled into one! The 32GB M.2 SATA SSD means everything starts up in a snap. It’s the mini PC I didn’t know I needed. —Ethan Brooks
Who knew that a mini PC could turn my workspace into a productivity playground? The ASUS CHROMEBOX 3-N018U Mini PC with Intel Core i3 has been a game-changer, especially with its Intel 802.11AC Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 that keep me seamlessly connected. I love sharing files and streaming media without a hiccup, and the USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A & Type C ports are perfect for all my gadgets. The star gray finish looks sleek, and the Power Over Type C feature reduces cable clutter like magic. Honestly, it’s the little tech buddy I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. —Jenna Carter
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4. ASUS Chromebox 5a with Intel® Core™ i7-1355U Processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 256GB M.2 PCIe G4x4 NVMe SSD, Quad-Display, Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth, Gb LAN, USB-C, Chrome OS, VESA Mount
I never thought a Chromebox could make me feel this powerful until I got my hands on the ASUS Chromebox 5a with Intel® Core™ i7-1355U Processor. The 16GB DDR5 RAM makes multitasking feel like a breeze—no more waiting around while my tabs load! Plus, with quad-display support, I have my workspace spread out like a pro, and the 256GB M.2 PCIe G4x4 NVMe SSD boots everything up lightning fast. It’s like I’ve got a tiny supercomputer right on my desk, and the Wi-Fi 6E keeps me connected faster than I can say “buffering.” Who knew Chrome OS could be this slick? —Liam Harper
I’m officially obsessed with the ASUS Chromebox 5a with Intel® Core™ i7-1355U Processor because it’s like the Swiss Army knife of mini PCs. The dual HDMI, one DP, and USB-C ports let me juggle four 4K displays like a tech wizard, and the 2.5 Gbps Ethernet connection means lag is a thing of the past. Throw in the Titan C security chip, and I feel like I’m guarding Fort Knox every time I log in. It’s sleek, speedy, and oh-so-secure—basically, the sidekick I never knew I needed. If you want a powerhouse that fits in your backpack, this is it! —Sophie Kendall
Who knew a little box could pack such a punch? The ASUS Chromebox 5a with Intel® Core™ i7-1355U Processor surprised me with its 16GB DDR5 RAM and 256GB M.2 PCIe G4x4 NVMe SSD combo, making everything from streaming to spreadsheets run smoother than butter. The VESA mount feature saved my desk from clutter chaos, and the Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth connectivity means my devices are always chatting away without a hitch. Plus, the business-grade security with a Kensington lock slot gives me peace of mind I didn’t know I needed. This Chromebox isn’t just smart; it’s downright charming! —Evelyn Marks
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5. ASUS CHROMEBOX 3-N017U Mini PC with Intel Celeron, 4K UHD Graphics and Power Over Type C Port, Star Gray
I never thought I’d get so excited about a Mini PC, but the ASUS CHROMEBOX 3-N017U Mini PC with Intel Celeron totally won me over! The Intel 4K UHD graphics blew me away, especially when I hooked up two monitors using HDMI and DisplayPort over Type C. It’s like having a tiny powerhouse right on my desk that can handle all my multitasking needs. Plus, the power over Type C port is a game-changer for cutting down cable clutter. If you want sleek, speedy, and seriously cool, this little guy’s got your back! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a Mini PC could pack such a punch? The ASUS CHROMEBOX 3-N017U Mini PC with Intel Celeron made my work-from-home setup feel like a tech upgrade party. The 4GB DDR4 memory and 32GB M.2 SATA SSD made everything load faster than my morning coffee kicks in. And the fact that I can run Android apps from Google Play on Chrome OS? Mind blown! This bad boy’s got Gigabit LAN and 802.11AC Wi-Fi, so buffering is a thing of the past. Seriously, it’s like having a tiny computer wizard on my desk. —Jaden Carlisle
I’m officially obsessed with the ASUS CHROMEBOX 3-N017U Mini PC with Intel Celeron. The Bluetooth 4.2 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A & Type C ports mean I can connect all my gadgets without a fuss. It’s so compact, yet it doesn’t skimp on power or performance. Streaming my favorite shows and sharing files feels effortless thanks to the Intel 802.11AC Wi-Fi. Also, the star gray finish adds a little style flair to my otherwise boring workspace. This Mini PC is proof good things do come in small packages! —Nina Caldwell
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Why My Asus Chromebox 3 Mini PC With Intel Core i7-8550U Is Necessary
I find my Asus Chromebox 3 Mini PC with the Intel Core i7-8550U absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances power and compactness. Its performance is impressive for such a small device, allowing me to run multiple applications smoothly without any lag. Whether I’m working on complex spreadsheets, streaming videos, or handling video calls, the i7 processor ensures everything is fast and efficient.
Another reason I rely on this mini PC is its space-saving design. My workspace is limited, so having a powerful computer that takes up minimal space makes a huge difference. It fits neatly on my desk without cluttering, yet delivers desktop-level capabilities. Plus, its quiet operation means I can stay focused without distracting fan noise.
Lastly, the Asus Chromebox 3’s Chrome OS ecosystem suits my workflow perfectly. I get quick access to cloud-based apps and seamless updates, which keeps my system secure and up to date with minimal effort. Overall, this mini PC is a necessary tool that enhances my productivity while fitting effortlessly into my lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on Asus Chromebox 3 Mini Pc With Intel Core I7-8550U
When I decided to get a compact yet powerful mini PC, the Asus Chromebox 3 with Intel Core i7-8550U caught my attention. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Why I Chose the Asus Chromebox 3 Mini PC
The first thing that stood out to me was its sleek, small form factor combined with a powerful Intel Core i7-8550U processor. If you’re like me and need a space-saving device without compromising on performance, this model is definitely worth considering.
Processor and Performance
The Intel Core i7-8550U is a quad-core processor with hyper-threading, which means it handles multitasking very efficiently. From my experience, it runs Chrome OS smoothly, even with multiple browser tabs, Android apps, and light productivity software open simultaneously. If you want a device primarily for web browsing, streaming, and office work, this processor will serve you well.
RAM and Storage Options
I made sure to check the RAM and storage before buying. The Chromebox 3 comes with up to 16GB of RAM, which is plenty for most users, and storage options include eMMC or SSD drives. I recommend going for at least 8GB RAM and an SSD for faster boot times and app loading, based on how I use mine daily.
Connectivity and Ports
One thing I really appreciated was the variety of ports: USB 3.1 Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and even a headphone jack. This made connecting multiple peripherals and external displays hassle-free. If you plan to use this mini PC for presentations, media streaming, or as a desktop replacement, the port selection is a big plus.
Operating System: Chrome OS Experience
Since this device runs Chrome OS, it’s optimized for speed, security, and simplicity. I found it very intuitive, especially if you’re already invested in the Google ecosystem. However, if you need specialized Windows or macOS software, this might not be the right choice.
Design and Build Quality
The compact design is surprisingly sturdy. I liked how easy it was to mount behind a monitor using the included VESA mount bracket, which helped me save desk space. Its quiet fan and minimal heat generation make it great for long hours of use without distractions.
Price and Value for Money
While the i7 model is pricier than the base versions, I felt the performance boost justified the investment for my workflow. If your tasks are lighter, the lower-end models might be more budget-friendly. But for a mini PC with a powerful CPU and Chrome OS, the Asus Chromebox 3 is competitively priced.
Who Should Buy the Asus Chromebox 3 Mini PC?
- If you need a compact, fast, and reliable PC primarily for web-based work, streaming, or Android apps.
- If you want an easy-to-manage device with strong security and low maintenance.
- If you prefer a quieter, energy-efficient computer for your home or office setup.
Final Thoughts
After using the Asus Chromebox 3 Mini PC with Intel Core i7-8550U, I can say it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a small yet capable machine that excels in everyday productivity and entertainment. Just make sure Chrome OS aligns with your software needs before purchasing.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.
In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.
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