Hey there! If you‘re looking for a miniature yet mighty desktop PC for work, home or school use, then the ASUS Chromebox 4 should be on your shortlist. As an experienced technology analyst, I‘ve tested and reviewed all kinds of computers over the years. And let me tell you – this tiny box packs a serious punch thanks to its space-age hardware packed into a frame no larger than a nice sandwich.
In this comprehensive buying guide, I‘ll walk you through the top 6 reasons why the ASUS Chromebox 4 is an exceptional choice in 2023 and beyond. You‘ll see why it leaves traditional bulky towers in the dust when it comes to performance, connectivity, and capability. Let‘s dive in!
A Crash Course on Chromeboxes
Before we get to the good stuff, let me provide some quick background. A Chromebox is essentially a mini desktop computer that runs on Google‘s Chrome OS operating system. That means it relies heavily on web-based apps, cloud storage, and Internet connectivity.
The ASUS Chromebox 4 specifically is an Intel-powered model released in 2020 measuring just 5.84 x 5.84 x 1.5 inches and weighing only 2.2 pounds. Tiny enough to mount right onto the back of a monitor using a VESA bracket.
For comparison, that‘s:
- 6x smaller by volume than a typical ATX mid-tower PC
- Over 10x lighter than even a compact small form factor desktop
So if you‘re starved for space or want a computer that disappears when not in use, the svelte ASUS Chromebox 4 fits the bill perfectly. Now let‘s explore why you should choose this particular Chromebox over the alternatives.
Reason 1: Extremely Compact and Space-Saving Design
I touched on this above, but the teeny dimensions bear repeating because it‘s arguably the Chromebox 4‘s biggest selling point. At not even 6 inches wide, you can tuck this PC just about anywhere:
- Mount it out of sight behind a monitor
- Stash it on a shelf
- Place it on the wall with a VESA mount
- Sit it discreetly behind your desk
With a bit of creative positioning, you can build a powerful desktop setup without the huge case taking up valuable real estate. It‘s no wider than a laptop yet provides the comfortable user experience of a full keyboard, mouse and large display.
The micro-sized ASUS Chromebox 4 is perfect for scenarios where you want maximum performance with minimum visibility.
Reason 2: Choice of Capable 10th Generation Intel Processors
Despite its diminutive stature, make no mistake – the ASUS Chromebox 4 packs plenty of processing punch thanks to Intel‘s lineup of 10th generation ‘Comet Lake‘ CPUs. Here are the four processor options available:
| CPU Model | Cores/Threads | Base Clock Speed | Turbo Boost Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Celeron 5205U | 2/2 | 1.9 GHz | N/A |
| Intel Core i3-10110U | 2/4 | 2.1 GHz | 4.1 GHz |
| Intel Core i5-10210U | 4/8 | 1.6 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Intel Core i7-10510U | 4/8 | 1.8 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
The quad-core i5 and i7 models are no slouches – perfect for moderate gaming, video editing, quickly loading huge spreadsheets, and having endless browser tabs open.
And because Chrome OS uses fewer system resources than Windows or MacOS, you‘ll experience snappier performance across the board. Even the dual-core Celeron and i3 CPUs handle web browsing, media streaming, paperwork, and video calls without breaking a sweat.
Reason 3: Memory and Storage Upgrades Available
Another area where the ASUS Chromebox 4 excels is its ability to customize both memory and storage:
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It supports up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM across two SODIMM slots. Having more memory means you can comfortably multitask with less slowdowns as the system juggles multiple demanding browser windows or Android apps.
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Storage is configured via PCIe M.2 2280 solid state drives (SSDs) from 32GB up to 256GB capacities. SSDs ensure fast bootups, app launches, and file transfers compared to traditional hard disk drives.
Many other mini PCs have memory and storage soldered to the board, severely limiting upgradability. So if your needs change down the road, you can easily pop off the Chromebox 4‘s base and insert a stick of RAM or a larger SSD.
Reason 4: No Shortage of Wired Connectivity Options
Another area where the ASUS Chromebox 4 beats other compact desktops is its generous assortment of ports and wired connectivity:
| Ports | Details | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Up to 5Gbps speeds | Connect fast external storage, cameras, peripherals |
| 2 x HDMI | Support up to 3 x 4K displays | Great for multiple monitor productivity setups |
| MicroSD Card Reader | UHS-I speeds up to 104 MB/s | Quickly transfer photos from a camera |
| 2 x Thunderbolt 4 | Blistering 40Gbps bandwidth | Connect docks, eGPUs for serious expansions |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | N/A | Use wired headphones and mics |
| DC-In Power | N/A | Plug in the power brick |
That‘s an exhaustive array of digital pipelines for such a tiny box. It has you covered whether you just need USB ports for simple add-ons or require Thunderbolt 4 capability to link up high performance external graphics cards and docking stations.
Reason 5: Built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 Support
Moving onto wireless connectivity, the ASUS Chromebox 4 really soars thanks to the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth silicon built right in:
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) offers up to 2.4Gbps link speeds and is up to 38% faster than Wi-Fi 5 in crowded environments based on Intel data. So you can be confident of smooth video calls and quick file downloads even if you‘re sharing the network.
Bluetooth 5 provides a larger range than Bluetooth 4 and is 2x faster topping out at 2 Mbps. So wireless mice, keyboards, headsets and other accessories will link reliably and Responsively.
Of course it has a Gigabit Ethernet port as well for the most lag-free wired network experience.
Reason 6: Guaranteed Automatic Software and Security Updates
Finally, Chrome OS deserves a special shoutout for its seamless installs, builtin antivirus protection, and guaranteed future software support. Updates download silently and automatically in the background – no annoying interruptions or forcing you to click restart like on Windows!
And Google provides the following update commitment for all ASUS Chromebox 4 devices:
- Auto and security software updates until at least June 2028 – peace of mind knowing you‘ll stay current. Lesser manufacturers often stop supporting products after a mere couple years.
Between strict app sandboxing, file encryption, verified boots, and built-in antivirus, Chrome OS is also purpose-built for security from the ground up to keep users safe. So even with all your browsing and cloud storage, you likely can safely go without standalone antivirus software slowing down your system!
I wanted to provide some quick accessory recommendations as well:
ASUS VA24EHE Monitor – Well-priced 24” 1080p IPS display perfect for the Chromebox 4’s HDMI port. Has Blue Light filtering to reduce eye fatigue.
ASUS Wireless Keyboard and Mouse – Sleek combo set with dedicated Assistant key to control your Chromebox 4 from the couch.
ASUS RT-AX58U Wi-Fi Router – My top pick for a fast and reliable Wi-Fi 6 router to pair with the Chromebox.
…And that wraps up this Chromebox buying guide! Let me know if you have any other questions.
If your needs call for a compact yet high performance computer, then the ASUS Chromebox 4 checks all the boxes and then some. With its tough-to-match combination of micro size, desktop grunt, abundant connectivity, upgradeability, and fuss-free user experience – it really is in a class of its own.
I‘d readily recommend the flexible ASUS Chromebox 4 as a superb mini desktop for students, families, home offices, and power professionals short on space but not on ambition! Configure it with the Intel processor, memory, storage and accessories that fit your workflow – this little box certainly won‘t disappoint.
Thanks for reading and happy shopping! Let me know what reasons resonated most with your needs in the comments below!
