Samsung Chromebox Gets i5 CPU Upgrade
Samsung has given its Chromebox computer a significant upgrade. Instead of being powered by a Celeron B840 processor, the updated version now runs with a Core i5-2450M chip.
Both CPUs are based on the Sandy Bridge architecture, but the Core i5 is a substantially faster chip, runs with four (two physical, two virtual) cores instead of just two, scales to 2.5 GHz/3.1 GHz versus 1.9 GHz, has 3 MB cache instead of 2 MB while running at the same TDP of 35 watts.
What makes this processor an interesting choice is the fact that it has a rather high tray price of $225 compared to the $86 tray price of the Celeron B840, especially in the view of the $499 MSRP the Chromebox is selling for. It seems that Intel may be pushing its remaining Sandy Bridge stock out rather quickly and may be granting heavy discounts, which may explain the hefty CPU upgrade. The Core i5-2450M in the Chromebox is, by the way, very similar to the CPU Apple offers in its base $599 Mac mini setup, with the exception that Apple claims that its i5 chip has 4 MB cache, which is not officially offered by Intel for the i5 series.
Besides the i5-2450M CPU, the new Chromebox XE300M22-A01US comes with 4 GB RAM, a 16 GB flash of storage, six USB 2.0 ports, WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, as well as DisplayPort and DVI interfaces. It appears that the price of the new Chromebox has already dropped from its $500 price tag and is currently offered from $397.
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Wolfgang Gruener is an experienced professional in digital strategy and content, specializing in web strategy, content architecture, user experience, and applying AI in content operations within the insurtech industry. His previous roles include Director, Digital Strategy and Content Experience at American Eagle, Managing Editor at TG Daily, and contributing to publications like Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware.
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alidan extremepcsYou need an i5 to run a glorified web browser OS?Reply
well looking at web gl and the future of the cloud for processing applications and some of the run actual code on the browser stuff... i could see an i5 as a unnecessary tool in the coming years. -
Estix ReplyThe Core i5-2450M in the Chromebox is, by the way, very similar to the CPU Apple offers in its base $599 Mac mini setup, with the exception that Apple claims that its i5 chip has 4 MB cache, which is not officially offered by Intel for the i5 series.
Can anyone verify / explain this? -
robochump extremepcsYou need an i5 to run a glorified web browser OS?Reply
Well I use my MAC mini for home security with Ext HDD and another for Home Entertainment system. These types of systems have their purposes :) -
A Bad Day alidanwell looking at web gl and the future of the cloud for processing applications and some of the run actual code on the browser stuff... i could see an i5 as a unnecessary tool in the coming years.Reply
I'd give it at least 3-5 years. Many games still don't support more than four cores, which is why the i5 Ks are often considered better value for gaming than the i7 Ks. -
blazorthon damianrobertjonesDId the review state, "16Gb flash storage"...16Gb? 16...Reply
It says 16GB, not 16Gb. That's almost an order of magnitude difference.