Acer Chromebox CXI6

Published on February 5, 2026

The Acer Chromebox CXI6 brings Intel Raptor Lake processing power to the Chrome OS desktop experience, targeting businesses and educational institutions that need reliable, high-performance computing. With processor options ranging from the Intel Core i3-1305U to the flagship Core 7 150U, this Chromebox handles demanding workloads while supporting up to four simultaneous displays through dual HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort connection. The combination of user-upgradeable RAM and storage, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and WiFi 6E wireless makes the CXI6 a future-ready investment for organizations seeking managed Chrome OS deployments. Whether running digital signage, powering conference rooms, or serving as everyday productivity workstations, this Chromebox delivers the connectivity and performance that modern commercial environments demand.

Pros and Cons of the Acer Chromebox CXI6

Acer Chromebox CXI6 Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebox CXI6	Acer Chromebox CXI6	Acer Chromebox CXI6	Acer Chromebox CXI6
Price	List Price: $519.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	DT.Z5CAA.001	DT.Z5CAA.002	DT.Z5CAA.003	DT.Z5CAA.004
Perfomance Rating	10.6	9.0	8.6	4.8
Chromebook Plus	No	No	No	No
Processor	Deca-core 1.40 Ghz (max 5.00 Ghz) Intel Core 5 120U	Hexa-core 1.20 Ghz (max 4.70 Ghz) Intel Core 3 100U	5-core 1.60 Ghz (max 4.50 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1305U	Deca-core 1.80 Ghz (max 5.40 Ghz) Intel Core 7 150U
RAM	16 GB	8 GB	8 GB	16 GB
Internal Storage	256 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable PCIe Gen 4)	128 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable PCIe Gen 4)	128 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable PCIe Gen 4)	256 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable PCIe Gen 4)
Screen Size	No Screen	No Screen	No Screen	No Screen
Screen Resolution	No Screen	No Screen	No Screen	No Screen
Screen Type	No Screen	No Screen	No Screen	No Screen
Touch Screen	No	No	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	6.55 x 6.52 x 1.72 inches (166.37 x 165.61 x 43.69 mm)	6.55 x 6.52 x 1.72 inches (166.37 x 165.61 x 43.69 mm)	6.55 x 6.52 x 1.72 inches (166.37 x 165.61 x 43.69 mm)	6.55 x 6.52 x 1.72 inches (166.37 x 165.61 x 43.69 mm)
Weight	1.76 lbs (0.8 kg)	1.76 lbs (0.8 kg)	1.76 lbs (0.8 kg)	1.76 lbs (0.8 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No	No	No
Webcam	No Webcam	No Webcam	No Webcam	No Webcam
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3
Ethernet	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cellular Modem	No	No	No	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	6 USB 3, 1 USB-C 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (front), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (rear), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (rear) with DisplayPort support	6 USB 3, 1 USB-C 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (front), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (rear), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (rear) with DisplayPort support	6 USB 3, 1 USB-C 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (front), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (rear), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (rear) with DisplayPort support	6 USB 3, 1 USB-C 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (front), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (rear), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (rear) with DisplayPort support
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No	No	No
Card Reader	SD	SD	SD	SD
Battery	No Battery	No Battery	No Battery	No Battery
Battery Life	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Fanless	No	No	No	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2034	June, 2034	June, 2034	June, 2034

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebox CXI6

The Acer Chromebox CXI6 measures 166.5 x 165.8 x 43.8mm (approximately 6.55 x 6.52 x 1.72 inches) and weighs 1.76 pounds, maintaining the compact desktop form factor that makes Chromeboxes versatile for various mounting scenarios. The front panel prioritizes user accessibility with four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, an SD card reader for quick media transfers, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. Around back, the port selection expands with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port supporting DisplayPort alternate mode, dual HDMI 2.1 outputs capable of 4K@60Hz, a full DisplayPort connector, and the 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet jack. This comprehensive connectivity enables the CXI6 to drive four independent monitors simultaneously while maintaining wired network speeds that exceed standard Gigabit infrastructure.

Processing power comes from Intel’s Raptor Lake architecture, with configurations spanning the entry-level Core i3-1305U through the Core 3 100U, Core 5 120U, and top-tier Core 7 150U. The flagship Core 5 120U variant offers 10 cores and 12 threads with boost clocks up to 5.0 GHz, scoring approximately 16,072 on PassMark’s CPU benchmark. This places the CXI6 in a performance class well above typical Chromebox offerings, capable of handling Chrome OS productivity tasks, video conferencing, and browser-based applications without breaking a sweat. Unlike the fanless Chromebox Mini CXM1, the CXI6 includes active cooling to manage the higher thermal output from these more powerful processors.

Connectivity options position the CXI6 for current and future network infrastructure. WiFi 6E (802.11ax) wireless provides access to the 6 GHz spectrum for reduced congestion and improved speeds, while Bluetooth 5.3 handles peripheral connections. The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port delivers wired speeds that take advantage of upgraded network switches increasingly common in enterprise environments. User-upgradeable DDR4 RAM supports configurations up to 16GB, and the PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot accepts NVMe SSDs up to 256GB in stock configurations, though the physical slot may accommodate larger drives. This upgradeability distinguishes the CXI6 from more constrained consumer-focused Chrome OS devices and gives IT departments flexibility for future capacity needs.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebox CXI6

ChromeUnboxed

ChromeUnboxed’s coverage of the Acer Chromebox CXI6 debut at IFA 2025 highlighted the device’s positioning for demanding environments. The publication described it as “a streamlined yet incredibly powerful desktop solution” and called out “the absolutely massive selection of ports” as its standout feature. The reviewer noted the CXI6 targets “demanding commercial and educational environments” where the combination of processing power and connectivity flexibility matters most.

The availability timeline places North American launch in December 2025 with a starting price of $519.99 for the Core 5 120U configuration. European markets see an earlier release with more aggressive pricing starting at 299 euros, though specific configurations at that price point were not detailed. Enterprise editions will also be available through Acer’s commercial channels, offering additional management and support options for larger deployments.

Liliputing

Liliputing’s article focused on the Intel Raptor Lake processor upgrade as the key advancement over previous CXI generations. The coverage emphasized the comprehensive port selection as enabling a wide range of deployment scenarios, from simple desktop replacements to complex multi-monitor workstations.

Across available coverage, the consensus positions the Acer Chromebox CXI6 as a significant step up in Chrome OS desktop performance. The combination of modern Intel processors, extensive connectivity, and user-upgradeable components addresses limitations that have kept some organizations from adopting Chromeboxes for demanding workloads.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebox CXI6 represents a compelling option for businesses and educational institutions seeking high-performance Chrome OS desktop computing. Its combination of Intel Raptor Lake processors, quad-display capability, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet positions it well above typical Chromebox offerings while maintaining the security, manageability, and automatic update benefits that make Chrome OS attractive for enterprise deployments. The user-upgradeable RAM and storage provide flexibility that IT departments appreciate when planning hardware lifecycles.

That said, the CXI6 targets commercial rather than consumer markets, limiting retail availability and likely requiring purchase through Acer’s business channels or authorized resellers. Users seeking a personal Chromebox for home use might find the starting price and enterprise focus less relevant to their needs. The active cooling design, while necessary for the more powerful processors, means this isn’t a silent device like the fanless Chromebox Mini CXM1.

For organizations comparing Chrome OS desktop options, see our Chromebook Comparison Chart to evaluate how the CXI6 stacks up against alternatives. With Chrome OS updates guaranteed until June 2034, the Chromebox CXI6 offers an eight-year support window that justifies enterprise hardware investment.

Frequently Asked Questions