Acer Chromebox CXI6

Updated on

Starry Hope Rating
4.0
Photo of Acer Chromebox CXI6

The Acer Chromebox CXI6 brings Intel Raptor Lake processing to the Chrome OS desktop, aimed at businesses and educational institutions running managed fleets. Processor options run from the Intel Core i3-1305U to the Core 7 150U, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports plus a DisplayPort connection drive up to four simultaneous displays. User-upgradeable RAM and storage, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and WiFi 6E wireless cover the wiring an organization is likely to standardize on. Acer positions the box for digital signage, conference rooms, and everyday productivity workstations.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Quad-display support via HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPortNo consumer retail availability at launch
User-upgradeable DDR4 RAM up to 16GBNo Thunderbolt connectivity
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for fast wired networkingLacks webcam and microphone
WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connectivityActive cooling may generate some noise
NVMe SSD upgradeable via PCIe Gen 4 slotHigher starting price than budget Chromeboxes
H1 Security Chip for enterprise protectionVESA mount kit sold separately

Acer Chromebox CXI6 Comparison Chart

Acer Chromebox CXI6

5 configurations

ConfigurationProcessorRAMStoragePerformanceList priceAmazon priceCompare
DT.Z5CAA.001Core 5 120U16 GB256 GB SSD8.8$519.99
Details
Performance Rating
8.8
Processor
Deca-core 1.40 Ghz (max 5.00 Ghz)
Intel Core 5 120U
RAM
16 GB
Internal Storage
256 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable PCIe Gen 4)
DT.Z5DAA.001Core 3 100U8 GB256 GB SSD7.5$699.99
Details
Performance Rating
7.5
Processor
Hexa-core 1.20 Ghz (max 4.70 Ghz)
Intel Core 3 100U
RAM
8 GB
Internal Storage
256 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable PCIe Gen 4)
Configuration 3Core i3-1305U8 GB128 GB SSD7.2$600.00
Details
Performance Rating
7.2
Processor
5-core 1.60 Ghz (max 4.50 Ghz)
Intel Core i3-1305U
RAM
8 GB
Internal Storage
128 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable PCIe Gen 4)
DT.Z5BAA.001Core 7 150U16 GB256 GB SSD4.0$1,099.99
Details
Performance Rating
4.0
Processor
Deca-core 1.80 Ghz (max 5.40 Ghz)
Intel Core 7 150U
RAM
16 GB
Internal Storage
256 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable PCIe Gen 4)
CXI6-C58GCore 5 120U8 GB256 GB SSD8.1$799.99
Loading...
Details
Performance Rating
8.1
Processor
Deca-core 1.40 Ghz (max 5.00 Ghz)
Intel Core 5 120U
RAM
8 GB
Internal Storage
256 GB NVMe SSD (upgradable PCIe Gen 4)

Specs shared by every configuration

Chromebook PlusNo
Screen SizeNo Screen
Screen ResolutionNo Screen
Screen TypeNo Screen
Touch ScreenNo
Stylus / PenNo 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)
Weight1.76 lbs (0.8 kg)
Backlit KeyboardNo
WebcamNo Webcam
WiFiWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3
EthernetYes
Cellular ModemNo
HDMIFull-Size HDMI
USB Ports6 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 PortsNo
Card ReaderSD
BatteryNo Battery
Battery LifeUnknown
FanlessNo
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2034

Related Chromebooks

Four display outputs and a swappable M.2 slot

The chassis measures 166.5 x 165.8 x 43.8mm (approximately 6.55 x 6.52 x 1.72 inches) and weighs 1.76 pounds, small enough to sit behind a monitor or under a desk. The front panel carries four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, an SD card reader for quick media transfers, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. The rear adds 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. That spread is what lets the CXI6 drive four independent monitors at once while holding a wired link above Gigabit speed.

Processing comes from Intel’s Raptor Lake architecture, with configurations spanning the Core i3-1305U, the Core 3 100U, the Core 5 120U, and the Core 7 150U. The 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. That is enough headroom for browser work and video conferencing. Unlike the fanless Chromebox Mini CXM1, the CXI6 includes active cooling to manage the higher thermal output from these processors.

WiFi 6E (802.11ax) reaches the 6 GHz spectrum for reduced congestion and improved speeds, while Bluetooth 5.3 handles peripheral connections. The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port matches the upgraded switches increasingly common in enterprise environments. DDR4 RAM is user-upgradeable to 16GB, and the PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot holds the NVMe SSD, shipped at up to 256GB in stock configurations. An IT department can raise memory or storage later instead of replacing the whole unit.

Reviewer Insights

ChromeUnboxed

ChromeUnboxed’s coverage of the Acer Chromebox CXI6 debut at IFA 2025 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 North American launch was set for December 2025 with a starting price of $519.99 for the Core 5 120U configuration. European markets see an earlier release with pricing starting at 299 euros, though specific configurations at that price point were not detailed. Enterprise editions ship through Acer’s commercial channels, offering additional management and support options for larger deployments.

Liliputing

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

Built for managed fleets that need four displays

Upgradeable RAM and storage let an IT department stretch a hardware lifecycle, and the security, manageability, and automatic updates come with Chrome OS itself.

Acer sells the CXI6 through business channels and authorized resellers rather than general retail, so a household buyer will have a harder time finding one and less use for the enterprise features. It also has a fan. For a silent desk, Acer’s fanless Chromebox Mini CXM1 is the alternative, with a less powerful processor.

For organizations comparing Chrome OS desktop options, see our Chromebook Comparison Chart to evaluate how the CXI6 stacks up. Chrome OS updates guaranteed until June 2034 set the support window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What processors are available in the Acer Chromebox CXI6?

Four Intel Raptor Lake options: the Core i3-1305U (5 cores, 6 threads), the Core 3 100U (6 cores, 8 threads), the Core 5 120U (10 cores, 12 threads), and the Core 7 150U (10 cores, 12 threads). The Core 5 120U scores approximately 16,072 on PassMark’s CPU benchmark.

Can I upgrade the RAM and storage in the Acer Chromebox CXI6?

Yes. DDR4 RAM is user-upgradeable to 16GB, and a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot takes an NVMe SSD, so memory and storage can be raised later without replacing the whole unit.

What ports does the Acer Chromebox CXI6 have?

The front panel has 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The rear panel has 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort support, 2x HDMI 2.1 outputs, 1x DisplayPort, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet.

How many monitors can the Acer Chromebox CXI6 support?

Four independent monitors at once, using the dual HDMI 2.1 ports, the DisplayPort, and USB-C with DisplayPort alternate mode. The HDMI 2.1 ports run 4K resolution at 60Hz, which covers multi-monitor desks, digital signage arrays, and conference room displays.

Is the Acer Chromebox CXI6 fanless?

No. It uses active cooling with a fan to manage the thermal output from its Intel Raptor Lake processors. If you need a completely silent Chromebox, consider the Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1, which is fanless but carries a less powerful Celeron processor.

How long will the Acer Chromebox CXI6 receive Chrome OS updates?

The Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date is June 2034. Until then it keeps getting security and feature updates.

Does the Acer Chromebox CXI6 support VESA mounting?

Yes, VESA mounting is supported, so the box can be installed behind a monitor or under a desk. The VESA kit is sold separately as an optional accessory rather than included in the box.