Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1

Published on February 5, 2026

The Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1 takes Chrome OS into the commercial signage space with an ultra-compact, fanless design built for continuous operation. Measuring just 6.3 x 4.7 x 1.3 inches, this B2B-focused Chromebox fits behind virtually any display and delivers triple-monitor output through two HDMI 1.4b ports and a USB-C DisplayPort connection. Powered by the Intel Celeron N4500, the CXM1 handles digital signage, kiosk applications, and basic productivity tasks while generating no fan noise whatsoever. The H1 security chip adds hardware-backed protection for commercial deployments where security matters. For businesses seeking a managed Chrome OS device for displays, point-of-sale terminals, or thin-client workstations, the Chromebox Mini offers an appealing combination of compact size, silent operation, and enterprise manageability.

Pros and Cons of the Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1

Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1 Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1
Price	List Price: $319.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	DT.Z49AA.001
Perfomance Rating	4.5
Chromebook Plus	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4500
RAM	8 GB
Internal Storage	64 GB eMMC
Screen Size	No Screen
Screen Resolution	No Screen
Screen Type	No Screen
Touch Screen	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	6.3 x 4.7 x 1.3 inches (160.02 x 119.38 x 33.02 mm)
Weight	unknown
Backlit Keyboard	No
Webcam	No Webcam
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	Yes
Cellular Modem	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	5 USB 3, 1 USB-C 5x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (2 front, 3 rear) and 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port with DisplayPort support
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Battery	No Battery
Battery Life	Unknown
Fanless	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2031

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1

The Chromebox Mini CXM1’s design prioritizes commercial deployment over consumer aesthetics. At just 6.3 x 4.7 x 1.3 inches, the unit is small enough to disappear behind most monitors using the included VESA mounting kit. The completely fanless thermal design means zero moving parts and zero noise—critical for environments like retail displays, waiting rooms, or conference spaces where ambient noise matters. Acer achieved this passive cooling by pairing the efficient Intel Celeron N4500 with a compact aluminum-reinforced chassis that dissipates heat without fans.

Port selection focuses on display connectivity and essential peripherals. The rear panel houses two HDMI 1.4b outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, and the majority of the USB ports. The front provides quick access to additional USB-A ports for keyboards, mice, or USB drives. The single USB-C port supports DisplayPort alternate mode, enabling a third display and providing a workaround for the HDMI ports’ 4K@30Hz limitation—connecting via USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter enables 4K@60Hz output. WiFi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 handle wireless connectivity, putting the CXM1 on par with current consumer devices despite its commercial focus.

The Intel Celeron N4500 inside the CXM1 offers two cores and two threads with a base clock of 1.10 GHz that can turbo up to 2.80 GHz. This processor scores approximately 1,807 on PassMark’s CPU benchmark—adequate for Chrome OS’s optimized workloads but modest compared to more powerful mini PCs. The 8GB of LPDDR4X memory comes soldered to the board, as does the 64GB eMMC storage. Neither can be upgraded after purchase, so this configuration represents the ceiling for this device. Chrome OS’s efficiency helps mask these hardware limitations during typical use, but demanding scenarios like simultaneous video streams or heavy web applications may reveal the Celeron’s constraints.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1

BizPlay Review

BizPlay’s review evaluated the Chromebox Mini CXM1 specifically for digital signage deployment. The reviewer praised the compact form factor as ideal for mounting behind displays, noting the unit “fits well behind monitors due to compact size.” ChromeOS kiosk mode eliminated manual configuration headaches, and the automatic background system updates meant no disruptive prompts during operation. When properly configured, “all content displays razor-sharp.”

However, the review uncovered a significant limitation with video output. The HDMI 1.4b ports only support 4K at 30Hz, which causes visible issues with animated content. “At 30Hz, such a news ticker is very unpleasant to read,” the reviewer noted. The workaround involves using a USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter to achieve 4K@60Hz, which resolved the animation smoothness problem entirely. Once running at the higher refresh rate, the device handled videos and animations smoothly, though simultaneous heavy animations could cause slight jerkiness due to the basic processor. BizPlay ultimately recommended the CXM1 as “an excellent newcomer” offering “excellent performance at a competitive price,” provided users select appropriate video connection hardware.

The professional consensus positions the Chromebox Mini CXM1 as a solid choice for its intended commercial signage role, with the HDMI refresh rate limitation being the primary technical consideration for deployment planning.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1 fills a specific niche in the Chrome OS ecosystem—enterprise and commercial deployments where compact size, silent operation, and manageability matter more than raw performance. Its fanless design makes it genuinely useful for digital signage, kiosk terminals, and thin-client scenarios where noise would be disruptive. The triple-display support provides flexibility for multi-monitor configurations, though planners should budget for USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapters if smooth 4K@60Hz output is required.

This Chromebox isn’t positioned for consumer retail, which limits its accessibility but also signals Acer’s focus on commercial support and deployment tooling. Businesses already invested in Chrome Enterprise management will find the CXM1 integrates seamlessly into existing deployments. The H1 security chip adds meaningful protection for scenarios handling sensitive data or transactions. With Chrome OS updates guaranteed until June 2031, the CXM1 offers a reasonable lifecycle for commercial hardware investments.

For users seeking a personal Chromebox, options like the Acer Chromebox CXI3 (on the used market) or newer consumer-focused models may better fit typical home and office needs. The Chromebox Mini excels in the specific scenarios it targets—silent, compact, managed Chrome OS computing for commercial applications.

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