ASUS Chromebook C300SA
Updated on
Note: This Chromebook has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase new. Its Auto Update Expiration date was June 2022, meaning it no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. The information below is kept for historical reference.
The ASUS Chromebook C300SA represented a 2016 refresh of ASUS’s budget-friendly 13.3-inch Chromebook line. Building on the foundation established by the original ASUS Chromebook C300, this updated model swapped in the newer Intel Celeron N3060 processor while maintaining the same chassis design and value-oriented positioning. The C300SA targeted students and casual users who wanted a larger screen than typical 11.6-inch Chromebooks without paying premium prices, and ASUS differentiated it through color options including light blue and red variants.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 13.3-inch anti-glare display | Underpowered processor for demanding tasks |
| Completely silent fanless operation | No touchscreen capability |
| 10+ hour battery life | No keyboard backlighting |
| Available in multiple color options | 1366x768 resolution feels dated |
| Full SD card reader included | Only 1GB or 16GB storage options |
| 802.11ac WiFi future-proofing | No USB-C connectivity |
ASUS Chromebook C300SA Comparison Chart
 ASUS Chromebook C300SA | ASUS Chromebook C300SA | ASUS Chromebook C300SA | ASUS Chromebook C300SA | ASUS Chromebook C300SA | ASUS Chromebook C300SA | |
| Price | List Price: $229.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $229.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $229.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $229.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $229.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $229.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Model number | C300SA-DS02-LB | C300SA-DS02-RD | C300SA-DH02-LB | C300SA-DS02 | C300SA-DH02 | C300SA-DH02-RD |
| Performance Rating | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N3060 | Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N3060 | Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N3060 | Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N3060 | Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N3060 | Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N3060 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 1 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC | 1 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC | 1 GB eMMC | 1 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 13.3" | 13.3" | 13.3" | 13.3" | 13.3" | 13.3" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | Anti-Glare Matte LCD | Anti-Glare Matte LCD | Anti-Glare Matte LCD | Anti-Glare Matte LCD | Anti-Glare Matte LCD | Anti-Glare Matte LCD |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 13 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches (330.2 x 231.14 x 20.32 mm) | 13 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches (330.2 x 231.14 x 20.32 mm) | 13 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches (330.2 x 231.14 x 20.32 mm) | 13 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches (330.2 x 231.14 x 20.32 mm) | 13 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches (330.2 x 231.14 x 20.32 mm) | 13 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches (330.2 x 231.14 x 20.32 mm) |
| Weight | 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg) | 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg) | 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg) | 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg) | 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg) | 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Webcam | HD | HD | HD | HD | HD | HD |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 3 | 2 USB 3 | 2 USB 3 | 2 USB 3 | 2 USB 3 | 2 USB 3 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Battery | 3 cell, 48 Whrs, Lithium-ion | 3 cell, 48 Whrs, Lithium-ion | 3 cell, 48 Whrs, Lithium-ion | 3 cell, 48 Whrs, Lithium-ion | 3 cell, 48 Whrs, Lithium-ion | 3 cell, 48 Whrs, Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2022 | June, 2022 | June, 2022 | June, 2022 | June, 2022 | June, 2022 |
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Hardware and Performance
The ASUS Chromebook C300SA runs on the Intel Celeron N3060, a dual-core Braswell-architecture processor clocked at 1.6 GHz with burst speeds up to 2.48 GHz. This represented a modest upgrade over the original C300’s Bay Trail processor, offering improved power efficiency and slightly better graphics performance through Intel HD Graphics 400. In practice, the N3060 handled basic web browsing, Google Docs, and light multitasking adequately, though opening numerous browser tabs simultaneously would reveal its limitations.
The 4GB of RAM across all variants provided reasonable headroom for Chrome OS, which manages memory efficiently. However, both the RAM and eMMC storage were soldered to the motherboard with no upgrade path. Storage options ranged from a minimal 1GB (essentially requiring cloud storage dependence) to 16GB, which remained tight by 2016 standards but workable for Chromebook usage patterns.
The 48Wh battery delivered ASUS’s claimed 10-hour runtime under typical usage conditions. The fanless design meant completely silent operation regardless of workload, a genuine benefit for quiet environments like libraries and classrooms. Thermal management relied entirely on passive cooling through the aluminum chassis lid, which could become warm during sustained use but never uncomfortably hot.
Display and Design
The 13.3-inch anti-glare matte display distinguished the C300SA from smaller competitors in its price range. At 1366x768 resolution, pixel density fell below what larger screens typically warrant, resulting in visible pixelation compared to 11.6-inch panels at the same resolution. However, the anti-glare coating proved genuinely useful in varied lighting conditions, reducing reflections that plagued glossy alternatives.
ASUS designed the C300SA chassis from plastic construction with an aluminum lid, striking a balance between durability and weight. At 2.98 pounds and 0.8 inches thick, it remained reasonably portable despite the larger screen size. The light blue (DS02-LB, DH02-LB) and red (DS02-RD, DH02-RD) color variants added personality that the standard dark models lacked, appealing to younger users and students.
The keyboard offered adequate key travel without backlighting, requiring good ambient lighting for comfortable typing in darker settings. The trackpad performed basic navigation reliably, supporting Chrome OS gestures including two-finger scrolling and right-click. ASUS included an HD webcam above the display, suitable for video calls though not particularly sharp.
Connectivity
Port selection on the C300SA reflected its 2016 positioning. Two USB 3.0 ports provided reasonably fast external storage connectivity, though the absence of USB-C (which was gaining adoption that year) marked the C300SA as transitional. Full-size HDMI output enabled external display connections without adapters, and the full-size SD card reader accommodated photographers and users needing removable storage.
Wireless connectivity included 802.11 b/g/n/ac WiFi, providing the faster speeds and improved range of the 5GHz band when connected to compatible routers. Bluetooth 4.2 handled wireless accessories like headphones and mice. The absence of Ethernet kept the chassis thin but required a USB Ethernet adapter for wired network connections.
Who Was the C300SA For?
The ASUS Chromebook C300SA served a specific niche: users who wanted a larger screen Chromebook for basic productivity and web browsing without spending significantly more than smaller alternatives. Students writing papers appreciated the additional screen real estate compared to 11.6-inch models, while the anti-glare display suited varied classroom lighting. The fanless design made it classroom-friendly, generating no distracting noise during lectures or exams.
Families seeking a secondary computer for homework and light entertainment found the C300SA adequate for these purposes. The color options appealed to younger users who wanted something more distinctive than generic black or silver laptops. Budget-conscious buyers appreciated the combination of screen size and price point, even if it meant accepting the N3060’s modest performance ceiling.
Historical Context
The C300SA arrived during Chrome OS’s growth period, when Chromebooks were establishing themselves in education markets and budget computing. ASUS positioned it as an incremental update to their successful C300 line rather than a dramatic redesign, maintaining compatibility with existing accessories and familiar ergonomics. The N3060 processor offered marginal improvements over the original while keeping prices competitive.
By its June 2022 Auto Update Expiration date, the C300SA had provided six years of software support. Its legacy contributed to ASUS’s continued presence in the Chromebook market, with successors like the ASUS Chromebook C423 eventually offering USB-C and improved displays while maintaining ASUS’s value-oriented approach to larger-screen Chromebooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still use the ASUS Chromebook C300SA in 2026?
A: While the C300SA can still power on and run, it stopped receiving Chrome OS updates in June 2022. This means no security patches, no new features, and increasing website compatibility issues as web standards evolve. Using it for sensitive activities like online banking is not recommended.
Q: What is the difference between the C300SA and the original C300?
A: The C300SA featured an upgraded Intel Celeron N3060 processor (Braswell architecture) compared to the original C300’s Bay Trail-based Celeron N2830. The C300SA also offered Bluetooth 4.2 versus 4.0, slightly improved graphics performance, and additional color options including light blue and red variants.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM or storage in the ASUS Chromebook C300SA?
A: No, both the 4GB RAM and eMMC storage are soldered directly to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. Users needing more storage typically relied on cloud services, SD cards, or USB drives.
Q: Why does the C300SA have only 1GB of storage in some models?
A: Some C300SA variants shipped with minimal 1GB eMMC storage, designed for users who would store all files in Google Drive or other cloud services. These models were often priced lower and targeted heavy cloud users who didn’t need local storage.
Q: Is the ASUS Chromebook C300SA touchscreen?
A: No, the C300SA featured a standard non-touch anti-glare display. ASUS offered touchscreen options in other Chromebook lines like their Flip series, but the C300SA prioritized price over touch functionality.