MediaTek M8173C Chromebooks

The MediaTek M8173C (also known as MT8173C) is an ARM-based system-on-chip that brought affordable, fanless performance to Chromebooks starting in 2016. Built on a 28nm process, this processor uses a big.LITTLE architecture combining two high-performance ARM Cortex-A72 cores with two power-efficient Cortex-A53 cores. The A72 cores, which ARM introduced as successors to the power-hungry Cortex-A57 design, deliver strong single-threaded performance while the A53 cores handle lighter tasks efficiently. The chip runs at a base frequency of 1.7 GHz with boost speeds up to 2.1 GHz.

MediaTek designed the M8173C primarily for tablets before it found a second life in education Chromebooks. The processor includes integrated PowerVR GX6250 graphics with 64 shader units clocked up to 700 MHz, capable of handling 4K video decoding via hardware acceleration for H.265 and VP9 codecs. Memory support extends to LPDDR3 with dual 32-bit channels providing up to 14.9 GB/s bandwidth. Unlike MediaTek’s later Kompanio processors that emphasize octa-core designs, the M8173C prioritizes per-core performance over raw parallelism.

In the Chromebook market, the M8173C carved out a niche as a budget-friendly alternative to Intel Celeron processors of the era. It powered several popular devices from Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS between 2016 and 2021, with original launch prices typically ranging from $200 to $400. While newer ARM chips like the MediaTek Kompanio 500 and 520 have since replaced it, many M8173C Chromebooks remain functional with Chrome OS updates extending through 2025-2028 depending on the specific model.

Performance

The MediaTek M8173C scores approximately 9,575 on the Octane 2.0 JavaScript benchmark, the primary metric for measuring Chromebook responsiveness. This places it in the lower-mid tier of Chromebook processors. For comparison, the similarly-aged Rockchip RK3399 scores about 9,944, while Intel’s entry-level Celeron N3060 manages only 8,714. The M8173C’s Octane score falls well below the 20,000+ scores of newer processors like the Intel Celeron N4000 or MediaTek Kompanio 500.

In Geekbench 4 testing, NotebookCheck measured the M8173C at 1,451 single-core and 2,570 multi-core. The Cortex-A72 cores provide respectable per-thread performance, roughly matching what Intel achieved with their Celeron N3060 of the same era. PassMark ranks the MT8173 as the 3966th fastest CPU in multi-threading out of 5,514 CPUs tested, placing it firmly in entry-level territory but above older ARM alternatives like the Rockchip RK3288 (Octane: 7,103) and Samsung Exynos 5 Octa (Octane: 7,100).

What do these numbers mean in real-world use? Reviewers consistently describe the M8173C as adequate for basic Chrome OS tasks but limited when pushed. Lon Seidman characterized it as “quick and responsive” for everyday use, while TechRadar compared it unfavorably to similarly priced Intel options, noting struggles with more than 4-5 simultaneous browser tabs. The fanless, passively-cooled design enabled by the 4-6 watt TDP means completely silent operation, and NotebookCheck measured surface temperatures of just 30.6 degrees Celsius under sustained load. For web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and Google Classroom work, the M8173C handles the basics. Users expecting to multitask heavily or run demanding Android apps will encounter its limitations.

Ideal Use Cases

The MediaTek M8173C excels in budget-friendly Chromebooks for students and casual users who prioritize battery life and portability over raw performance. Every M8173C Chromebook features fanless operation, making them ideal for quiet environments like classrooms, libraries, and shared study spaces. The 10-12 hour battery life typical of these devices means students can work through a full school day without hunting for power outlets.

Education deployments proved particularly successful for M8173C Chromebooks. The ASUS Chromebook C202XA earned MIL-STD-810G certification for drop resistance and included spill-resistant keyboards, while Lenovo’s C330 and S330 models offered affordable 2-in-1 convertible designs popular with schools. The ARM architecture’s power efficiency translated to excellent battery life and cool, quiet operation. For Google Classroom, basic research, writing assignments, and video calls, these devices deliver adequate performance at budget-friendly prices.

Media consumption is another strength. The PowerVR GX6250 GPU handles 1080p video streaming smoothly, and hardware video decoding supports 4K content from YouTube, Netflix, and other services. Casual Android games run acceptably, and the touchscreens on convertible models like the Acer Chromebook R 13 and Lenovo Chromebook C330 enhance the tablet-mode experience.

However, the M8173C is not suitable for power users, developers, or anyone planning to run Linux applications through Crostini. Heavy browser multitasking causes noticeable slowdowns, and demanding Android apps may stutter. Content creation, video editing, and professional productivity work will feel frustratingly slow. Users who need responsive performance beyond basic tasks should consider Chromebooks with Intel Celeron N4020/N4500 processors or newer MediaTek Kompanio chips.

What to Look For

All MediaTek M8173C Chromebooks shipped with 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM, which is adequate for light use but becomes a bottleneck with many browser tabs open. Since RAM is soldered and not upgradeable, this limitation is permanent. Expect Chrome OS to reload background tabs once you exceed 10-15 open tabs, especially with Android apps running simultaneously. This is simply a constraint of the platform that must be accepted when choosing an M8173C device.

Storage configurations typically range from 32GB to 64GB of eMMC flash. For users primarily working in Google Drive, 32GB works but feels tight after installing several Android apps. The 64GB option on models like the Lenovo Chromebook S330 (81JW0000US) or Acer Chromebook R 13 provides meaningful breathing room. Every M8173C Chromebook includes an SD card slot for storage expansion, though microSD cards run slower than internal storage for app installation.

Display quality varies significantly across M8173C models. The Acer Chromebook R 13 stands out with a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS touchscreen that reviewers praised for color accuracy (Delta E of 3.99) and contrast (835:1). However, most other M8173C Chromebooks feature 11.6-inch displays at 1366x768 resolution. The Lenovo Chromebook S330 offers a 14-inch screen, but the base model uses a TN panel that should be avoided. If display quality matters, the Acer R 13 or the Full HD version of the S330 are better choices.

The Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date is critical when considering these older devices. The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 (82HG0000US) extends through June 2028, offering the longest remaining support window among M8173C Chromebooks. The ASUS Chromebook C202XA reaches June 2027, the Acer Chromebook R 13 expires August 2026, and the Lenovo Chromebook C330 and S330 ended support in June 2025. At this point, only the Flex 3 and C202XA models remain viable purchases, and only at significant discounts reflecting their entry-level performance and limited remaining update period.