Mini PCs · Head to head

Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) vs Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Asus and Beelink sites.
2026 verdict
A Core Ultra 9 and 32GB of DDR5 against a Celeron with 4GB: the Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB) wins this mini PC comparison over the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB).
Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)
Winner
Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)

Last recorded price

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It wins on memory type, memory speed, memory capacity and storage capacity, and unlike the Chromebox it runs a full desktop platform with a Thunderbolt 4 port, 2.5G Ethernet and memory that expands to 96GB. The Asus Chromebox 5a keeps the edge in maintenance and ports: ChromeOS needs little upkeep and the box drives four displays through seven USB ports for less money. Buy the Beelink SEi14 for desktop-class power, virtual machines and Thunderbolt; buy the Asus Chromebox 5a for signage, classrooms and browser-only work.
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FeatureAsus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)Winner
Rating4.54.4Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
Memory TypeDDR4DDR5Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)
Memory Speed3200 MT/s5600 MT/sBeelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)
Memory Capacity4 GB32 GBBeelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)
Storage Capacity128 GB1 TBBeelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)
CPU ModelIntel Celeron 7305Intel Core Ultra 9 185HDifferent strengths
Memory ConfigurationSingle-channelDual-channelDifferent strengths
GPU ModelIntel UHD GraphicsIntel Arc GraphicsDifferent strengths

What the differences mean

Operating system and platform

The Asus Chromebox 5a runs ChromeOS on a Celeron 7305, while the Beelink SEi14 is a general-purpose desktop with a Core Ultra 9 and Thunderbolt 4. ChromeOS covers web and Android apps; the SEi14 covers virtual machines, creative software and desktop tools.

Memory

The Asus Chromebox 5a starts with 4GB of single-channel DDR4-3200 and accepts 16GB. The Beelink SEi14 ships 32GB of dual-channel DDR5-5600 and reaches 96GB. Both can be upgraded, but the SEi14 starts far ahead.

Storage

128GB in the Asus Chromebox 5a against 1TB in the Beelink SEi14, both on M.2 drives. The Chromebox relies on cloud storage, while the SEi14 can hold a working library locally.

Thunderbolt and ports

The Beelink SEi14 has a true Thunderbolt 4 port, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4. The Asus Chromebox 5a has no Thunderbolt, but it offers more USB ports, a micro SD reader and four video outputs.

Networking and wireless

The Beelink SEi14 has 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6; the Asus Chromebox 5a has Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E. Wired, the SEi14 is quicker; wireless, the Chromebox has the newer standard.

Chassis and extras

The Asus Chromebox 5a is an 800g box with a micro SD slot; the Beelink SEi14 is a 750g aluminium chassis. Neither includes a VESA mount or a fingerprint sensor.

Which one to buy if

  • the machine is for signage, a classroom or browser-only work
    Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)

    The Asus Chromebox 5a runs ChromeOS with little upkeep and drives four displays.

  • you need virtual machines, creative software or desktop tools
    Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)

    The Beelink SEi14 runs a Core Ultra 9 with 32GB and supports the heavier workloads ChromeOS cannot.

  • you want Thunderbolt 4
    Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)

    The Beelink SEi14 has a true Thunderbolt 4 port; the Asus Chromebox 5a has none.

  • you want the most USB ports and displays for the money
    Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)

    The Asus Chromebox 5a offers seven USB ports and four video outputs at a lower price.

  • you are building a home server
    Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)

    Beelink SEi14 owners run Proxmox, Plex and virtual machines on it around the clock.

What owners say

Owners of the Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB) describe it as a compact workhorse that punches above its size. They report the Core Ultra 9 chip and 32GB of RAM running virtual machines, Plex and remote-work apps without strain, and several keep it on day and night as a home server. Thunderbolt 4, expandable DDR5 and the 2.5G Ethernet port are the features owners single out, and they call setup quick. The recurring complaint is fan noise under heavy load, with a few reports of performance that felt below the specification and one of Bluetooth dropouts over time. Buyers also note the missing SD slot, fingerprint sensor and VESA mount, and that DisplayPort needs a properly rated cable.

Price history compared

Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.

  • Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
  • Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)

Loading price history...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) or Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)?

The Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB) is the stronger computer, with a Core Ultra 9, 32GB of DDR5, 1TB of storage and Thunderbolt 4. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) wins on price, port count and the near-zero maintenance of ChromeOS, which suits kiosks and classrooms.

What is the biggest difference between the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) and the Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)?

The platform and memory. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) is a ChromeOS device with a Celeron and 4GB of DDR4, while the Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB) is a full desktop with a Core Ultra 9, 32GB of DDR5 and a Thunderbolt 4 port.

Can the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) run Windows software?

No, it runs ChromeOS, which supports web and Android apps but not native Windows programs. If you need desktop software, the Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB) is the more suitable of the pair.

Can you upgrade the memory on the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) and the Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)?

Yes, both use SO-DIMM modules. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) accepts up to 16GB of DDR4, and the Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB) accepts up to 96GB of DDR5. Storage is replaceable on both.

Which is better for a home server, the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) or the Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)?

The Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB). Its owners commonly run Proxmox, Plex and multiple virtual machines on it, helped by 32GB of RAM, 2.5G Ethernet and Thunderbolt 4. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) is not built for that workload.

Who should buy the Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB), and who should buy the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)?

Buy the Beelink SEi14 (32GB + 1TB) for virtualisation, creative work, Thunderbolt 4 and a compact home server. Buy the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) for signage, classrooms and browser-only desktops where low cost and low maintenance matter most.

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