Updated October 2026
Data from the official Asus and Beelink sites.
2026 verdict
The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) wins this pair on memory, storage and the software it can run.
It ships 16GB of DDR4 SODIMM memory and a 480GB NVMe drive against the 4GB and 128GB in the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB), and it runs Windows 11 Pro rather than ChromeOS, so Windows and Linux applications are open to it. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) is not without a case: it is the cheaper and better reviewed of the two, drives up to four displays through seven USB ports, and adds Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.4 plus a micro SD reader. Choose the Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) for a general-purpose desktop; choose the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) for a locked-down browser and signage box where ChromeOS simplicity is the point.
News by email
Still comparing? Get what's new by email
New releases and the smart home news worth knowing, in your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.
The biggest differences
Where these two are furthest apart, and by how much.
- Memory Capacity4×Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB)16 GB vs 4 GB
- Storage Capacity3.8×Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB)480 GB vs 128 GB
| Feature | Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) | Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $389.00 | Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) |
| Memory Capacity | 4 GB | 16 GB | Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) |
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB | 480 GB | Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) |
| CPU Model | Intel Celeron 7305 | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | Different strengths |
| Memory Configuration | Single-channel | Dual-slot | Different strengths |
| GPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics (7 cores) | Different strengths |
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.4 | Tie |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR4 | Tie |
| Memory Speed | 3200 MT/s | 3200 MT/s | Tie |
What the differences mean
Operating system
The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) runs ChromeOS, with automatic background updates and Android apps from Google Play. The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) runs Windows 11 Pro, which is the difference between a browser appliance and a machine that installs traditional desktop software.
Processor and memory
The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) runs a six-core Ryzen 5 5500U with 16GB of dual-channel DDR4 across two SO-DIMM slots. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) uses an entry-level Celeron 7305 with 4GB, so it is the lighter machine for its intended browser workload.
Storage
The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) includes a 480GB M.2 NVMe drive that can be replaced with up to 4TB. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) starts at 128GB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage, workable for ChromeOS but tight for anything more.
Displays and ports
The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) drives up to four displays through two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 and a USB-C output, and carries seven USB ports. The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) drives three screens through HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C and offers three USB ports.
Wired and wireless networking
The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) has 2.5G Ethernet with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) settles for Gigabit Ethernet but counters with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4.
Which one to buy if
- you need to run Windows or Linux applications
The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) ships Windows 11 Pro, while the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) runs ChromeOS and cannot install native desktop software.
- you want the lowest price and the simplest upkeep
The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) costs less, updates itself, and is the better reviewed of the two.
- you drive several displays or many peripherals
The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) supports up to four displays and seven USB ports, more than the three displays and three USB ports on the Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB).
- you need more memory, storage or a faster wired link
The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) has 16GB of upgradeable memory, a 480GB drive and 2.5G Ethernet, ahead of the 4GB, 128GB and Gigabit Ethernet on the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB).
- it is for a classroom, kiosk or digital signage fleets
ChromeOS on the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) is managed centrally and resists tampering, which suits fixed browser-only installs.
$399.00
- - Price: $399.00 vs $389.00
- - Memory Capacity: 4 GB vs 16 GB
Winner
13% OFF
Prime exclusive deal$389.00
$449.00
- + Price: $389.00
- + Memory Capacity: 16 GB
- + Storage Capacity: 480 GB
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) or Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB)?
The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) for general use, since it ships more memory and storage and runs Windows 11 Pro. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) is the better fit for a cheap, low-maintenance ChromeOS fleet.
What is the biggest difference between the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) and the Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB)?
The operating system. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) runs ChromeOS and cannot install native Windows or macOS programs, while the Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) runs Windows 11 Pro and can also host Linux.
Can the memory and storage be upgraded on these two?
Both allow changes. The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) takes DDR4 SO-DIMM memory up to 64GB and an M.2 drive up to 4TB. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) accepts DDR4 memory up to 16GB and a replacement NVMe drive from 128GB to 512GB.
Which has better connectivity, the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) or the Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB)?
The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) for ports and displays, with seven USB ports and four display outputs. The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) has the faster wired link at 2.5G and three display outputs.
Who should buy the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)?
Schools, kiosks and signage setups that live in a browser and want minimal maintenance, and buyers who want the cheapest machine here with the most display outputs.
Who should buy the Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB)?
Anyone who needs a real Windows desktop for office work, media and light creative tasks, with more memory, more storage and a faster network connection.
Spotted something wrong on this page? Tell us and we will fix it.
Our store on AmazonShop our ideas on AmazonLists of the smart home setups we would put together ourselves, ready to add to your Amazon cart.Shop on AmazonFull comparison table
Compare all 109 Mini PCs side by side
You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all Mini PCs in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.
- 109 Mini PCs
- 41 specs compared
- 38 filters
- Mini PCs
K15 (32GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
NUC 15 Pro+ (Ultra 9 32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)
- Mini PCs
NUC 13 Pro Slim (i7 16GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
SEi14 (32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
MS-03 (Ultra 9 64GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
GT1 Mega Ultra 5
- Mini PCs
MS-S1 Max (128GB + 2TB)
- Mini PCs
MS-S1 Max (64GB + 2TB)
- Mini PCs
Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
M1-1390 (32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
M1 Pro-125H (32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
UM870 Slim (32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
UM880 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
X1 Lite-255 (32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
G1 Pro (32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
Ascent GX10 (128GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
NUC 13 Pro Slim (i7 16GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
NUC 14 Pro Tall (Ultra 7 32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
NUC 15 Pro+ (Ultra 9 32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
NUC 15 Pro Slim (Core 5 16GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
NUC 16 Pro (Ultra 7 16GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
NUC 16 Pro (Ultra X7 32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)
- Mini PCs
ROG NUC 16 (RTX 5060 32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
ROG NUC 16 (RTX 5070 Ti 32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
ROG NUC 16 (RTX 5080 32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
ROG NUC 16 (RTX 5080 64GB + 2TB)
- Mini PCs
ROG NUC 2025 (RTX 5070 32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
ROG NUC 2025 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)
- Mini PCs
ROG NUC 2025 (RTX 5070 Ti 32GB + 2TB)
- Mini PCs
ROG NUC 2025 (RTX 5080 32GB + 2TB)
- Routers
ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI
- Routers
ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro
- Routers
ROG Strix GS-BE12000
- Routers
RT-BE55
- Mini PCs
EQ mini (12GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB)
- Mini PCs
EQi13 (16GB + 500GB)
- Mini PCs
EQi13 (24GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB)
- Mini PCs
EQR5 (7330U 16GB + 500GB)
- Mini PCs
EQR7 (7735U 16GB + 500GB)
- Mini PCs
EQR7 (7735U 24GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
EQR7 (7735U 24GB + 500GB)
- Mini PCs
GTi14 (32GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
GTi15 Ultra (64GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
GTi15 Ultra (64GB + 2TB)
- Mini PCs
GTi15 Ultra (96GB + 2TB)
- Mini PCs
GTR9 Pro (128GB + 2TB)
- Mini PCs
ME mini (N150 12GB + 64GB)
- Mini PCs
ME mini (N95 12GB + 64GB)
- Mini PCs
ME Pro (N150 16GB + 1TB)
- Mini PCs
Mini S12 (N95 12GB + 500GB)
- Mini PCs
Mini S12 (N95 8GB + 480GB)
- Mini PCs
Mini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB)