Updated October 2026
Data from the official Asus and Geekom sites.
2026 verdict
ChromeOS versus Windows at the budget end, and the Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB) wins this mini PC comparison.
It leads on price, 8GB versus 4GB, and 256GB versus 128GB, with Windows 11 Pro and a three-year warranty. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) runs ChromeOS, and is the one with two HDMI 2.1 outputs, a full DisplayPort 1.4, Bluetooth 5.4 and up to four 4K screens. Choose the Mini Air12 as a cheap Windows terminal; choose the Chromebox 5a when a managed ChromeOS kiosk or video wall is the job.
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The biggest differences
Where these two are furthest apart, and by how much.
- Memory Capacity2×Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB)8 GB vs 4 GB
- Storage Capacity2×Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB)256 GB vs 128 GB
| Feature | Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) | Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $269.00 | Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB) |
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.3 | Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) |
| Memory Capacity | 4 GB | 8 GB | Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB) |
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB | 256 GB | Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB) |
| CPU Model | Intel Celeron 7305 | Intel Pentium Gold 7505 | Different strengths |
| Memory Configuration | Single-channel | Dual-channel | Different strengths |
| GPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics (48 EUs) | Different strengths |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR4 | Tie |
$399.00
- + Rating: 4.4
- - Price: $399.00 vs $269.00
- - Memory Capacity: 4 GB vs 8 GB
Winner
10% OFF
$269.00
$299.00
- + Price: $269.00
- + Memory Capacity: 8 GB
- + Storage Capacity: 256 GB
- - Rating: 4.3 vs 4.4
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) or Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB)?
The Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB) is better overall on price, memory capacity and storage. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) is the ChromeOS option with richer video outputs.
What is the biggest difference between Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) and Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB)?
The operating system. The Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB) runs Windows 11 Pro with 8GB of DDR4 and a 256GB SSD. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) runs ChromeOS with 4GB of DDR4-3200 and a 128GB SSD.
How do the display outputs compare?
The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) has two HDMI 2.1 outputs, a DisplayPort 1.4 and USB-C video. The Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB) has one HDMI 2.0 and one Mini DisplayPort 1.4.
Who should buy the Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB)?
Buyers who want a cheap Windows 11 Pro Pentium box with 8GB, 256GB and a three-year warranty should choose the Geekom Mini Air12 (Pentium 7505 8GB + 256GB).
Who should buy the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)?
Buyers who want ChromeOS, four-display video and a managed Celeron kiosk or signage box should choose the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB).
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