A Chromebox is a compact desktop computer that runs Google's ChromeOS. The facts we have about Google's Chromebox are limited to pages about showing google.com in an iframe, Google Meet live streaming, Gmail sign-in and Google Maps scripts, so we could not confirm its processor, RAM, storage or other hardware specifications. The Thinvent products below are small-form-factor PCs that run Windows, Linux or DOS, and they are the closest alternatives for buyers who want a compact desktop with a known set of specifications.
Google Chromebox vs Thinvent Mini PC Alternatives
| Google Chromebox | Thinvent Aero Mini PC, Intel Core i3 | Thinvent Industrial PC IPC3, Intel Core i3 | Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5, Intel Core i7 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Not confirmed | Intel Core i3-1215U | Intel Core i3-1215U | Intel Core i7-1255U |
| Cores/Threads | Not confirmed | 6 cores | 6 cores | 10 cores |
| RAM | Not confirmed | Up to 64 GB | Up to 64 GB | Up to 64 GB |
| Storage | Not confirmed | 128 GB SSD | Up to 2 TB SSD | Up to 2 TB SSD |
| Form Factor | Not confirmed | Mini PC | Industrial PC | Industrial PC |
| Operating System | ChromeOS | FreeDOS (Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 IoT Value, Ubuntu Linux, Thinux Embedded Linux or without OS also available) | FreeDOS (Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 IoT Value, Ubuntu Linux, Thinux Embedded Linux or without OS also available) | FreeDOS (Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 IoT Value, Ubuntu Linux, Thinux Embedded Linux or without OS also available) |
Key differences
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The Thinvent Aero Mini PC, IPC3 and IPC5 all support up to 64 GB of RAM. We could not confirm the Google Chromebox's RAM maximum.
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The Thinvent IPC3 and IPC5 support up to 2 TB of SSD storage. The Thinvent Aero Mini PC with its 128 GB SSD is the smaller-storage option.
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The Thinvent IPC3 and IPC5 are fanless industrial PCs with aluminium housings, rated for 0°C to 50°C operation. The Thinvent Aero Mini PC is rated for 0°C to 35°C.
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The Thinvent IPC5 has two Ethernet ports and Dual Band Wi-Fi 5, while the Aero Mini PC and IPC3 have no Wi-Fi.
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The Google Chromebox runs ChromeOS. Thinvent products let you choose Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 IoT Value, Ubuntu Linux, Thinux Embedded Linux, or no operating system.
Which one should you choose?
Choose a Chromebox if you want a Google-managed desktop running ChromeOS. Choose a Thinvent product if you need to pick your own operating system, add significant RAM or storage, or run the computer in a rugged, fanless enclosure. The Thinvent Aero Mini PC suits compact desktop use, the IPC3 suits industrial installations, and the IPC5 suits buyers who need dual LAN and Wi-Fi.
