THE HARD WORK IS ALREADY DONE! This is NOT a standard restricted Chromebox. This unit has been professionally modified to function as a fully unlocked, standard x86 Mini PC.
I have physically removed the internal Write Protect screw and flashed the MrChromebox UEFI Custom Firmware. This device is no longer locked to ChromeOS. It behaves just like a standard Intel NUC or desktop PC—you can install Windows, Linux, Home Assistant OS, pfSense, Proxmox, etc., right from a USB drive.
Perfect For:
Home Assistant / Home Automation Hub: More powerful and reliable than a Raspberry Pi, with a real SSD and case included.
Network Appliance: Run Pi-Hole, AdGuard Home, or a lightweight firewall.
Media Server: Great for a Plex or Jellyfin server, with Intel QSV supported by the processor.
Thin Client / Kiosk: Excellent for digital signage.
If you are looking at building a Home Lab, consider the math:
Raspberry Pi 5 Setup: ~$125 (8GB Board) + $15 (Power Supply) + $10 (Case) + $10 (SD Card) = ~$160.00+
This Acer Mini PC has EVERYTHING INCLUDED for the price!
Why choose this over a Pi?
✅ x86 Intel Architecture: Runs standard versions of Docker, Plex, and Game Servers without compatibility headaches.
✅ Real SSD Storage: Includes a reliable M.2 SSD. No more corrupted SD cards!
✅ Intel QuickSync: Superior hardware transcoding for Plex/Jellyfin (The Pi 5 lacks hardware video encoding).
✅ Complete Package: Comes in a polished commercial case with a genuine power supply. No assembly required.
Specifications:
Model: Acer Chromebox CXI3
CPU: Intel i3-7130U (Dual Core, Low Power, Highly Efficient)
RAM: 8GB DDR4 (Upgradable - 2 slots total)
Storage: 64GB M.2 SSD (Upgradable)
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth
Ports: USB 3.0, HDMI, USB-C
Condition: The device is in good used condition. It has been tested and boots perfectly into the UEFI menu, ready for your operating system installation.
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE - PLEASE READ: This device does NOT run the original ChromeOS and does NOT support Android Apps (Google Play Store). It is intended for users who want to run Linux, Windows, or other custom operating systems.
What's in the box:
Acer CXI3 Unit
Original Power Adapter