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A Guide to K-12 Chromebook CPUs

Written by Robert Baker



A Guide to K-12 Chromebook CPUs: Understanding Your Options

Chromebooks have become a popular choice in K-12 education due to their simplicity, durability, and affordability. A key component that significantly impacts a Chromebook's performance is its Central Processing Unit (CPU). Let's delve into the different types of CPUs found in Chromebooks and how they might be relevant for K-12 student use or in classroom settings.

Intel CPUs

Intel is a leading manufacturer of processors, and its chips are commonly found in Chromebooks. Here are some popular Intel options and how they might be relevant for K-12:

  • Intel Core i3: This is a budget-friendly option that offers decent performance for everyday tasks like browsing the web, using productivity apps, and streaming videos. It's suitable for general classroom use and basic student tasks.
  • Intel Core i5: Stepping up from the i3, the i5 provides enhanced performance, making it suitable for more demanding workloads like video editing, running multiple applications simultaneously, or using educational software that requires more processing power. This might be ideal for classrooms with advanced technology needs or for students working on more intensive projects.
  • Intel Celeron: These processors are designed for entry-level Chromebooks and offer basic performance for general web browsing and light productivity tasks. They might be suitable for younger students or classrooms with limited budgets.
  • Intel N100/N200: These are newer, energy-efficient processors specifically designed for Chromebooks. They offer good performance for everyday tasks while extending battery life. They might be a good choice for classrooms that prioritize battery life or for students who frequently use their Chromebooks on the go.

Intel N100 and N200

The Intel N100 and N200 processors are specifically designed for Chromebooks and offer a balance of performance and energy efficiency. Here's a breakdown of how they compare to the Intel i3 and i5 processors:

  • Performance:

    • N100: The N100 is a more budget-friendly option that offers solid performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light gaming. It's generally comparable to a lower-end Intel Core i3 processor.
    • N200: The N200 is a slightly more powerful processor than the N100. It's capable of handling more demanding tasks like video editing and running multiple applications simultaneously. It's comparable to a mid-range Intel Core i3 or a lower-end Intel Core i5.
    • i3: The Intel Core i3 offers generally better performance than the N100 and N200, especially for multitasking and demanding applications. It's a good choice for students who need a more powerful processor.
    • i5: The Intel Core i5 is the most powerful option among these processors. It's suitable for demanding workloads like video editing, gaming, and running multiple applications simultaneously.

  • Energy Efficiency:

    • N100/N200: Both the N100 and N200 are designed for energy efficiency, which can lead to longer battery life. They're particularly suitable for classrooms that prioritize battery life or for students who frequently use their Chromebooks on the go.
    • i3/i5: While the i3 and i5 processors are also energy-efficient, they tend to consume more power than the N100 and N200, especially when performing demanding tasks.

 

MediaTek (MTK) CPUs

MediaTek is another popular chip manufacturer, and its processors are increasingly found in Chromebooks. MTK CPUs often offer competitive performance and value. Here are some specific MTK models commonly used in Chromebooks and their potential relevance for K-12:

  • MT8183: This is a popular mid-range MTK processor that offers good performance for everyday tasks and decent battery life. It's suitable for general classroom use and most student needs.
  • MT8768: A more powerful MTK processor, the MT8768 is suitable for demanding workloads like video editing and gaming. It might be ideal for classrooms with advanced technology needs or for students working on multimedia projects.
  • MT8173: This is a budget-friendly MTK processor that provides basic performance for web browsing and light productivity. It might be suitable for younger students or classrooms with limited budgets.

ARM CPUs

ARM is a different architecture compared to Intel and MTK, and ARM-based CPUs are becoming more common in Chromebooks. Here are some specific ARM models used in Chromebooks and their potential relevance for K-12:

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c: This is a popular ARM processor that offers good performance and battery life for everyday tasks. It's suitable for general classroom use and most student needs.
  • MediaTek Kompanio 500: Another ARM processor, the Kompanio 500 provides solid performance and is often used in mid-range Chromebooks. It might be a good choice for classrooms that prioritize battery life or for students who frequently use their Chromebooks on the go.
  • Samsung Exynos: Samsung also produces ARM-based processors for Chromebooks, offering competitive performance and often used in premium models. It might be suitable for classrooms with advanced technology needs or for students working on demanding projects.

AMD CPUs

AMD, while less common in Chromebooks compared to Intel, MediaTek, and ARM, has produced CPUs for these devices. AMD Chromebooks often offer competitive performance and can be a good choice for users seeking an alternative to Intel.

  • AMD Ryzen: AMD's Ryzen series of processors has been used in some Chromebooks, providing good performance for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. It might be ideal for classrooms with advanced technology needs or for students working on multimedia projects.
  • AMD Athlon: AMD's Athlon series offers more budget-friendly options, suitable for general web browsing and productivity tasks. It might be suitable for younger students or classrooms with limited budgets.

Multi-Core Processors

Many modern Chromebooks feature multi-core processors. This means the CPU has multiple cores that can work simultaneously to improve performance. Multi-core processors can be particularly beneficial for K-12 students who frequently multitask or work on demanding applications.

Choosing the Right CPU

When selecting Chromebooks for your K-12 environment, consider the following factors:

  • Intended Use: Determine the primary tasks students will be performing on the Chromebooks. If they'll be doing heavy multitasking or running demanding applications, a more powerful CPU might be necessary.
  • Budget: The cost of the Chromebook will often be influenced by the type of CPU it uses. Set a budget and choose a CPU that aligns with your financial constraints.
  • Battery Life: If battery life is a priority, look for Chromebooks with energy-efficient CPUs like ARM-based options or newer Intel N-series processors.

Tech to School carries a wide range of Chromebooks designed for use inside of K-12 from all of the top brands. We can help you find the right device that meets the technical specs and budget requirements for your school.

You can shop for K-12 Chromebooks here >

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