Review: Chuwi LarkBox X Intel N100

Review unit provided by Chuwi

The Chuwi LarkBox X is a mini desktop PC released in 2023 that comes with Intel N100, 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, and installed with Windows 11.

Price is USD 185 at the time of review, and you can often find it cheaper from Chuwi's AliExpress store.

Bottom line

The Chuwi LarkBox X is a compact desktop computer that performs well with light computing tasks. It's able to handle multi-tasking without lag, and the fans don't even come on unless under extremely heavy workload.

For general computing needs, such as for study or office work, this mini PC works great. You can even use it to do some graphic design work when paired with a nice monitor.

The price point is extremely attractive and this is pretty good value for money. A computer like this would have cost several times more 5 years ago, and now it's easily accessible to people with tight budgets.

Specifications

• Processor: Intel Processor N100 (4 Cores (turbo up to 3.4Ghz, 4 Threads)
• RAM: 12GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 512GB Sata SSD (M.2 2280)
• Color: White
• Dimensions: 127 x 127 x 49mm
• Weight: Approx. 0.4kg
• Connectivity: WIFI 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2
• Operating System: Windows 11
• Ports: 4x USB 3.0 type A, 1x USB-C video, DisplayPort v1.2, HDMI v2, 2x LAN, 3.5mm audio jack
• Power: 12V/3A

Things included

• Chuwi LarkBox X
• 4 screws
• Mounting bracket
• Power adapter (12V/3A)
• Warranty card
• User manual

Design

The Chuwi LarkBox X measures 127 x 127 x 49mm and weighs 400g so it's really small and lightweight. Body is made with plastic but build quality is solid enough.

Shown above is the Chuwi LarkBox X and the Chuwi Freebook N100 13.5-inch laptop that I reviewed last month. Advantage of the desktop is you don't have to worry about the display or battery deteriorating with usage. Downside of course is it needs a power source and you need to get the display, keyboard and mouse separately.

Fan exhaust is located at the top.

Ports behind are

• Power
• 2x Ethernet
• 2x USB 3.0 type A
• DisplayPort v1.2
• HDMI v2

It would have been really cool if this mini PC can actually run off USB-C power instead of the barrel port.

There are two USB 3.1 gen 2 type A ports in front, and a USB-C video port. One downside of this product is there's only one USB-C port.

I measured the following transfer speeds:

• Front USB-A: 939 MB/s write, 1009 MB/s read
• Front USB-C: 954 MB/s write, 1000 MB/s read
• Back USB-A: 432 MB/s write, 443 MB/s read

This thing is so small you can even mount it to the side or underneath your table with the included mounting bracket and screws.

Performance

Windows 11 has been pre-installed and you just have to go through setup and you're in. There's no bloatware installed. Thanks, Chuwi.

Speed of the internal SSD is quite decent.

12GB of RAM is definitely enough for multi-tasking. I'm just using this for light computing tasks such as writing, editing some photos, watching videos. I can open multiple apps or tabs and overall operation is still smooth.

Fans don't usually rev up unless the computer is under extremely heavy load, and if the computer is under heavy load constantly, it probably means you've bought the wrong computer for the type of work you do.

This mini PC can run 4K resolution without issues. Shown above is the computer paired with the UPerfect UColor O2 OLED display with 2880 x 1800 resolution at 120Hz.

Conclusion

I am very impressed by the Chuwi LarkBox X, its performance and price.

Many mini PC running Windows OS will often get compared to the Apple Mac mini, currently running the M4 processor in 2024. The thing is while the Apple Mac mini is significantly more powerful, it's also 3 times more expensive at USD 599.

People often like to give recommendations without any consideration for the price. Obviously if you can spend USD 599, go for the Mac mini. But if you have a tight limited budget, the Chuwi LarkBox X for USD 180 is worth considering.

I've actually been using the Chuwi Freebook N100 laptop, with rather similar specs, for several weeks already and I'm constantly amazed by the performance given the low price point. The Chuwi LarkBox X does not come with a display or battery so you don't have to worry about those two parts deteriorating with usage.

The Chuwi LarkBox X performs well for light computing task, is good for studies and office work. Pricing is extremely affordable so the value provided is great.

Pros and cons at a glance
+ Compact lightweight design
+ Has many USB ports, LAN, HDMI, DisplayPort
+ Performs well with light computing task
+ 12GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage
+ Windows 11
+ Extremely attractive pricing
- Only one USB-C port

Availability

The Chuwi LarkBox X Intel N100 is available from Chuwi online store and AliExpress