Why you can trust Windows Central
Our experts spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best one for you. Learn more about our testing.
CHUWI is a Shenzhen-based computer brand that has been around since 2004, offering affordable devices in the form of laptops, tablets, and more recently, mini PCs.
While I’ve tested CHUWI laptops in the past, the AuBox X 256V the company sent me is its first. mini PC I had a chance to test it.
It is super compact, has a fast feature Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPUand has many ports to work with.
I’ve been using the CHUWI AuBox X on my desk for a few weeks now; Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
Cale Hunt
I have over a decade of experience testing Windows PCs, and I’m always happy to give an unbiased review of new hardware after thorough, real-world testing.
CHUWI has not seen or reported the content of this review prior to publication.
How much is CHUWI AuBox X?
CHUWI’s AuBox Xi is now available for direct purchase CHUWI store.
More affordable model with Intel Core Ultra 5 226V CPU, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, It costs $679 – this includes tax.
The high-end model I’m reviewing here, with an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, It costs $829. Again, this is inclusive of tax.
CHUWI is offering an exclusive $80 discount for Windows Central readers. Use the code at checkout WindowsCentralAuBoxX.
These configurations are effectively locked; if you want more memory, you can upgrade after purchase. Unfortunately, the memory is soldered to the chip and cannot be upgraded.
Here’s a quick look at the features that make up the CHUWI AuBox X 256V as reviewed.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
CHUWI AuBox X (256V) |
|
CPU |
Intel Core Ultra 7 256V |
|
GPU |
Intel Arc 140V (integrated) |
|
NPU |
47 TOPS |
|
RAM |
16GB LPDDR5x-8533 (soldered) |
|
SSD |
1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe (upgradable) |
|
Ports |
1x USB4, 1x USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), 4x USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), 1x USB-A 2.0, 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm audio, 2.5Gb Ethernet, 1x USB-C (power) |
|
Wireless |
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
|
Dimensions |
5.05 x 5.05 x 1.59 inches (128.4 mm x 128.4 mm x 40.5 mm) |
|
Weight |
1.27 lb (580 g) |
Is the CHUWI AuBox X well established?
The AuBox X uses a magnesium alloy chassis, meaning it gets the durability benefits of metal without the bulk. Really, just 1.27 lb (580 g) and measurement only 5 inches squareit’s one of the smaller PCs we’ve tested at Windows Central.
Although it takes up little space on the desktop, I appreciate that CHUWI threw in a VESA mounting panel. You can quickly install the computer behind the monitor or under the desk, thereby saving room.
The AuBox X uses a magnesium alloy chassis, meaning it gets the durability benefits of metal without the bulk.
The magnesium case has vents on both sides to feed cold air to a single internal fan, while hot air exits at the back. This is the optimal setup.
Unfortunately, the fan is relatively loud when the CPU is under load. I measured approx while running the Cinebench tests 61dBA directly behind the PC where the hot air escapes. From about a foot away, the volume dropped to approx 51dBAit is more respectful.
In any case, unless you mount the computer under your desk (or somewhere else), you will hear the fan while the computer is running.
The AuBox X has plenty of port options, but I wish there was more USB-C
This little mini PC has more ports than you might expect, but they’re not necessarily the ones you want.
There is a single USB4 port on the front of the device, which is designed for the USB-C form factor. 100W power input at the back.
Otherwise, the front panel has dual USB-A – one 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps and one 3.2 Gen 1 at 5Gbps – a 3.5mm audio jack and a power button.
The local video output on the back of the PC is decent, with DisplayPort 1.4 and dual HDMI. However, there are some quirks.
One thing I’ve never seen before is a warning that the DP 1.4 port cannot be plugged or unplugged when the PC starts up; it must be turned off before use.
CHUWI also lists both HDMI ports as using the 2.1 standard, but one is FRL and the other is TMDS. Given that TMDS is HDMI 2.0 technology, that means you’re actually getting an HDMI 2.1 port with a full 48Gbps throughput.
This mini PC should still support three external displays. I tested using one 4K and one 2.5K display and the computer had no issues.
I appreciate the inclusion of a 2.5Gb Ethernet port for fast wired internet, and there are plenty of USB-A ports to work with. If only the USB-A ports on the back went above 5Gbps.
As I mentioned, it would be nice to have additional USB-C connections on the back of the PC.
How does the CHUWI AuBox X perform?
Other than a bit of fan noise, I don’t have much to complain about the CHUWI AuBox X’s performance.
The Intel Core Ultra 7 256V CPU, due in late 2024, remains a strong performer. 8 cores and up to a push hour 4.8 GHz. Despite having a base TDP of 17W, CHUWI has designed the system to go up. 37W for short bursts. This is as high as the chip goes.
I wouldn’t buy this PC for gaming, but it can certainly hold its own in lighter titles.
Also on board is an integrated Arc 140V graphics chip, which provides plenty of power for such a small device. It compares well to the discrete NVIDIA GTX 1650 and can even give the RTX 3050 a run for its money in certain games. I wouldn’t buy this PC for gaming, but it can certainly hold its own in lighter titles.
CHUWI sells the AuBox Xi as one AI PC, and indeed, thanks to it, it is able to run native models Neural Processing Unit (NPU) hit 47 TOPS of strength. The computer is Copilot+ certified.
The biggest drawback in terms of AI (and overall) performance is the 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM. Since the memory is integrated into the chip, it cannot be upgraded; Beware of this limitation when shopping for AI workloads.
Image 1 of 3
I recently ran a few benchmark tests to get an idea of the overall performance compared to other computers we’ve tested.
In Geekbench 6, the AuBox X 256V’s Core Ultra 7 256V performed fairly well, delivering strong single-core performance and showing plenty of room for all cores to work.
Cinebench 2024 was largely the same, with the Core Ultra 7 256V edging out a similar 258V. As for the SSD, I have no complaints thanks to excellent read and write speeds.
Crack open the CHUWI AuBox X 256V to see what’s inside
I was able to get the mini PC inside by removing the bottom panel via the four retaining screws.
Three M.2 slots are immediately provided: two for storage and one for Wi-Fi 6E card. Both SSD bays fit a full-size 2280 drive, so no problem there.
The rest of the device is pretty much locked down. The Intel Core Ultra 7 has 256V of integrated RAM, so there is no option to upgrade after purchase.
Should you buy CHUWI AuBox X?
You should buy this if…
✅ Are you interested in a capable mini computer powered by artificial intelligence via 47 TOPS NPU.
✅ You don’t have much space on your desk and you want a super compact computer.
You should not buy this if…
❌ You want a PC that can handle the gaming life.
❌ You want a computer with more upgradeable components; a traditional desktop is still a better choice.
CHUWI’s AuBox X 256V is competitively priced at $829 and you can get another $80 off. using the code WindowsCentralAuBoxX at the checkout. The PC is well built, offering solid performance for regular and AI tasks.
My complaints—fan noise, insufficient USB-C ports, and a 16GB cap on RAM—should be considered before purchase, but they’re certainly not a deal breaker.
If you want a great mini computer with more RAM, something like the Geekom A9 Max we tested remains the best option. Its Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU is AI capable and the system includes 32GB of memory. However, It costs $1,399 it’s about twice as much as the AuBox X these days.
CHUWI’s AuBox X is a super compact mini PC that offers powerful general and local AI performance. It has a decent selection of ports (although I wish it was more USB-C), it’s competitively priced and it’s well built. Just make sure that no more than 16GB of RAM is required.
Join us Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your thoughts and discuss our latest news, reviews and more.
