Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus Enterprise 14" WQXGA Intel Core Ultra 5 125U 1.3GHz / 8GB RAM / 128GB SSD specifications and in-depth review

Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus Enterprise 14" WQXGA Intel Core Ultra 5 125U 1.3GHz / 8GB RAM / 128GB SSD

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus Enterprise 14″ is a laptop designed for professional use, offering reliable performance and a sleek form factor. It features a 14″ WQXGA display with a high resolution of 2560 x 1600 px and a pixel density of 215 ppi, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. The device includes a backlit keyboard for easier typing in low-light environments and is equipped with a fanless design for quiet operation.

Under the hood, the device is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor with a base clock speed of 1.3 GHz, along with 8GB of DDR5 RAM and a 128GB NVMe SSD for fast performance and storage. It supports Wi-Fi 6E for better connectivity, offers multiple USB ports, and features a fingerprint scanner for enhanced security. The 500-nit brightness and anti-reflection coating make it suitable for use in various lighting conditions.

Pros
  • Has a backlit keyboard, providing better usability in low-light conditions.
  • Equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing for fast data transfer and peripheral connectivity.
  • Supports Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring fast and reliable wireless networking.
  • Includes a fingerprint scanner for enhanced security and user authentication.
  • Has a front camera for video conferencing and virtual meetings.
Cons
  • Does not feature a fanless design, which could lead to some noise during intensive tasks.
  • Lacks support for Dolby Atmos audio, limiting immersive sound quality.
  • Does not support 3D facial recognition, which could provide additional convenience and security.
  • No MagSafe power adapter, potentially limiting charging convenience for some users.
  • Lacks an optical disc drive, which may be inconvenient for users requiring physical media access.
Who is this for?

This product is well-suited for users who need a balance of portability and performance, offering a compact design with a backlit keyboard for efficient use in low-light conditions. It is ideal for professionals or students who require reliable Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for fast internet access and need security features such as a fingerprint scanner for quick and secure authentication.

Who is this NOT for?

This product may not be ideal for users who require advanced multimedia experiences, as it lacks features like Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio. Additionally, it is not well-suited for intensive multitasking or high-performance tasks, as it has a moderate CPU performance with a 15W TDP and lacks multithreading support. Users seeking a fanless design or the ability to run demanding applications may find it underpowered.

Design:

weight 1290 g
Uses a fanless design
Has a backlit keyboard
volume 1111.776 cm³
width 313 mm
height 222 mm
thickness 16 mm
is weather-sealed (splashproof)

The Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus features a compact design with a weight of 1290 g and dimensions of 313 mm in width, 222 mm in height, and 16 mm in thickness. While it does not offer a fanless design, it includes a backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in low-light environments. The device has a total volume of 1111.776 cm³ and is not weather-sealed, meaning it is not splashproof.

Display:

screen size 14"
resolution 2560 x 1600 px
pixel density 215 ppi
Display type IPS
has a touch screen
brightness (typical) 500 nits
refresh rate 60Hz
has anti-reflection coating
supported displays 4

The Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus features a 14″ IPS display with a high resolution of 2560 x 1600 px, providing sharp and clear visuals. With a pixel density of 215 ppi, the screen ensures crisp text and detailed images. The display also boasts a typical brightness of 500 nits, making it suitable for use in various lighting conditions. It includes a anti-reflection coating to reduce glare, although it does not support touch input. Additionally, the laptop supports up to four external displays.

Performance:

RAM 8GB
Uses flash storage
internal storage 128GB
CPU speed 2 x 1.3 & 8 x 0.8 GHz
CPU threads 14 threads
Is an NVMe SSD
DirectX version DirectX 12 Ultimate
uses multithreading
maximum memory amount 8GB
DDR memory version 5
turbo clock speed 4.3GHz
GPU turbo 1850 MHz
PCI Express (PCIe) version 3
semiconductor size 7 nm
Supports 64-bit

The Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus is equipped with 8GB of DDR5 RAM and 128GB of NVMe flash storage, ensuring fast performance and responsiveness. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor runs at a base clock speed of 1.3 GHz with turbo speeds up to 4.3GHz, supported by 14 threads for efficient multitasking. For enhanced graphics, the device includes a GPU turbo of 1850 MHz and is capable of running DirectX 12 Ultimate. The system supports a 64-bit architecture and utilizes PCIe 3.0 for high-speed data transfer, ensuring a smooth computing experience.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result 17414
PassMark result (single) 3296

The Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus achieved a PassMark score of 17414, demonstrating strong overall performance. For single-threaded tasks, the device scored 3296 on the PassMark benchmark, reflecting its efficiency in handling individual tasks with speed and precision.

Connectivity:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 2
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
USB 4 40Gbps ports 2
Thunderbolt 4 ports 2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 0
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
has an HDMI output
Has USB Type-C
supports Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
has an external memory slot
RJ45 ports 0
HDMI ports 1
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
DisplayPort outputs 0
has AirPlay
mini DisplayPort outputs 0
has a VGA connector

The Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus offers a range of connectivity options, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A ports and two USB 4 40Gbps ports. It also features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, providing fast data transfer and peripheral connectivity. The device supports Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless networking, and includes an HDMI 2.1 output, allowing for easy connection to external displays. Additionally, the Chromebook has a USB Type-C port, an external memory slot for additional storage, and supports AirPlay for wireless streaming.

Battery:

Has sleep-and-charge USB ports
Has a MagSafe power adapter

The Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus includes sleep-and-charge USB ports, allowing you to charge devices even when the laptop is in sleep mode. However, it does not support a MagSafe power adapter for charging.

Features:

release date December 2023
has stereo speakers
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has Dolby Atmos
Stylus included
Has a fingerprint scanner
number of microphones 1
Uses 3D facial recognition
has voice commands
has a front camera
Has S/PDIF Out port
has a gyroscope
has GPS
has an accelerometer
has a compass
Has an optical disc drive

The Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus features stereo speakers for immersive sound and includes a 3.5 mm audio jack for external audio devices. It is equipped with a fingerprint scanner for secure access, and also has a front camera for video calls. However, it does not support Dolby Atmos, voice commands, or 3D facial recognition.

Miscellaneous:

PassMark result (overclocked) 17418
Type Laptop
Has an unlocked multiplier
instruction sets MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
L3 cache 12 MB
Has NX bit
CPU temperature 110 °C
OpenCL version 3
OpenGL version 4.6
Has integrated graphics
Supports ECC memory
memory channels 2
RAM speed (max) 7467 MHz
Thermal Design Power (TDP) 15W
Uses big.LITTLE technology

The Asus ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus is powered by a laptop-class processor with 12 MB of L3 cache and utilizes big.LITTLE technology for efficient performance. The device supports various instruction sets, including AVX, AVX2, and AES, and has integrated graphics for everyday tasks. With a thermal design power (TDP) of 15W, it runs efficiently while maintaining a CPU temperature of up to 110°C. The device also supports OpenCL 3 and OpenGL 4.6, offering good performance for compatible applications.

Final Verdict

The product is a solid choice for users seeking a compact and portable device with a reliable performance, featuring a backlit keyboard and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for a smooth, efficient user experience. Its security features, such as a fingerprint scanner, add value for those prioritizing data protection. While it excels in everyday productivity tasks, it may not be the best fit for users requiring high-end multimedia support or intensive processing power. Overall, this device is suitable for professionals and students who need a dependable, secure laptop for daily tasks and light multitasking.