Acer 516 Chromebook (Refurb): i5-1240P, 16" 120Hz 1600p, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Expired

thats awesome, did you use the methods from "chrultrabook" Discord?

I am curious how it runs. Are there many quirks to deal with?

I'm also running Win 11 using the installation methods from chrultrabook and Coolstar.org. USB-C and audio drivers for Windows are available through a paid driver program: $20 and $10 respectively.

The screen is the main selling point, especially at this price. 16", 120Hz, IPS, 16:10 aspect, 2560x1600 - you'll find nothing like it sub-$300. Fantastic for cloud / local game streaming via GeForce Now, Steam, or Sunshine/Moonlight.

The i5-1240P is very responsive. For basic apps like web browsing and video / game streaming, it's more than enough. The unit I received came with a 256GB WD SN740 NVMe (2280), which is an ok mid-tier, DRAM-less (SLC cache) disk - good for ~2500-3000MiB/sec sequential.

Overall the laptop is held back its lack of memory (8GB) and small battery. Performance takes a hit in Windows when it runs out of memory- as the OS itself uses quite a bit more memory compared to Chrome OS and Linux.

Lack of Thunderbolt 4 is also a minus, as a dock and plug-and-play eGPU are out of the question. Technically possible through the M.2 SSD interface, but will require disassembly and alternative storage.

Don't expect too much native gaming performance from the Iris Xe, as it will struggle to reach 60fps at 1080p even for GTA V- lower for newer games. It does will with emulation and older titles.

To get it working, specific info for this model can be found below. Details are if you look it up by its board name: "Osiris"

https://coolstar.org/chromebook/w...ice=Osiris

https://docs.chrultrabook.com/docs/

Hats off to Coolstar and MrChromebox for leading the Chromebook community development scene, and to the many contributors out there.

the game streaming services all use compressed video. Netflix only need 15Mbps for their 4K videos, GeForce Now only require 45Mbps for their 4K 120hz, etc

I'm also running Win 11 using the installation methods from chrultrabook and Coolstar.org. USB-C and audio drivers for Windows are available through a paid driver program: $20 and $10 respectively.

The screen is the main selling point, especially at this price. 16", 120Hz, IPS, 16:10 aspect, 2560x1600 - you'll find nothing like it sub-$300. Fantastic for cloud / local game streaming via GeForce Now, Steam, or Sunshine/Moonlight.

The i5-1240P is very responsive. For basic apps like web browsing and video / game streaming, it's more than enough. The unit I received came with a 256GB WD SN740 NVMe (2280), which is an ok mid-tier, DRAM-less (SLC cache) disk - good for ~2500-3000MiB/sec sequential.

Overall the laptop is held back its lack of memory (8GB) and small battery. Performance takes a hit in Windows when it runs out of memory- as the OS itself uses quite a bit more memory compared to Chrome OS and Linux.

Lack of Thunderbolt 4 is also a minus, as a dock and plug-and-play eGPU are out of the question. Technically possible through the M.2 SSD interface, but will require disassembly and alternative storage.

Don't expect too much native gaming performance from the Iris Xe, as it will struggle to reach 60fps at 1080p even for GTA V- lower for newer games. It does will with emulation and older titles.

To get it working, specific info for this model can be found below. Details are if you look it up by its board name: "Osiris"

https://coolstar.org/chromebook/w...ice=Osiris

https://docs.chrultrabook.com/docs/

Hats off to Coolstar and MrChromebox for leading the Chromebook community development scene, and to the many contributors out there.

Great info. Thank you!

How did you disable the hardware write protect for the 516 GE? I'm trying to find an image for the location of the jumpers to bridge but haven't been able to.

Great info. Thank you!

How did you disable the hardware write protect for the 516 GE? I'm trying to find an image for the location of the jumpers to bridge but haven't been able to.

WARNING: your device currently has software write-protection enabled.

If you plan to flash the UEFI firmware, you must first disable it and reboot before flashing.
Would you like to disable software WP and reboot your device?

You don't know what you're talking about.

:"To push a 4K signal at 120Hz, you need a bandwidth of at least 26Gbps"

" WiFi 6 is capable of a maximum throughput speed of 9.6 Gbps..."

the game streaming services all use compressed video. Netflix only need 15Mbps for their 4K videos, GeForce Now only require 45Mbps for their 4K 120hz, etc

its obviously a compressed 4K 120hz. Have you ever heard of AV1? look it up. almost zero artifacting. Have you ever tried moonlight or are you just one of those know it alls that thinks they know everything lol.

heard of all of that but it's not real 4k. But if you want to sit there and think it is then that's on you.

lol wow. are you one of those bluray snobs then? running around telling poople that netflix 4k isnt real? you must be fun at parties.

yea dude you must be the guy telling everyone you're running 4k at 144hz on wifi 6 when that's beyond the capacity of wifi 6. I'm the guy calling you out. Have fun in make believe land.