The Acer C720 Chromebook, released in 2013, remains a cult favorite in the “Chrultrabook” community due to its upgradable SSD and relatively powerful (for its time) Haswell-based Intel Celeron 2955U processor . While Google officially ended software support for this model years ago, users have turned to Windows 10 to breathe new life into the hardware.
This performance review examines whether the Acer C720 can truly handle a modern Windows environment in 2024 and beyond.
Table of Contents
- Hardware Compatibility and Preparation
- Windows 10 Performance Benchmarks
- Critical Driver Challenges
- Summary of Key Takeaways
- Sources
Hardware Compatibility and Preparation
Before evaluating performance, it is vital to acknowledge the hardware limitations. The base Acer C720 typically comes with 2GB or 4GB of non-upgradable RAM and a 16GB M.2 SSD .
To successfully run Windows 10, two modifications are almost mandatory: 1. SSD Upgrade: A standard Windows 10 installation consumes approximately 12GB to 15GB of space . On a 16GB drive, this leaves virtually zero room for updates or applications. Users frequently swap the stock drive for a 128GB or 256GB M.2 2242 SSD . 2. UEFI Firmware: Installing Windows requires flashing the BIOS with custom UEFI firmware, such as that provided by MrChromebox .
It is not recommended, as a standard Windows 10 installation requires 12GB to 15GB of space, leaving almost no room for updates or apps. Upgrading to a larger M.2 2242 SSD is a mandatory step for a functional experience.
Yes, you must flash the device’s BIOS with custom UEFI firmware, such as the utility provided by MrChromebox, to allow the hardware to boot a non-ChromeOS operating system.
Windows 10 Performance Benchmarks
| Metric | Estimated Result |
|---|---|
| Cold Boot Time | 15–20 Seconds |
| 720p Video Playback | Smooth / Fluid |
| Battery Life | 3–4 Hours |
| Multi-tasking Limit | 5–7 Browser Tabs |
Despite being a decade old, the Intel Celeron 2955U (Haswell architecture) often outperforms newer Intel Atom-based Celeron processors found in budget laptops .
System Boot and Responsiveness
On a 4GB RAM model equipped with a SATA M.2 SSD, Windows 10 feels surprisingly “snappy.” Cold boot times generally hover around 15–20 seconds. However, the 2GB RAM model struggles significantly with multitasking; users on Reddit report that opening more than 5–7 Chrome tabs can lead to noticeable system paging and lag .
Daily Tasks and Media
Web Browsing: Google Docs and general surfing are fluid at 720p. However, heavy websites like Facebook or Reddit can peg the CPU at 100% for several seconds during initial loading .
Video Playback: YouTube streaming at 720p is smooth. While 1080p is possible, the C720’s native 1366×768 TN display cannot fully showcase the resolution, and high-bitrate 1080p60 video may drop frames .
Light Gaming: Community members have successfully run older titles like GTA: San Andreas and Saints Row: The Third at low settings .
Battery Life
This is the primary trade-off. While ChromeOS is highly optimized for power efficiency, Windows 10 runs dozens of background processes. Real-world battery life typically drops from the original 7–8 hours down to approximately 3–4 hours .
The Haswell-based Intel Celeron 2955U performs surprisingly well, often outclassing newer budget Atom processors. It provides a snappy experience for basic tasks, especially on models equipped with 4GB of RAM.
The 2GB model struggles with multitasking and heavy web browsing. Users may experience significant system lag and paging when opening more than a few browser tabs simultaneously.
Battery life decreases significantly due to the high number of background processes in Windows. Expect a drop from the original 7–8 hours down to approximately 3–4 hours of real-world use.
Critical Driver Challenges
Windows does not support Chromebook hardware natively. You must use third-party drivers to make the device functional. As detailed in our guide on Acer C720 Windows 10 Drivers: Resolving Audio and Touchpad Issues, the most common hurdles include:
Touchpad: Requires specific drivers (like those from CoolStar) to enable multi-touch gestures .
Audio: The Realtek or Maxim integrated audio often remains silent without manual driver injection .
Keyboard Mapping: Since Chromebooks lack a “Windows” key and function keys (F1-F12), a remapper utility is necessary for a standard typing experience.
If your system still feels sluggish after installing these drivers, consider these 7 steps to drastically optimize your computer performance to reduce background CPU usage.
Windows does not include native drivers for Chromebook hardware. You must manually install third-party drivers, such as those from CoolStar, to enable multi-touch gestures and tracking.
The integrated audio requires manual driver injection because the Realtek or Maxim components aren’t recognized by default Windows installations. Specialized community drivers are necessary to restore sound.
Since Chromebook keyboards lack a standard top row of function keys and a Windows key, you will need to use a keyboard remapper utility to assign these functions to existing keys.
Summary of Key Takeaways
The Acer C720 is a capable Windows 10 machine provided you manage your expectations and hardware.
Performance: The Haswell Celeron holds up for basic office work and 720p media, but 4GB of RAM is the realistic minimum for a smooth experience.
Storage: A 16GB SSD is unusable for Windows; a 64GB or 128GB M.2 2242 upgrade is required.
Drivers: Essential functions (audio, trackpad) require third-party drivers from the Chrultrabook community.
Portability: Expect a significant decrease in battery life compared to ChromeOS.
Action Plan
- Check RAM: If you have the 2GB model, consider a lightweight Linux distro instead of Windows. You can see how they compare in our Windows vs. macOS vs. Linux comparison.
- Upgrade SSD: Purchase a 2242 M.2 SATA SSD before attempting the install.
- Flash UEFI: Use the MrChromebox firmware utility to remove the “OS Verification” screen.
- Install Lite Windows: Use a debloated version of Windows 10 (like Tiny10) to save resources.
- Install Drivers: Immediately download and install the CoolStar chipset, trackpad, and audio drivers.
Final Thought: While the Acer C720 on Windows 10 isn’t a “powerhouse,” it transforms a discarded educational tool into a functional, ultra-portable budget laptop for light daily use.
| Category | Requirements & Expectations |
|---|---|
| RAM | 4GB Highly Recommended (2GB limited) |
| Storage | Minimum 64GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD |
| Firmware | Full UEFI Flash (MrChromebox) |
| Drivers | Manual install for Audio and Trackpad |
| Best Use | Light office work and 720p media |
Using a debloated version of Windows, such as Tiny10, is recommended to save system resources. Additionally, ensuring you have the 4GB RAM model and an upgraded SSD will provide the best performance.
If you have the 4GB RAM model and need specific Windows apps, Windows 10 is viable. However, for the 2GB RAM model, a lightweight Linux distribution is often a better choice for maintaining system speed.