Asus X551CA-BI30804C / X551CA-RI3N15 15.6″ Notebook with Intel i3

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The Asus X551CA-BI30804C (formerly known as X551CA-RI3N15) 15.6-inch laptop is a budget-class model. It offers the Intel Core i3-3217U dual-core processor from the previous generation Intel “Ivy Bridge” CPU lineup, 4GB of system memory, a 500GB hard drive, and a built-in DVD/CD writer. The X551CA-BI30804C has a simple, yet clean and elegant design, and a chiclet style keyboard with dedicated numeric pad. The notebook made of plastics and measures 1.2″ in profile.

Regarding performance, the included i3-3217U delivers entry-level speed, but it’s noticeably faster than the usual Intel Celeron and Pentium low-cost processors. The CPU and 4GB RAM will satisfy computing needs of the average user, without lags in routine tasks like text processing, web browsing and social networking, and multimedia consumption. Regarding visuals, the 1366-by-768 display delivers picture sharpness equal to the vast majority of laptop screens on the market. It is powered by the Intel HD 4000 series integrated graphics, which isn’t suitable for playing modern 3D games and is noticeably slower than the HD 4400 found in newer “Haswell” CPUs.

Asus’ X551CA-BI30804C is equipped with stereo speakers, a 1-megapixel web camera, 802.11n Wi-Fi and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN network connections, VGA and HDMI video ports, and a multi-in-one memory card reader. This model has only two USB ports, whereas other laptops usually have at least three.

Update: Available now at a discounted price of $249.99

Asus X551CA-BI30804C / X551CA-RI3N15

Specifications of the Asus X551CA-BI30804C

Here are the specs of the Asus X551CA-BI30804C with descriptions of its features. For comparison against other laptops, you can use the "Compare Specs" button.

Brand Asus
Screen Size 15.6-inch

This is by far the most popular laptop screen size. It provides a lot of screen real estate, while avoiding bulkiness of the 17.3" laptops.
Screen Resolution 1366x768 pixels HD

This is an entry-level screen resolution, oftentimes found on budget laptops. It doesn't deliver picture sharpness and space on the screen like the Full HD or higher resolution laptop displays do.
Touchscreen No

This laptop doesn't support touchscreen input.
Other Display Specs TN type

Displays based on the old TN technology lack wide viewing angles you can find on IPS screens. The colors may look washed out or inverted at certain viewing angles.
Processor (CPU) Intel Core i3-3217U 3rd Gen dual-core 1.8GHz 3MB cache (User Benchmark CPU score: 23)
Graphics (GPU) Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics
System Memory (RAM) Size 4GB RAM

4GB is a small RAM size for computing in 2023. For smooth operation of a laptop during everyday tasks, at least 8GB is recommended.
Data Storage 500GB HDD

This is a very good capacity, but HDD is a slow type of storage.
DVD Optical Drive DVD writer
Speakers & Audio Stereo speakers

As usual, the device features a pair of built-in stereo speakers.
Camera Front-facing web camera

Laptops usually feature a frontal webcam located on the display bezel. This laptop is no exception.
Wi-Fi Wireless 802.11N

802.11N is an old Wi-Fi standard, precursor of the 802.11AC and the latest 802.11AX with improved data transfer speeds and connectivity. 802.11N is rarely used in modern laptops.
Ethernet Network Port Yes

This laptop has an Ethernet LAN port for wired internet and networking connectivity.
Mobile broadband (4G LTE) No
Bluetooth No

This laptop has no built-in Bluetooth module.
USB Ports 1 x USB 3.0 + 1 x USB 2.0

A pair of standard full-size USB ports.
Video Output Ports 1 x HDMI + 1 x VGA

HDMI is a widely used digital video output port. You can find HDMI-in ports on most computer monitors and TVs. VGA is an old analog type of video connectivity used on older computers, monitors, TVs, and projectors.
Media Card Reader SD card reader

The laptop has a slot for full-size SD memory cards, used in many digital cameras. You can also use microSD cards with a card adapter.
Battery 3-Cell
Weight 4.7 pounds
Height 1.2"
Depth 9.9"
Width 15"
Windows Version Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 is eligible for free upgrade to Windows 10 Home. Check Windows.com for more info.
Warranty 1-year

A typical laptop warranty.

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User Reviews and Q&A on the Asus X551CA-BI30804C

Below you can read and submit user reviews, questions, and answers about the laptop. Thank you for your contribution.

  1. bill

    How does the i3-3217U compare to the i3-4030U? I’ll use the laptop mostly for school work and League of Legends.

    • Danijel Z

      2,800 vs 2,200 PassMark points in favor of the 4030U. Not a huge difference in the basic everyday tasks, but in more demanding programs you’ll be able to see some speed boost. Also, the 4030U has much better HD 4400 integrated graphics instead of HD 4000, so LoL on it will be smoother. Another plus is a batter power efficiency.

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