ASUS U31F — 13.3" Core i5 Barebone Project Laptop

A compact ASUS U31F with an Intel Core i5-480M and 8GB of RAM, supplied without a storage drive or operating system — a clean, ready-to-build base for your own SSD and OS install. Professionally tested and backed by a 12-month Reboot IT warranty.

Key Benefits

Intel Core i5-480M processor — Dual-core with Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost — dependable performance for everyday computing once your drive and OS are installed.
8GB RAM fitted — Generous memory for a machine of this class — comfortable headroom for web browsing, office work, and multitasking under Windows or Linux.
No drive, no OS — your build — Fit an inexpensive SATA SSD, install the OS of your choice, and you have a fresh, bloatware-free machine at a fraction of new pricing.
Compact 13.3-inch HD display — A portable footprint that is easy to carry and easy to find desk space for — well suited to a second machine or workshop unit.
Webcam and WiFi built in — Integrated webcam and wireless networking mean video calls and internet access work out of the box once your OS is on.
Tested and warranted — Professionally tested by Reboot IT and covered by our 12-month hardware warranty — not an untested parts-bin special.

Performance in Use

The U31F is best thought of as a project base rather than a ready-to-run laptop. It ships with no storage drive and no operating system, which makes it ideal for tinkerers, students learning to build and image machines, or anyone wanting a cheap dedicated box for a specific job. Add a SATA SSD — widely available and inexpensive — install a lightweight Linux distribution or an older Windows build, and you have a perfectly serviceable everyday computer.

With the drive installed, the Core i5-480M and 8GB of RAM handle web browsing, email, word processing, spreadsheets, and standard-definition media comfortably. A lightweight Linux distribution in particular runs briskly on this hardware and keeps the machine feeling responsive. The integrated Intel HD Graphics manage everyday desktop duties and video playback without fuss.

Given its age, this is not a machine for modern heavy workloads — think of it as an honest, low-cost utility laptop: a workshop terminal, a kids’ first computer, a Linux learning box, or a donor of a known-good screen, keyboard, and chassis. At this price, it is also excellent value purely as a working spare.

Tech Specs

Processor	Intel Core i5-480M, 2-core / 4-thread, 2.66 GHz base with Turbo Boost
RAM	8GB DDR3
Storage	No drive fitted — supports SATA drive (user supplied)
Display	13.3-inch HD, 1366×768, non-touch
Graphics	Intel HD Graphics (integrated)
Wireless	WiFi, Bluetooth
Webcam	Built-in webcam
Operating System	No OS installed
Warranty	12 months — Reboot IT

Is It Right for You?

Best For ✓	Not For ✗
Tinkerers and DIY builders adding their own SSD	Buyers wanting a ready-to-use laptop out of the box
Budget Linux or retro-Windows projects	Users needing a pre-installed operating system
A cheap dedicated workshop or utility machine	Modern heavy workloads, gaming, or video editing
A kids’ first computer or learning box	Anyone needing long battery-powered runtimes
Spare-machine or parts-donor value	4K media or demanding creative software

Condition Grades

Grade	Description
A — Excellent	Minimal cosmetic marks. Battery 70%+ capacity. Fully tested and functional.
B — Good	Light wear, minor scratches or scuffs. Battery 50–70% capacity. 30-day battery warranty. Fully tested and functional.

FAQ

Does this laptop come with a hard drive or SSD?

No — it is supplied with no storage drive fitted. It accepts a standard SATA drive, which you supply and install yourself. Fitting an SSD is straightforward and inexpensive.

Does it come with Windows installed?

No — there is no operating system installed. Once you fit a drive you can install Windows or, for best performance on this hardware, a lightweight Linux distribution.

Can this CPU run Windows 11?

No — the Core i5-480M is a first-generation Intel mobile processor and does not meet Windows 11 hardware requirements. Windows 10 or a Linux distribution are the practical choices.

Is the RAM upgradeable?

It ships with 8GB of DDR3 fitted, which is a healthy amount for this platform and typically its practical maximum for smooth use.

What is this laptop actually good for?

Budget everyday computing once a drive and OS are installed — browsing, documents, email — plus project, learning, workshop, and spare-machine duties. It is priced accordingly.

What shipping options are available?

Shipping costs apply based on size and destination — rates are calculated at checkout. Orders are dispatched from our Melbourne warehouse, professionally packed for safe transit.

12-Month Warranty — Reboot IT

Every unit sold by Reboot IT is professionally tested, cleaned, and graded before dispatch. We have been refurbishing IT equipment in Melbourne since 2001 and back this unit with our standard 12-month hardware warranty. Visit reboot-it.com.au for more.

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ASUS U31F 13.3" Core i5-480M 8GB No HDD HD Graphics Webcam WiFi Laptop No OS