RAM
RAM memory helps the computer to manage multiple windows/tabs open at the same time. Some Chromebooks are equipped with 2GB of RAM and others with 4GB of RAM. If you are the type of user that runs many tabs then I recommend you get a Chromebook with 4 GB of RAM. But if you don't run many tabs (1-4) and don't care much about performance (and want the lowest price), then a Chromebook with 2GB of RAM will be sufficient.
CPU/Processor
The processor will impact how fast pages load and the speed at which tasks are completed. This directly impacts your productivity as a faster processor will allow you to get more done in a shorter amount of time. Some Chromebooks are equipped with processors that feel "okay" when browsing and others feel blazing fast when browsing. Chromebooks equipped with Intel Core i-series and Core M-series are the fastest performers on the Chromebook market, but they are also the most expensive on the market and targeted for enthusiasts. So if you want top of the line performance, buy a Chromebook with one of the following Intel processors: Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Core M3, Core M5. The budget/cheaper Chromebooks don't use Core i-series or M-series processors. The names of the processors won't tell you anything about how it performs. So that is where you will have to use a browser-based benchmark to help you gauge the power of the processor. Octane 2.0 and Speedometer 2.0 are here to help.
Octane 2.0
https://chromium.github.io/octane/
While Octane 2.0 is currently retired and no longer maintained, it remains very helpful as current and older Chromebooks have been tested with this benchmark.
One website that I often use for a quick look at Octane scores is zipso. The spreadsheet needs to be updated, but it is still one of the most helpful out there. If you know another, please comment, thanks!
https://zipso.net/chromebook-specs-comparison-table/
Spedometer 2.0
https://mozilla.github.io/arewefastyet-speedometer/2.0/
This benchmark is newer and is stated to be a real-world-like synthetic benchmark. It will take time before you compare Speedometer scores on Chromebooks because not many out there have used this benchmark. As soon as I find a list of Speedometer cores I will post them.
Benchmark Scores
Up to-10K
In my experience, a processor with an octane score below 10,000 will allow you to run about 4 tabs and surf the web comfortably. A processor with these scores are "okay" and will get the job done for the average user. If you are new to using laptops and computers, a processor with this score will be sufficient. A Chromebook with this score might also do well for students not picky about processor power as these are affordable and can achieve really good battery life.
10-20K
If you want more pep and performance, a processor with a score between 10,000 and 20,000 can run 8-10+ tabs and surf the web fast without a problem. If you plan to run Android apps on your Chromebook, you'll want a solid processor in this range. Surfing the web will feel zippy. This is what I aim for in a daily-driver Chromebook.
20-30K
If you want top-of-the-line blazing fast performance, a processor with a score above 20,000 can run up to 12+ tabs and surf the web fast and without a problem. This area is more luxury than need. Chromebook enthusiasts will drop money on this range. Pricing of Chromebooks in this octane score range start at about $400 and go up to $1000.
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