Register or log in to join the discussion!

Andrew Cunningham-January 7, 2016 at 2:51 AM UTC

Intel's original Compute Stick was a good idea, but it didn't execute well in the end. Any system based on one of the Intel Atom processors will be a bit slow, but unstable wireless, inconsistent performance, and awkward setup procedures make it less attractive. It has all the characteristics and rough edges of the first-generation product.

Today Intel showed us its next-generation computing stick, and it is clear that the company is taking the criticism of the first model seriously. There are three new versions: the lowest-end stick uses Cherry Trail Atom CPU, which is the closest to the first-generation Compute Stick. The other two use more powerful Skylake Core M processors-one uses Core m3-6Y30 processors, and the other uses Core m5-6Y57 CPUs with Intel vPro management features enabled.

All three poles have the same basic design. The first-generation stick used a bulky, shiny plastic shell to make it look and feel more like a reference design rather than an actual shipping product, but all three new models are switched to softer and more curvilinear The shell looks more refined.

The Atom version includes quad-core x5-Z8300 CPU, 2GB 1600MHz DDR3 RAM and 32GB eMMC storage. The biggest upgrade is wireless, which dumped the Realtek solution from the first computing stick and instead adopted Intel's own 7265 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0 solutions. This Wi-Fi adapter is the backbone of many ultrabooks. According to my experience, it is very reliable-some of it will depend on the Compute Stick’s antenna, but if you are lucky, it will not be affected by the connection problems I encountered The first model.

For those who were hesitant to the single USB 2.0 port of the original Compute Stick, Intel has added a second USB 3.0 port to the new Compute Stick. It still has a micro SD card slot for expansion, a power button, and a locking slot, and the only display connector is a male HDMI connector protruding from the end. Power is still provided through the micro USB port on one side-Intel stated that power supply via HDMI is possible in the future, but this is not feasible under current standards.

The Core M model is more interesting. First of all, the CPU and Intel HD 515 GPU are more powerful. Intel stated that if they are connected to a compatible TV, they can output 4K at a frequency of 30 Hz. Secondly, Intel uses the USB Type-C port here to work very well. The included power adapter provides both power and data, and the included power adapter provides two USB 3.0 ports as well as a single USB 3.0 port on the stick itself and a micro SD card reader. It is not the first power adapter to also be used as a USB hub, but considering the small size of Compute Sticks, it seems particularly wise to include one here.

Both Compute Sticks contain 4GB of 1866MHz DDR3 RAM, which is not a large amount, but should have better general computing performance than the 2GB in the basic model Compute Stick. Storage is also increased to 64GB eMMC. The wireless is provided by the Intel 8260 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 combo adapter, which is the latest version of the Intel wireless chipset.

Pricing depends on the stick you buy and whether it includes an operating system, and we do not yet have suggested retail prices for all products. The old Compute Stick has a Windows version and a separate Ubuntu version, with less storage and RAM. The new ones either come with Windows 10 or have no operating system at all, and the specifications are the same-users can install their favorite Linux distribution. The suggested retail price of the Atom version of the operating system is $159, but we don’t know what the price of the version without the operating system is. The price of the Core m3 version on Windows is about US$400, which is "close to US$300" without an operating system. The m5 version is priced at US$499 and is only available without an operating system. It is assumed that it is most interested in companies that will load their own operating system anyway.

We have now got the Atom version of the Compute Stick and will conduct a full review of it in the next few days-Intel said it should be available for purchase soon, although it may take some time to be available in retail stores. We will be able to view them after the Core M version is released, which should be released in February.

Andrew Cunningham's list image

You must log in or create an account to post a comment.

Join the Ars Orbital Transmission mailing list and send updates to your inbox every week.

CNMN Collection WIRED Media Group © 2021 Condé Nast. all rights reserved. Using and/or registering any part of this website signifies acceptance of our user agreement (updated on 1/1/20) and privacy policy and cookie statement (updated on 1/1/20) and Ars Technica appendix (effective on 8/21/) 2018). Ars may receive sales compensation through links on this website. Read our affiliate link policy. Your California Privacy Rights | Do not sell my personal information. Without the prior written permission of Condé Nast, you may not copy, distribute, transmit, cache or otherwise use the information on this website. Ad selection