Intel Compute Stick: Second Attempt

A year ago, the first version of the Intel Compute Stick microcomputer with a quad-core Intel Atom Z3735F (Bay Trail) processor, 2 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage, Wi-Fi 802.11n, Windows 8.1, was released.

That HDMI whistle was not without flaws: the most important thing was that it had only one USB connector. Now Intel has worked on the bugs and released a much more advanced second version of the Intel Compute Stick : Windows 10 Home is already preinstalled here, there are two USB connectors, the best Atom x5-Z8300 processor (Cherry Trail) and 802.11ac support (2x2 antenna instead of single) . As noted commentators now Compute Stick really become a cool gadget. The cost of an HDMI whistle is $ 159.

We can say that the first version was an experimental prototype, and now there is a real product that designers have worked on and which claims to be on the mass market. The computer is inserted into HDMI and will be hidden behind the TV / monitor, but still the appearance matters, so it's nice to see that the design of the gadget has become more professional.

Of the two USB connectors, one supports the USB 3.0 standard.



There is a microSD card slot, so the built-in 32 GB memory can be expanded by another 128 GB (or as much as necessary). RAM left 2 GB. The computer can receive power via USB or micro-USB.



Comparative Test Results The


Intel Compute Stick is now much faster, especially in 3D. You can even play some simple games on it.











By the way, future models of Intel micro-computers will run on Core M3 and Core M5 processors with 4 GB of RAM and three USB ports (two are needed for power). This performance can already be compared with laptops.