What is an intel compute stick? A computer that fits in your pocket - Intel Compute Stick Review. Ugly Wi-Fi adapter

Intel processor performance growth has slowed noticeably in recent years, but significant progress has been made in reducing power consumption and improving performance per watt. The result has been a noticeable surge in interest in mini-ITX and smaller form factor computers, which have evolved from niche toys to viable mainstream solutions. Perhaps the Intel Compute Stick, which is full-fledged computer slightly larger than a USB flash drive, is the culmination of this trend. Today we are looking at this outlandish device and deciding whether it can be applied to anything on the farm.

Getting to know your device

The Intel Compute Stick comes in a small box similar in size to the box from mobile phone. In the box itself, in addition to the computer itself, there is a power supply, a USB-microUSB cable and an HDMI extension cable. The latter is welcome, since the body of the Compute Stick is quite wide. If you plug it directly into the TV, it can block adjacent connectors (in our case this is what happened).

The number of connectors and controls on the Compute Stick is minimal. On one of the sides there is a USB 2.0 port, a microUSB connector (which powers the device) and a power button. On the other side is a slot for microSD memory cards. There is nothing in the upper part of the case except the holes for the cooling system, and the entire lower surface is occupied by an extensive sticker with information about the device.

It is worth noting that the Atom Z3735F processor installed in the Compute Stick is used in numerous tablets without active cooling. However, here it is cooled by a miniature fan, which rotates at high speed and emits a very nasty (albeit quiet) high-frequency howl. The problem is aggravated by the fact that the fan speed depends on the load on the processor and integrated graphics. Personally, I experienced quite a lot of discomfort when using the Compute Stick with an office monitor at a typical distance for such a scenario (less than a meter). However, if you connect a computer to a large-diagonal TV, then at a typical TV viewing distance of 2-3 meters, its acoustic characteristics do not cause discomfort.

Performance

The Intel Compute Stick is a typical Atom processor device. Today's Atom is not nearly as helpless as it was a few years ago, so its performance is quite sufficient for tasks such as working with documents, web surfing, watching videos (including high definition) and even simple games. Unfortunately, we were unable to make formal performance measurements for a reason that will be discussed in more detail below.

Problems

Let's say right away that when testing the Intel Compute Stick, we encountered a number of problems. Let's list them all.

System disk capacity

The built-in eMMC storage capacity of the Intel Compute Stick is only 32 GB, which is a bit narrow in itself. Of this 32 GB, approximately 9 GB is taken up by the operating system's recovery partition, so the user has to deal with a 23 GB system partition, of which less than 17 GB is free. After several rounds of installing updates to the Windows 8.1 operating system, the amount of free space on the drive drops below the 10 GB level, which leads to big problems when installing updates and applications. In particular, because of this, we were unable to install the 3DMark test on the Compute Stick.

Low speed with memory cards

When using a high-quality UHS-I microSD memory card from SanDisk in the Compute Stick, we obtained a write speed of about 5 MB/s and a read speed of 17 MB/s. In the laptop Apple MacBook Pro, the same memory card showed a write speed of 33 MB/s, a read speed of 49 MB/s. It’s not hard to guess that this puts a big, bold end to the ability to fully use a microSD card as an ersatz disk for installing applications.

Ugly Wi-Fi adapter

The Intel Compute Stick uses dual-band wireless module Realtek RTL8723BS with Wi-Fi 802.11n support. It does not support MIMO, so the maximum theoretical data transfer speed with the access point is limited to 150 Mbps. In practice with our editorial TP-LINK router WDR4300 (802.11n / 5 GHz) data transfer speed did not exceed 10 Mbit/s, and such things as working with by email, web surfing, etc. At the same time, the laptop standing next to it on the table behaved completely normally when working with the same access point.

Possible use cases

What can you use the Intel Compute Stick for? Several options come to mind.

Intel Compute Stick and Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad - HTPC Kit

• Office PC(in combination with a monitor equipped with an HDMI connector). In my opinion, the Compute Stick will be quite good as an ultra-budget machine for working with documents and playing solitaire (especially if you replace Windows with Linux).
• HTPC. Built into Atom processor GPU Intel HD Graphics supports hardware decoding of HD video in a variety of formats, so the device is of interest as an HTPC (especially if you use special shell programs like Kodi). Personally, I see only two obstacles to this: firstly, the Compute Stick cannot output high-definition audio streams via HDMI (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD), and secondly, poor performance Wi-Fi module makes streaming video over the network problematic. However, if desired, the second problem can be solved (for example, using an Ethernet adapter with a USB interface). In this scenario, the built-in Bluetooth module will be relevant, which can be used to connect a keyboard and mouse.
• Thin client. Well, everything is clear here.

I would like to add that in the office we use a mini-PC connected to the TV for presentations, access to the websites under discussion, etc. This mini-PC was built four years ago, its cost at that time was about 600 dollars. Today, with certain reservations, it could well be replaced with an Intel Compute Stick, which costs only $139, takes up no space at all and consumes much less electricity.

Bottom line

The Intel Compute Stick is a device that has a lot of problems (see the "Problems" section above). However, at the same time, this is one of the most interesting devices that have come into my hands over the past few years. The fact that a full-fledged computer can be crammed into a flash drive form factor and sold for $139 is in itself surprising and gives hope that it can be used for the widespread computerization of schools and in other similar projects. Personally, I believe that the next generation of Compute Stick will be free from childhood ailments, but for now, in my opinion, you should refrain from purchasing it.

The editors would like to thank the MOYO chain of stores for kindly providing the Intel Compute Stick for review.

4 reasons to buy Intel Compute Stick:

1. low cost;
2. performance sufficient for simple tasks;
3. trouble-free playback of HD video of different formats;
4. ultra-compact form factor.

2 reasons not to buy Intel Compute Stick:

1. a large number of childhood “sores”;
2. noisy active cooling system.

Miniaturization is a progressive trend - it is worth looking at the development of computers. Years ago, they took the form of huge boxes, then shrunk to laptops to eventually become smartphones. Nowadays, even desktop computers have become so small that you can hide them in your pocket. Such as, for example, Intel Compute Stick.

It is a miniature computer in the form of a USB flash drive. The device is packaged in a case made of durable and matte plastic. Parts of the case have holes through which the fan can be seen. On the case you can also find two full-size USB ports (one 3.0), a MicroUSB power port, an HDMI connector and a MicroSD card slot.

The equipment is quite large in size, namely 113 x 38 x 12 mm. For this reason, once you connect it to your TV, you will block the other HDMI input. But Intel took this into account, and the mini computer is equipped with an HDMI extender, which eliminates this problem. In addition, it allows you to hide the Intel Compute Stick behind your TV.

Intel computer Compute Stick is a media-enabled device. In practice, however, Windows 10 is difficult to control on a TV screen and the OS is not very user-friendly in this regard, even if you have a suitable multimedia keyboard with built-in touch panel.

The system interface doesn't look very good on big screen. Individual components and system fonts are too small. On the other hand, using standard programs or a web browser on a TV screen is a great test of patience.

This device, admittedly can't handle the latest games, but is ideal for "streaming" when used at home. My desktop computer is located a few meters from the TV, in another room. For this reason, I have a PlayStation 4 in the living room, which is much more convenient to use.

With high-speed 802.11 Wi-Fi connectivity, the Intel Compute Stick allowed me to enjoy the best graphics without having to carry a PC. This solution is much cheaper than PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.

Bottom line

The Intel Compute Stick is a device that will work great in many situations, but will be useless in most others. Except that you don’t need to carry your computer and connect it to an external screen in a hotel. I prefer to have a laptop, which I use in any situation.

The Intel Compute Stick is a great solution for streaming games to another screen, in excellent quality.

Such equipment is characterized by low productivity, but quite sufficient for office work. And considering that the processor power is still too low, you can always wait a few weeks until the release of the next version of the Compute Stick, equipped with powerful processor Intel Core M. Unfortunately, its price will probably be significantly higher than $200-250.

Experimenting with formats computing systems Intel introduced the ultra-compact Compute Stick platform. Full PC with quad-core processor, wireless controller, internal memory and Windows 8.1 on board is made in the form of a large keychain. What is this, a bold experiment by the manufacturer or the birth of a new format of computing systems? Let's take a look at what to expect from a PC like this.

Compact systems, similar in size to large flash keychains, are no longer very exotic. Similar platforms based on chips with ARM architecture and Android/Chrom OS have been on the market for some time. But this is the first time we’ve actually seen a PC of this form factor with an x86 processor and the Windows 8.1 operating system. And it is not surprising that such a solution was proposed by Intel, which has recently been increasingly developing the direction of miniature computers.

The system comes in a neat, fairly compact box.

The kit includes an external power supply with a power of 10 W (5V, 2A) with a set of adapters for various standards of electrical outlets, an HDMI extension cable (20 cm), quick guide user and a coupon for a one-year subscription to McAfee AntiVirus Plus.

Design and Layout

So, Intel Compute Stick has dimensions of 103x37x12 mm. The system is offered as a complete solution. All you need to operate a PC is a screen with an HDMI interface and control peripherals (keyboard/mouse).

The system body is made of black plastic. The top panel has a glossy finish. Of course, in this case the eye catches on such nuances of the external decor, but so do the fingerprints that inevitably remain on such a surface. There are no special design delights here. Often this computer will be hidden from the owner’s eyes, because even in the external design of the system, everything is primarily subordinated to the functionality of the device.

On the top panel you can immediately distinguish two zones with grilles for exhausting heated air, through one of which a miniature fan is visible. In the central part there is a large and clearly readable Intel Inside logo. Closer to the top edge there is an activity indicator that lights up blue while the system is operating.

On the left side of the stick there is a power button, a micro-USB connector for connecting an external power supply, as well as a full-length USB 2.0 port, which can be used to connect any peripherals.

On the right panel there is a slot for installing Micro SD memory cards up to 128 GB.

There are no elements on the back of the Intel Compute Stick. Almost the entire panel is occupied by a sticker with supporting information.

There is an HDMI connector on the bottom panel.

All you need to do to connect the Intel Compute Stick is connect it to the appropriate port on your monitor/TV. Due to the shape of the case, it is obvious that not all devices will allow you to directly connect a PC. In such cases, the included flexible HDMI extender is very useful. Unfortunately, the video interface cannot provide power to the Compute Stick, so an additional external source is required for the system to operate. For these purposes, a 10-watt power supply (5V, 2A) with the usual micro-USB connector is used. USB cable from the power supply is 95 cm long, so it is advisable that there is a free electrical outlet within reach. Theoretically, the system can be powered even from the USB connectors located on the TV/monitor, but only if these ports can provide the necessary power.

Platform

The Intel Compute Stick is equipped with an Intel Atom Z3735F processor from the Bay Trail-T family. This is a quad-core SoC model with a base frequency of 1.33 GHz, which can accelerate up to 1.83 GHz under load.

These chips use the Silvermont architecture and are manufactured according to the 22-nanometer process technology. The thermal package of the CPU is less than 4 W, while the SDP is 2.2 W. Overall, this is a typical model used for tablets based on the Intel platform. Slightly faster versions of this family are also used for affordable models of compact laptops.

The built-in Intel HD Graphics video core includes 4 execution units, and the GPU frequency can vary between 311–664 MHz.

Controller Intel memory Atom Z3735F allows 2 GB in single channel mode (DDR3L-1333). This is exactly the amount of RAM installed in the Intel Compute Stick modification in question. The system also features a built-in 32GB eMMC flash storage (Samsung MBG4GC). For working with wireless networks The Realtek RTL8723BS controller responds, providing communication via Wi-Fi 802.11bgn (1×1, 150 Mb/s) and Bluetooth 4.0.

The Intel Compute Stick modification in question is initially equipped with an operating system. Windows system 8.1 with Bing, which obviously can be painlessly upgraded to Windows 10 after its announcement. In this case, a 32-bit version of the OS is used, which is quite logical, given the available volume random access memory.

Performance and usage nuances

Obviously, the system performance in this case is determined by the processor used. In general, we have already repeatedly reviewed the capabilities of PCs and tablets based on Intel Bay Trail family of chips. As one of the manufacturer's slogans used for the Compute Stick says, “We reduced the size of the system, but not its performance.” And this is actually true. First, some results from synthetic tests.

The results are quite expected. Yes, the speed indicators are not amazing, especially in the graphic capabilities. In this regard, I would really like to see a Compute Stick based on 14-nanometer Chery Trail chips, which have become even more economical, a little more productive and have integrated 8th generation graphics (Gen 8) with 12 computing modules and support for DirectX 11.2. Unfortunately, the company presented these SoCs only in March, while the Inte Compute Stick was announced back at January CES 2015. Surely we will see new processors as part of “computing sticks,” but of the next generation.

The capabilities of the current system are quite sufficient for a fairly wide range of tasks. There are no problems with opening several heavy pages with complex layouts. Although you shouldn’t be particularly zealous here either. Browsers require more and more RAM, and with only 2 GB of RAM, you have to curb your appetite. Otherwise, the responsiveness of the system is reduced. The Compute Stick handles office applications confidently. Serious, voluminous projects are unlikely to be processed on such a system, but relatively simple documents can be edited quite comfortably.

The gaming capabilities of the Intel Compute Stick are not great. The built-in graphics core will provide a comfortable level of fps only in simple casual projects. A compact PC looks much more confident in the form of a universal media player.

The list of video formats for which hardware decoding is supported is quite convincing. With DXVA support, the system can easily handle streams with bitrates up to 100 Mb/s.

When using the Intel Compute Stick, you should take a rational approach to the selection of applications used and the list of tasks that are assigned to the system. In general, the same approaches and principles work here as for mobile systems with basic performance. You can try to work with layers in Photoshop or start editing a video, but this is a thankless task. Each task has its own tool.

Considered Intel version The Compute Stick is equipped with a 32 GB eMMC drive. In this case, part of the disk is allocated for a backup partition, which is necessary for the possibility of system recovery. A significant part of the drive is initially occupied by Windows 8.1 Bing. After the first launch, before updating the operating system and installing additional applications, the system owner has approximately 19.5 GB of free disk space at his disposal. As practice shows, such volumes are processed very quickly. The disk subsystem can be expanded by additionally installing a Micro SD flash card with a capacity of up to 128 GB.

As for the performance of the internal drive, its speed indicators are more likely to be expected for eMMC - not very fast, but quite tolerable, especially for a drive installed in a PC of such a compact format.

To connect additional peripherals, Intel Compute Stick offers one full-length USB 2.0 port. On the one hand, it’s great that in principle it is available on a platform of such dimensions, on the other hand, one USB connector is not enough for many situations. The examples begin with the inability to connect the usual wired mouse and keyboard. Obviously, in this case it is worth taking care of a wireless kit in advance. Although, this is not without nuances. For sets with a radio module, you need to connect an external receiver to the system, which will actually occupy the only USB connector. Peripherals connected via Bluetooth in this case are perhaps preferable. But it’s important not to go cheap here – the most affordable mice/keyboards with Bluetooth often suffer from mediocre responsiveness during operation.

The issue of connecting peripherals is radically solved here by a USB hub with 4–8 additional ports. It is also worth considering here that the USB port on the Compute Stick offers a current of up to 500 mA, that is, the total power of connected consumers should not exceed 2.5 W. It will not be possible to connect several external hard drives and wired peripherals to the hub at once. For such a body kit you need an active USB hub with additional power. Such a device radically solves the problem, but it requires another electrical outlet, and in general, in this configuration the topology of the platform changes somewhat. Instead of a simple compact solution, we get a branched system with a lot of additional wires, which requires three free sockets for operation.

Power consumption, noise and heat

In rest mode, the “baby” with the wireless receiver installed in the USB connector consumes about 3–3.5 W. When there is no load, the cooling system operates in passive mode, and the SoC heats up to 45–50C. After some activities, when the processor temperature reaches 60 degrees, the fan starts. It was not possible to register its rotation speed using known utilities. It is subjectively felt that the rotation speed varies within a certain range depending on the heating of the processor. During maximum load on the computing cores, the CPU temperature rose to 70 degrees.

The noise level emitted by the fan is low, but in a quiet home environment, if the stick is connected to a work monitor, it is not difficult to hear it. If the system is connected to a TV installed at a distance of 2–3 meters from the user, then the presence of a fan should definitely not be confusing. The same is true for working in an office space. Of course, the ideal option would be to use a passive cooling system, which would eliminate all issues with the level of noise emitted. But, as we see, Intel relied on effective heat removal and safe temperature conditions for the system.

Under load on the CPU and GPU units, the system's power consumption is about 8–9 W, while when watching HD video, the Compute Stick's consumption is 5–6 W. This is not the 20-30 W that a NUC class system requires. The difference is quite noticeable, but this is exactly what we expected from a PC with such a compact form factor and economical hardware platform.

Price

Intel Compute Stick will be available in two versions. A version with 2 GB of RAM, a 32 GB drive and the Windows 8.1 operating system with Bing is already offered in the US market for $149. The model with Linux Ubuntu 14.04 LTS will cost $110, but this version will be equipped with 1 GB of RAM and an internal disk with a capacity of 8 GB. The price is relatively low, but at the same time it is not an ultra-budget solution. In the nascent segment of stick computing, cost matters a lot. The price range is different and $20–30 is already a significant difference. To the cost of the device you should also add the amount required to purchase a mouse/keyboard set, and if you are going to actively use additional peripherals, then you cannot do without purchasing a USB hub.

When making a choice in the direction of “key fob” format systems, you need quite compelling arguments and a justified model for using an ultra-compact platform, because slightly more expensive mini-PCs offer wider functionality.

Results

Intel Compute Stick allows you to turn any TV or monitor with an HDMI output into a full-fledged system suitable for work. With a familiar operating system and set necessary applications. When you see solutions like the Intel Compute Stick, you can especially feel the progress of computing systems. Capabilities of a PC for which not so long ago you needed a classic system unit, now implemented in a keychain that gets lost in a shirt pocket. Yes, of course, such a “stick” will not fully replace a desktop or laptop, and it certainly does not pretend to be the only computer in the house. However, at a relatively low cost, it can turn a large TV into another computer that can cope with everyday tasks and network activities, and also allows you to watch videos various formats and slightly entertain yourself with casual games.

Intel Compute Stick is the manufacturer's first iteration in this segment. The platform is not ideal yet; at least there are certain parameters that I would like to improve. Of course, such a compact solution has its own nuances of use, but if the spirit of technical adventurism is alive in you, then such a PC will be very interesting even as an object for experimentation. At the same time, the ease of connection and the initial readiness of the system for operation allows us not to limit the circle of potential owners of the Intel Compute Stick only to enthusiasts.

Liked

Very compact dimensions

Performance sufficient for everyday tasks

Availability of a full-size USB port

Micro SD card slot (up to 128 GB)

HDMI extender included

Operating system Windows 8.1 with Bing

Did not like

- Modest integrated graphics capabilities

— Active cooling system

— Small amount of internal storage

Intel Compute Stick Review | PC with very limited capabilities

Intel recently announced a micro PC Intel Compute Stick with Windows OS. At official Intel dealers its price will be $150, while the version based on Ubuntu Linux, with slightly modified characteristics, should sell for $110.

Intel Compute Stick is not a desktop replacement. A “PC flash drive” is positioned as an additional computing module that connects to a TV or display via an HDMI connector. Intel Compute Stick designed to handle simple tasks, including editing simple documents, watching videos or just talking with friends via Skype. The device has dimensions of 114x38x13 mm. It is equipped with a module wireless communication, USB 2.0, Bluetooth, video and audio controllers.

Intel Compute Stick available with two OS: Windows 8.1 and Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. The Windows version (STCK1A32WFC) appeared at the end of April, while the Ubuntu version (STCK1A8LFC) should be released in June.

Intel Compute Stick Review | Specifications

Intel Compute Stick Specifications
operating system	Windows 8.1 with Bing 32-bit Ubuntu (Linux) 14.04 LTS 64-bit
CPU	Intel Atom Z3735F, 1.33 GHz, 2 MB cache, fan cooling
BIOS	FCBYT10H.86A.0018.2015.0330.1117 (3/30/2015)
GPU	Intel HD Graphics with driver v.15.33.27.3910
System memory	Single channel DDR3L-R-S @ 1.35 V, 1333 MHz Windows: 2 GB Ubuntu: 1 GB
Storage device	Built-in Samsung MGB4GC eMMC Windows - 32 GB, Samsung Ubuntu - 8 GB SDXC v3.0 slot with UHS I support
Periphery	Integrated 802.11bgn Wi-Fi controller USB 2.0 Bluetooth 4.0 MicroSD slot
Net	Integrated 802.11bgn controller
Audio	Intel HD Audio over HDMI with multiple channel support
Power Requirements	Adapter for power supply 5 V, 2 A
Case size	103 mm x 37 mm x 12 mm

Intel Compute Stick Review | First impressions

At first we thought that Intel Compute Stick It's perfect as a portable PC, capable of turning any HDMI-enabled TV into a work computer, although it would require you to carry around a keyboard and mouse. But then we adjusted our opinion. The device can turn a large TV into a working computer, allowing you to surf the Internet, chat on Skype or work with email, all through your usual Windows interface. A potential problem, in our opinion, is the lack of processing power and RAM when working with multiple programs. There should be no problems with single applications.

Despite small sizes, one of the main problems Intel Compute Stick is his external shape. With a device length of 103 mm, there should be enough space for installation behind the TV. Some TVs have HDMI connectors on the side of the display, but there are models that are very close to the wall; install them in such TVs Intel Compute Stick It's unlikely to work without an HDMI adapter cable.

Our review sample included a 20cm HDMI extender, but we used the 90cm extender to Intel Compute Stick was in front of the display, making it easier to access USB port and the power button. Intel Compute Stick Light enough that you can leave it hanging from the 20cm extension behind the screen if you wish.

Speaking of USB ports. Depending on how many devices you want to connect to Intel Compute Stick, you may need a USB hub, especially if you don't have a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. According to Intel representatives, to install additional USB ports in Intel Compute Stick lack of internal space. Besides, prerequisite To operate the device, you must have a TV with HDMI support. The company also confirmed that Intel Compute Stick will only work with HDMI direct input (no adapters).

Intel Compute Stick Review | External description

Intel Compute Stick has a minimal external set of interfaces and controls. One USB 2.0 slot is available for additional devices, and a microSD slot is provided for storage expansion. We installed a 32 GB card into it without any problems. Intel Compute Stick also equipped Bluetooth module 4.0, so if you have a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard and mouse, you can go wireless and leave the USB port free.

For the most part, the Bluetooth keyboard worked well. There were no problems with the Logitech Folio. But when we connected a cheaper RockSoul Bluetooth keyboard, we noticed frequent connection dropouts that required us to constantly re-pair it. Intel Compute Stick. In this situation we are not inclined to blame Intel Compute Stick, since the Folio worked without problems, but the functionality of the keyboard under the RockSoul brand is still in question.

External components of Intel Compute Stick

The power button is located on the side next to the HDMI connector, which is not very convenient. When disconnecting or setting up the device, you have to take it very carefully so as not to accidentally press this button. We hope that this flaw will be corrected in later versions.

Included Intel Compute Stick There is a 90 cm power cable. One of its connectors is inserted into the power socket on the device, and the USB connector is inserted into the 5 V socket.

For physical security, instead of a Kensington lock, Intel Compute Stick two interconnected recesses are used on the sides of the body. A thin metal cable is threaded through them, which is then crimped. This type of lock is typical for industrial type products.

Intel Compute Stick Review | Internal organization

Intel Compute Stick is equipped with a quad-core Atom Z3735F processor, belonging to the Intel SoC family based on Bay Trail architecture. This 64-bit SoC was introduced in early 2014. It has a 2 MB L2 cache and operates at a base frequency of 1.33 GHz (1.83 GHz in boost mode). The RAM is a single-channel DDR3L memory with a frequency of 1333 MHz and a capacity of 2 GB.

For working with graphics Intel Compute Stick uses Intel HD Graphics integrated into the Atom Z3735F processor. With the Intel HD Graphics Control Panel, users can adjust General settings image output, manage power settings, and create custom profiles that let you save video settings for different applications.

It's easy to open the case, but all the most interesting things are under the radiator

The data storage system is represented by Samsung MBG4GC eMMC flash memory with a capacity of 32 GB. It is intended for mobile devices and uses high-density MLC NAND memory chips with an MMC controller. Of the 32 GB indicated on the box, Windows Disk Management shows that 23.04 GB is under the root file system, 5.86 GB is for the recovery partition, and the remaining 100 MB is allocated for the EFI System Partition.

The single-band Wi-Fi module Azurewave AW-NB177NF M.2 is responsible for wireless communication. It supports 802.11 b/g/n standards and operates in the 2.4 GHz band while providing bluetooth connection 4.0. At a nominal speed of 150 Mbps, performance is comparable to the N150 Wi-Fi adapter, which is significantly slower than modern Wi-Fi AC devices.

Intel Compute Stick Review | Exploitation

The very first thing we wanted to check was how Intel Compute Stick copes with online video playback. To our surprise, watching movies and shows on Netflix and Hulu was quite comfortable. The YouTube video played without delay. Streaming is smooth and built-in Intel Compute Stick the audio controller outputs quite clear sound to the TV speakers. When playing videos on Netflix, there was a slight delay when moving the mouse across the screen, but this did not affect streaming content. This problem usually occurs when the mouse is used further than three meters from the PC. But in our case, there was about 2.5 meters from the display to the mouse.

We also tried using Remote Desktop on Intel Compute Stick and connect to your computer via Wi-Fi. There was some delay when connecting and logging into the computer for the first time. Typically, when using Remote Desktop, such a delay is not observed, but taking into account that the Wi-Fi module Intel Compute Stick doesn't support 802.11ac and that we're running an SoC, a Remote Desktop session might be too taxing for the device. But after the first session, the time to start the program decreased. However, by connecting an 802.11ac USB network adapter to Intel Compute Stick, we did not notice any difference in response.

Intel Compute Stick Review | Equipment

In the box with the sample that we received for testing, we found the following components:

• Intel Compute Stick with Windows 8.1 Bing 32-bit preinstalled;
• USB adapter nutrition alternating current, 5V, 2A;
• USB cable for power adapter, 75 cm long;
• HDMI extension cable 20 cm long;
• adapters for power sockets of different standards.

According to Intel, the retail version Intel Compute Stick will have the same equipment, plus instructions and user manual.

Intel Compute Stick Review | Additional accessories

Since in the Windows version you will get only 32 GB of storage, you should not ignore the possibility of expanding it using microSD cards. The device supports cards up to 128GB, which is worth taking advantage of. The built-in flash memory won't last long, especially if you save files locally, so extra storage space won't hurt.

In addition, you can use cloud storage. Considering that Intel Compute Stick works under Windows control 8.1, there are many options available for storing data in the cloud. For example, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox and Google Drive They provide free storage of a certain capacity, but you will have to pay extra for additional space on such a disk.

Accessories for Intel Compute Stick

Using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse makes sense because it allows you to keep the only USB port free. Wireless technologies Intel Compute Stick frees the user from wires dangling on the floor. If you can't use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, you can buy a wireless USB keyboard with trackpad or a set consisting of a keyboard and mouse with a common USB receiver.

Also not out of place on the list would be a USB hub with external power supply, which allows you to connect devices, especially peripherals, with a power consumption of more than 500 mA. Because the Intel Compute Stick only supports USB 2.0, a corresponding hub will be inexpensive. USB 2.0 hubs are great for USB card readers, keyboards, mice or webcams. If the speed of the built-in wireless module is not enough for you, you can install a wired USB controller or a faster USB Wi-Fi adapter.

list of tested compatibility with Intel Compute Stick peripherals can be found at intel.com.

Intel Compute Stick Review | Testing methodology

For testing Intel Compute Stick we had to borrow a few techniques from reviews of tablets and networking equipment. It was also necessary to take into account the low performance of the device. We understand that this is not a gaming system or a workstation, so we have set appropriate expectations. In addition to performance, we are interested in functionality Intel Compute Stick as an additional computing resource for a TV or monitor.

To test the processor, graphics and storage, we connected Intel Compute Stick to a 24-inch Asus VS247 monitor with an HDMI port.

Web tests were conducted on the same Asus monitor, and to analyze network throughput at different distances between two-way Asus router RT-AC66U with an ASRock VisionX mini-PC connected to it via Ethernet (Core i7-4712MQ, AMD HD8850M GPU, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD and 2 TB HDD) we used a small cart.

The Atom z3735F quad-core processor was tested using Primate Lab Geekbench 3. Geekbench is a cross-platform benchmark designed to test CPU and memory performance. One of the main advantages of Geekbench is access to a large database of Primate Labs tested devices, including Windows, iOS and Android platforms. Today we are interested in single-core and multi-core tests using integer and floating point calculations, as well as tasks that load RAM.

We will check the speed of sequential and random I/O operations on the Samsung integrated drive using CrystalDiskMark.

The PassMark Advanced Networking module allows you to test end-to-end transmission speeds over Wi-Fi. The program is installed on each computer in a client/server configuration. On one it runs as a server, on the other - as a client. To test TCP traffic from Intel Compute Stick On ASRock Mini-PC we used the standard fixed block size of 16384 bytes. Test results show received and transmitted data, average speed in kbps and processor load. Considering that Intel Compute Stick only supports 2.4GHz transmission, we limited other devices in our network comparison tests to the same range.

There are different types of microcomputers - really “micro” and slightly larger, not very productive and generally not suitable for anything other than Internet surfing. Today this species includes a whole mass various devices with different capabilities and purposes, but among the apparent diversity it is not easy to find a model powerful enough in its class. It is even more difficult to find such a PC in Russia. The models that are on the market today are, for the most part, only suitable for Internet surfing and watching movies with far from the best high resolution. Intel itself decided to rectify the situation by releasing a microcomputer based on a hardware platform of its own design. We are talking about the Intel Bay Trail platform in the Intel Bay Trail-T version, intended primarily for tablet computers, but successfully used in many other devices. The new microcomputer has everything from Intel - both design and hardware. Well, who, if not Intel itself, knows better in what form factor and with what functionality must the device be on an Intel hardware platform?

⇡ Contents of delivery

The device comes in a compact cardboard box, corporate blue for Intel. Inside, in addition to the microcomputer itself, the following accessories were found:

• HDMI cable;
• USB ↔ Micro-USB cable;
• power adapter with a set of four plugs of different standards;
• quick printed user guide;
• activation card for an annual subscription to McAfee antivirus.

We will get acquainted with the purpose of accessories in more detail a little later, but for now let’s look at specifications new items

⇡ Specifications

Intel Compute Stick
CPU	Intel Atom Z3735F, 4 × 1.33 GHz (1.83 GHz), 2 MB L3
Graphics controller	Intel HD Graphics
RAM	2 GB DDR3L-1333 (667 MHz) (soldered on board)
Storage System	1 × eMMC 5.0 32 GB, Samsung MBG4GC
Flash card connector	microSDXC
	1 × USB 2.0 type A 1 × Micro-USB (power supply only) 1 x HDMI 1.4a
WiFi	802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth	4.0
Sound	Intel High Definition Audio
Nutrition	Power adapter 5 V, 2 W; Via USB
Size, mm	104 × 38 × 13
Weight, g	54
operating system	Windows 8.1 with Bing 32-bit
Official manufacturer's warranty, months.	12
Approximate price*, rub.	10 500

* average price according to Yandex.Market at the time of writing.

The microcomputer is available in two versions - with different OS: Ubuntu 14.04 LTS and Windows 8.1 with Bing. We got the second option for testing. Interestingly, the Intel Compute Stick version of the microcomputer Ubuntu management the manufacturer slightly deprived it by providing it with smaller amounts of RAM and disk subsystem and, accordingly, making it cheaper. As for the second version of this device, which came to our test laboratory, its OS has a 32-bit kernel. But the word Bing in the name means little to the user, except that this not the most popular search engine is built into Internet browser Explorer. If you want, use it, if you don’t want, use any other.

Processor and Chipset Information

As mentioned above, the Intel Compute Stick microcomputer is based on the Intel Bay Trail-T platform with the quad-core Intel Atom Z3735F, which already belongs to the second generation of processors for this platform, released last spring and developed on the 22-nanometer Silvermont architecture. This processor is one of the most inexpensive in the line, and therefore has a minimum clock frequency, which in nominal operating mode is 1.33 GHz and can be increased to 1.83 GHz in turbo mode. The volume of the second level cache is 2 MB. The processor is a very economical model. The SDP (Scenario Design Power) indicator, that is, the level of average power consumption during everyday use, is only 2.2 W. Obviously, most often an active cooling system is not required for this processor, but in the case of the Intel Compute Stick it is still implemented.

In general, in the Intel Bay Trail-T processor family there are many much more interesting models. It is not clear why the manufacturer chose the Intel Atom Z3735F, which has a number of serious limitations regarding RAM, video output and other interfaces. Most likely, this was done for economic reasons, because a more productive device will cost more, which means the consumer circle will be completely different.

Memory information

One of the most important limitations of the Intel Atom Z3735F processor is that it has a single-channel RAM controller, the maximum volume of which is not four, like other processor modifications, but two gigabytes. This is exactly how much is soldered onto the Intel Compute Stick motherboard. The DDR3L-1333 module is used, that is, the maximum possible frequency for the Intel Atom Z3735F. The microcomputer has a small amount of RAM, but its modification with Ubuntu has an even smaller value - only 1 GB.

Information about the integrated video adapter

The Intel Atom Z3735F processor has integrated Intel HD Graphics with four execution units, running at a base clock speed of 311 MHz and can be overclocked to 646 MHz if necessary. We have already become acquainted with this video adapter more than once, but different processors it has different operating frequencies, so we can only talk about the performance and capabilities of Intel HD Graphics after testing. Let us only add that in this case the video adapter operates with a resolution of no higher than 1920 × 1080 pixels, that is, Full HD, while other processors of the Intel Bay Trail-T family can output images with a resolution of 4K.

The disk subsystem of the microcomputer is represented by a Samsung MBG4GC eMMC module with a capacity of 32 GB (29.0 GB available). The disk is represented by one working partition with a capacity of 22.55 GB, on which the operating system is installed. The rest of the volume is allocated for service information and the recovery section. As in the case of RAM, there is a strong desire to increase the capacity of the built-in disk subsystem of the Intel Compute Stick at least twice, but, alas, this is not possible. Well, the modification of the microcomputer with Ubuntu has an eMMC module with a capacity of only 8 GB. In this case, nothing but a video player and a couple more utilities will simply fit on this disk. You will have to use flash cards, because the Intel Compute Stick has a microSDXC reader on board.

To connect external drives and other devices, there is a single USB port on board the microcomputer. The fact that there is only one port is easily explained by the lack of free space on board the new product. In addition, the manufacturer has placed not a smaller, but a full-size version of the Type A USB port. If necessary, you will have to use a USB hub, which, by the way, can be the video panel itself, to which the Compute Stick is connected. But the fact that the USB interface of the Intel Compute Stick has a specification not 3.0, but 2.0, should be considered one of the shortcomings for which the processor used is again to blame. While other models in the Intel Bay Trail-T family have a built-in USB 3.0 controller, the Intel Atom Z3735F processor only works with a 2.0 bus.

The Intel Compute Stick has a standard set of wireless communications. A Realtek RTL8723BS module is installed on board, providing communication Wi-Fi standard 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. As for the sound, the new product is broadcast via the HDMI interface - there are no separate connectors in the device. Power is supplied via USB, for which there is an additional Micro-USB port on board, which can be connected either to one of the USB ports of the video panel, or to the power adapter included in the package.

⇡ Appearance

The Intel Compute Stick looks like a regular flash drive, only not too compact and with an HDMI interface instead of USB. The device fits into your pocket without any problems, so if you want, you can use one computer at work, at home, at the dacha, and with friends. It’s just that you won’t be able to work with it on the road - you can’t also carry a monitor with you.

The body of the new product is made of black plastic and consists of two halves. The lower part and side edges have a rough surface, but the top panel is varnished. Naturally, it instantly attracts fingerprints and dust, and then the first scratches will appear on it. The user can compensate for the extremely impractical solution of the manufacturer only by not removing the protective plastic film from the gloss or by sticking his own.

The main interface of the device - HDMI video output - is located on one of the narrow side edges. Since the microcomputer case is still not exactly “micro,” connecting it to the video panel without the short extension cord included in the package can be quite problematic.

All other Intel Compute Stick interfaces are located on the long side edges. On one side there are USB 2.0 and Micro-USB ports, a power control button, as well as a loop for attaching some kind of lanyard or cable that ensures the safety of the device if the video panel with it is placed in a public place. On the other side of the case there is only a microSDXC memory card reader. As for the top lacquered panel, it houses a blue LED power indicator and two large ventilation windows, behind one of which a miniature fan is visible. Small ventilation holes are also located on the side edges.

⇡

The manufacturer does not assume that the user will open the plastic case of the device, since there are no replaceable parts inside it. Nevertheless, disassembling the new product was not difficult. The entire internal space is occupied by the motherboard, covered by a composite aluminum radiator. Huge port USB type But here it looks like something from another world - strange and archaic. However, its presence is an undoubted advantage of the design, so there is no need to find fault.

The compact fan is mounted on the case cover and connected to the connector on the motherboard with a long and very thin wire. The fan housing has blank walls on the three sides that abut the ribs of the cover. And only that side face that faces the radiator, as well as the lower plane, are open for the intake of heated air.

⇡ Testing

To compare the performance of the Intel Compute Stick, we used the test results of one of the contemporaries of this device that visited our laboratory - the ECS LIVA X model. This is not so compact, but still a mini-PC, which is based on the Intel Bay Trail-M platform with a dual-core processor Intel Celeron N2808, operating at a frequency of 1.58 to 2.25 GHz. It has 4 GB of DDR3L-1333 RAM soldered on the motherboard and the same integrated Intel HD Graphics graphics core as the Intel Compute Stick, with only one difference - the maximum core frequency is not 646, but 792 MHz. The disk subsystem of these PCs is also similar. In ECS LIVA X it is represented by a Toshiba THGBMBG9D8KBAIG eMMC module with a capacity of 64 GB.

⇡ Performance

Unfortunately, it is not possible to conduct full testing using our traditional method in the case of the Intel Compute Stick. The thing is that some test packages, such as CINEBENCH R15 or the fpFlac encoder, are designed to work only in a 64-bit environment, and our microcomputer has a 32-bit version of Windows 8.1 installed. Testing in Adobe Photoshop CS6 could not be completed due to insufficient disk space, although the Intel Compute Stick has enough resources for the program to function. However, to evaluate performance, the part of the tests that completed successfully is enough.

Despite the lower clock speed of the processor and half the amount of RAM compared to the ECS LIVA X, the Intel Compute Stick microcomputer demonstrated performance almost identical to the capabilities of its larger competitor. In some tests the ECS LIVA X minicomputer took the lead, and in others it was slightly ahead of the Intel Compute Stick microcomputer, but this difference is completely insignificant. But the dimensions of today’s guest of the test laboratory are several times smaller than those of the ECS LIVA X, which in itself gives reason to think.

In general, the performance and capabilities of the new product are sufficient both for solving office tasks and for creating a home entertainment center based on this device, allowing you to watch movies in Full HD, listen to music and even work with various multimedia programs. The only disappointment is the critically small amount of RAM, which simply physically does not allow the user to work with several programs at the same time. One can only imagine what this tiny device could be capable of if it had a slightly more powerful processor from the same Intel Bay Trail-T family, working with 4 GB of RAM in dual-channel mode and allowing image output up to 4 K.

Of course, the capabilities of the integrated Intel HD Graphics video adapter are completely insufficient for gaming. Due to slightly lower graphics core operating frequencies in the 3DMark test, the Intel Compute Stick microcomputer fell slightly behind its larger competitor. Let's return for a moment to the previous "if...": older versions of Intel Atom Z37x5 processors have an integrated video adapter with a core frequency of up to 792 MHz, like the ECS LIVA X processor, which would give a microcomputer from Intel the opportunity to equal the results, and maybe even break out forward. But it is what it is. However, the gaming capabilities of both ECS LIVA X and Intel Compute Stick are still only suitable for sitting through simple Internet strategies or some digital board games - and nothing more.

In addition to tests using the traditional method for laptops and PCs, we conducted several additional studies for the Intel Compute Stick. The first concerns its disk subsystem, represented by the eMMC 5.0 module. Test results in specialized programs ATTO Disk Bemchmark and CrystalDiskMark differ, but not much. The drive demonstrates not fantastic, but quite decent performance for its class, which is significantly higher than most 2.5-inch drives. hard drives, but lower than modern SSD modules.

An important role for such a compact device with a small disk space and without wired network adapter plays speed wireless transmission data, and therefore we decided to test the performance of the built-in Wi-Fi module. The testing involved a dual-band Netgear WNDR3800 router connected via a wired gigabit interface to test stand with the Atheros AR8151 controller serving as the endpoint. Testing was carried out within one room. The data transfer speed was 45-60 Mbit/s, which can be assessed as a completely acceptable result. This performance is sufficient not only for simple data transfer, but also for streaming video.

⇡ Cooling system

As a rule, microcomputers, and most other devices based on economical Intel Bay Trail processors, have a passive cooling system, but Intel decided to do it differently. The Intel Compute Stick model has its own active system with a miniature fan and an aluminum radiator that covers most of the electronic components on the motherboard. When the processor and video core are slightly loaded, the fan remains at rest, but even when it is running, no noise is heard. It’s difficult to say what will happen after a year of active use, but while it’s new, this fan can be called one of the quietest.

The efficiency of the cooling system was assessed using stress tests of the AIDA64 package. During testing, the device was placed on the monitor wall in a room with a temperature of about 21 °C. The processor demonstrated stable operation, although it was not possible to see the maximum frequency - 1.83 GHz. The highest recorded frequency was 1.58 GHz, and the operating temperature did not exceed 65 °C. No throttling was observed when loading all systems.

⇡ Pre-installed software

The microcomputer is supplied without any pre-installed proprietary software, except for drivers and utilities for hardware components. As for the Bing search engine, as mentioned above, the user is still free to choose which search engine and which Internet browser to use, so the word Bing in Windows versions 8.1 is not worth it.

⇡ conclusions

On the one hand, the Intel Compute Stick microcomputer sets a new level of performance for devices of this type. On the other hand, the potential of the hardware platform embedded in it is not fully realized in the device. In fact, the level of performance and capabilities of the new product could be even higher, but for economic reasons, obviously, the manufacturer decided to limit itself to a not the most powerful processor from the very extensive Intel Bay Trail-T family.

Of course, Intel Compute Stick is not alone in its kind, and anyone can find a dozen Chinese analogues on well-known trading platforms if they wish. But don't make a mistake when choosing! There are microcomputers on various low-performance platforms, and there are on Intel Bay Trail, which includes the hero of our today's review. Despite its modest dimensions, the Intel Compute Stick has the same capabilities as an entry-level laptop or desktop PC. Among the shortcomings, in addition to the already repeatedly mentioned processor with limited functionality, we can note the small volume of the built-in eMMC drive and the completely impractical varnish coating of the upper part of the case.

Despite the existing shortcomings, the new product makes a very pleasant impression and makes you think about the future of the PC as a whole, because the Intel Compute Stick is a full-fledged Windows PC with a very wide range of uses. Thus, the new product can be successfully used as a home multimedia center without complaining about excessive slowness during operation. You can purchase it as a PC for presentations and various types of on-site sessions. Well, for completely undemanding users who need a full-fledged, but not productive PC, the Intel Compute Stick model can become the main device, which can also be carried in your pocket without any problems.

Lenovo Ideacentre Stick 300, Archos PC Stick, ECS PCoS and others, the cost of which promises to be 20-40% less than the Intel Compute Stick. At the same time, the hardware component of these microcomputers absolutely completely repeats the one we met today. You should not expect that after going online Russian market For all of the above-mentioned pocket PCs, the cost of the Intel Compute Stick will drop to six thousand rubles (that’s exactly what the Archos PC Stick is planned to sell for), but if it drops by at least one and a half to two thousand, it won’t be bad.