Experimenting with the formats of computing systems, Intel introduced the ultra-compact Compute Stick platform. A full-fledged PC with a quad-core processor, a wireless network controller, internal memory and Windows 8.1 on board is made in the form of a large key fob. What is it, a bold experiment of the manufacturer or the birth of a new format of computing systems? Let's see what to expect from such a PC.
Compact systems, similar in size to large flash key fobs, are no longer exotic. Similar platforms based on ARM chips and Android/Chrom OS have been on the market for some time. But we really see a PC of this form factor with an x86 processor and Windows 8.1 operating system for the first time. 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 a 10W (5V, 2A) external power supply with a set of adapters for various electrical outlet standards, an HDMI extension cable (20 cm), a quick start guide, and a coupon for a one-year McAfee AntiVirus Plus subscription.
Design and layout
So, Intel Compute Stick has dimensions of 103×37×12 mm. The system is offered as a complete solution. All that is needed to operate a PC is a screen with an HDMI interface and peripherals for control (keyboard / mouse).
The body of the system is made of black plastic. At the same time, the top panel has a glossy finish. Of course, in this case, the eye clings to such nuances of the external decor, but fingerprints that inevitably remain on such a surface do exactly the same. There are no special design frills here. Often this computer will be hidden from the eyes of the owner, 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 the heated air outlet, through one of which a miniature fan is visible. In the central part there is a large and well-read Intel Inside logo. Closer to the top edge is an activity indicator that lights up blue when the system is running.
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-size USB 2.0 port that 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.
The HDMI connector is located on the bottom panel.
All you have to do to connect the Intel Compute Stick is plug it into 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, a complete 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 work. For these purposes, a 10-watt PSU (5V, 2A) with the usual micro-USB connector is used. The USB cable from the PSU is 95 cm long, so it is desirable that there is a free electrical outlet within reach. Theoretically, you can power the system 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 has 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 using the 22nm process technology. The CPU TDP is less than 4W, while the SDP is 2.2W. In general, 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 integrated video core Intel HD Graphics includes 4 execution units, while the GPU frequency can vary between 311-664 MHz.
The Intel Atom Z3735F memory controller allows for 2 GB in single-channel mode (DDR3L-1333). This is the amount of RAM installed in the considered modification of the Intel Compute Stick. The system is also equipped with a built-in 32 GB eMMC flash drive (Samsung MBG4GC). The Realtek RTL8723BS controller is responsible for working with wireless networks, providing communication via Wi-Fi 802.11bgn (1 × 1, 150 Mb / s) and Bluetooth 4.0.
On the considered modification of the Intel Compute Stick, the Windows 8.1 operating system with Bing was initially installed, which obviously can be painlessly upgraded to Windows 10 after its announcement. This uses a 32-bit version of the OS, which is quite logical, given the amount of RAM available.
Performance and usage details
Obviously, the performance of the system in this case is determined by the processor used. In general, we have repeatedly considered the capabilities of PCs and tablets based on chips from the Intel Bay Trail family. As one of the manufacturer's slogans used for the Compute Stick says, "We have reduced the size of the system, but not its performance." And this is how it really is. First, some results of synthetic tests.
The results are quite expected. Yes, the speed indicators are not amazing, especially in terms of graphic capabilities. In this regard, I would very much like to see a Compute Stick based on 14-nanometer Chery Trail chips, which have become even more economical, slightly more productive and received integrated 8th generation graphics (Gen 8) with 12 computing modules and support for DirectX 11.2. Unfortunately, the company introduced these SoCs only in March, while the Inte Compute Stick was announced at CES 2015 in January. We will probably see new processors in the "computing sticks", but the next generation.
The capabilities of the current system are quite sufficient for a fairly wide range of tasks. There is no problem opening several heavy pages with complex layout. Although especially zealous here, too, is not worth it. Browsers require more and more RAM, and with only 2 GB of RAM, you have to curb your appetites. Otherwise, the responsiveness of the system is reduced. Compute Stick confidently handles office applications. 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 frames / c only in simple casual projects. Much more confident compact PC looks like a universal media player.
The list of video formats for which hardware decoding is supported is quite compelling. With DXVA support, the system can easily handle streams with bit rates up to 100 Mb/s.
When using the Intel Compute Stick, you should be rational about the choice of applications used and the list of tasks that are set for the system. Here, in general, the same approaches and principles work 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.
The reviewed version of the Intel Compute Stick is equipped with a 32 GB eMMC drive. At the same time, part of the disk is allocated for a backup partition, which is necessary for the possibility of restoring the system. 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, approximately 19.5 GB of free disk space remains at the disposal of the system owner. As practice shows, such volumes are processed very quickly. The disk subsystem can be expanded by additionally installing a Micro SD flash card up to 128 GB.
As for the performance of the internal drive, its speed performance is more likely to be expected for eMMC - not very fast, but quite tolerable, especially for a disk installed in a PC of such a compact format.
To connect additional peripherals, the Intel Compute Stick offers one full-size USB 2.0 port. On the one hand, it's great that it is, in principle, 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 the wireless kit in advance. Although, even here it is not without nuances. For sets with a radio module, you need to connect an external receiver to the system, which actually will occupy the only USB connector. Peripherals connected via Bluetooth in this case, perhaps, are preferable. But here it is important not to sell cheap - the most affordable mice / keyboards with Bluetooth often suffer from mediocre responsiveness in the process.
The USB hub for 4-8 additional ports solves the issue of connecting peripherals radically here. 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 the connected consumers should not exceed 2.5 watts. Connecting several external hard drives and wired peripherals to the hub at once will not work. 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 is already somewhat changing. Instead of a simple compact solution, we get a branched system with a lot of additional wires, which requires three free sockets to work.
Power consumption, noise and heat
In rest mode, the "baby" with the receiver of the wireless kit installed in the USB connector consumes about 3-3.5W. In the absence of 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 the speed of its rotation by well-known utilities. Subjectively, it is felt that the rotational speed changes in a certain range depending on the heating of the processor. During the 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 working monitor, it is not difficult to hear it. If the system is connected to a TV set at a distance of 2-3 meters from the user, then the presence of a fan should definitely not be embarrassing. The same is true for office work. Of course, the ideal option would be to use a passive cooling system, which would remove all issues with the level of noise emitted. But, as you can see, Intel has relied on efficient heat dissipation and a safe temperature regime for the system.
Under load on the CPU and GPU blocks, the system's power consumption is about 8-9 W, while while watching HD video, the Compute Stick's consumption is 5-6 W. It's not the 20-30 watts that a NUC class system requires. The difference is quite noticeable, but that's exactly what we expected from a PC with such a compact form factor and an economical hardware platform.
Price
Intel Compute Stick will be presented in two versions. A version with 2 GB of RAM, a 32 GB drive and Windows 8.1 with Bing is already available 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, this is not an ultra-budget solution. In the nascent segment of computing sticks, cost matters a lot. The order of prices is different and $20-30 is already a significant difference. To the cost of the device, you should also add the amount needed to purchase a mouse / keyboard kit, and if you are going to actively use additional peripherals, then you can’t do without buying a USB hub.
Making a choice in the direction of keychain format systems, one needs quite strong arguments and a justified model for using an ultra-compact platform, because slightly more expensive mini-PCs offer wider functionality.
Results
The Intel Compute Stick lets you turn any TV or monitor with an HDMI output into a complete, workable system. With a familiar operating system and a set of necessary applications. At the sight of solutions like the Intel Compute Stick, the progress of computing systems is especially felt. The capabilities of a PC, which not so long ago needed a classic system unit, are now implemented in a key fob that is 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 handles everyday tasks and network activities, as well as allows you to watch videos of various formats and slightly entertain yourself with casual games.
The Intel Compute Stick is the manufacturer's first iteration in this segment. The platform is not yet perfect, at least there are quite certain parameters that we 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 experiments. At the same time, the ease of connection and the initial readiness of the system to work allows you not to limit the circle of potential owners of the Intel Comppute Stick to only enthusiasts.
Liked
Very compact dimensions
Performance sufficient for everyday tasks
Full USB port available
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
Miniaturization is a progressive direction - it is worth looking at the development of computers. Many years ago they took the form of huge boxes, then dwindled 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, the Intel Compute Stick.
It is a miniature computer in the form of a USB flash drive. The device is packed in a case made of durable and matte plastic. Parts of the case have holes through which you can see the fan. You can also find two full-sized USB ports (one 3.0), a microUSB power port, an HDMI connector, and a microSD card slot on the case.
The equipment is quite large in size, namely 113 x 38 x 12 mm. For this reason, after 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 expander that eliminates this problem. In addition, it allows you to hide the Intel Compute Stick behind the TV.
The Intel Compute Stick is a media-enabled device. In practice, however, Windows 10 is bad to manage on a TV screen and the OS is not very convenient in this regard, even if you have an appropriate multimedia keyboard with a built-in touchpad.
The system interface doesn't look very good on a 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 test of patience.
This device is admittedly not capable of handling the latest games, but is perfect for "streaming" when used at home. My desktop computer is a few meters away from the TV, in another room. For this reason, I have a PlayStation 4 in my living room, which is much more convenient to use.
With high-speed Wi-Fi 802.11 connectivity, the Intel Compute Stick allowed me to enjoy the best possible graphics without having to carry around a PC. This solution is much cheaper than the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
Outcome
The Intel Compute Stick is a device that will work great in many situations, but will be useless in most others. If you exclude the fact that you do not need to transfer your computer and connect it to an external screen in the hotel. I prefer to have a laptop which I use in every situation.
The Intel Compute Stick is a great solution for streaming games to another screen in great quality.
Such equipment is characterized by low productivity, but quite sufficient for office work. And given that the processor power is still too low, you can always wait a few weeks before the release of the next version of the Compute Stick, equipped with a powerful Intel Core M processor. Unfortunately, its price will probably be noticeably higher than $ 200-250.
Intel Compute Stick Review | Very limited PC
Intel recently announced a micro PC Intel Compute Stick with Windows OS. It will be priced at $150 at official Intel dealers, while the Ubuntu Linux-based version, with slightly modified specs, should sell for $110.
Intel Compute Stick is not a desktop replacement. "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 wireless communication module, USB 2.0, Bluetooth, video and audio controllers.
Intel Compute Stick available with two operating systems: Windows 8.1 and Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. The Windows version (STCK1A32WFC) appeared at the end of April, while the release of the Ubuntu version (STCK1A8LFC) should take place in June.
Intel Compute Stick Review | Specifications
| Intel Compute Stick Specifications | |
| Operating system | Windows 8.1 at Bing 32-bit Ubuntu (Linux) 14.04 LTS 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Atom Z3735F, 1.33 GHz, 2 MB cache, fan cooled |
| 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 RAM @ 1.35V, 1333MHz Windows: 2 GB Ubuntu: 1 GB |
| Storage device | Embedded Samsung MGB4GC eMMC Windows - 32 GB, Samsung Ubuntu - 8 GB SDXC v3.0 slot with UHS I support |
| Periphery | Integrated Wi-Fi 802.11bgn controller USB 2.0 Bluetooth 4.0 microSD slot |
| Net | Integrated 802.11bgn controller |
| Audio | Intel HD Audio over HDMI with multi-channel support |
| Power requirements | Power adapter 5 V, 2 A |
| Case size | 103mm x 37mm x 12mm |
Intel Compute Stick Review | First Impressions
At first we thought that Intel Compute Stick great as a portable PC, able to turn any HDMI-enabled TV into a work computer, although this would require carrying a keyboard and mouse. But then we corrected 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 e-mail, all through the familiar Windows interface. A potential problem, in our opinion, is the lack of processing power and RAM when working with several programs. Single applications shouldn't be a problem.
Despite their small size, one of the main problems Intel Compute Stick is its external form. With a device length of 103 mm, there must be enough space behind the TV for installation. Some TVs have HDMI connectors on the side of the display, but there are models that are very tight against the wall, you can install them in such TVs Intel Compute Stick It won't work without an HDMI adapter cable.
The sample we reviewed included a 20cm HDMI extension, but we used a 90cm extension to Intel Compute Stick placed in front of the display, making it easier to access the USB port and the power button. Intel Compute Stick light enough, and if desired, it can be left hanging on a 20 cm extension behind the screen.
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 not enough interior space. In addition, a prerequisite for the operation of the device is the presence of a TV with HDMI support. The company also confirmed that Intel Compute Stick will only work with direct HDMI 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 comes with Bluetooth 4.0, so if you have a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard and mouse, you can use wireless connectivity 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 plugged in a cheaper RockSoul Bluetooth keyboard, we noticed frequent disconnections that meant we had to constantly reconnect it to Intel Compute Stick. In this situation, we are not inclined to blame Intel Compute Stick, since the Folio worked without problems, but the performance of the RockSoul-branded keyboard is still in question.
External elements of the 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 shortcoming 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 in Intel Compute Stick two interconnected recesses are used on the sides of the case. 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 equipped with a quad-core Atom Z3735F processor, belonging to the Intel SoC family based on the 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.
To work with graphics Intel Compute Stick uses the Intel HD Graphics integrated into the Atom Z3735F processor. Through the Intel HD Graphics Control Panel, users can adjust general display settings, manage power settings, and create custom profiles that save video settings for various applications.
Opening the case is easy, but all the fun is under the heatsink
The storage system is represented by Samsung MBG4GC eMMC flash memory with a capacity of 32 GB. It is designed for mobile devices and uses high-density MLC NAND memory chips with an MMC controller. Of the 32 GB listed on the box, Windows Disk Management shows that 23.04 GB goes to the root file system, 5.86 GB to the recovery partition, and the remaining 100 MB to 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 a Bluetooth 4.0 connection. At a nominal speed of 150 Mbps, performance is comparable to the N150 Wi-Fi adapter, which is significantly slower than current AC Wi-Fi devices.
Intel Compute Stick Review | Exploitation
The very first thing we wanted to check is how Intel Compute Stick handles online video playback. To our surprise, watching movies and shows on Netflix and Hulu was quite comfortable. YouTube videos played without delay. Streaming is smooth, and built-in Intel Compute Stick The audio controller outputs fairly clear sound to the TV's speakers. While playing videos on Netflix, there were slight delays when moving the mouse across the screen, but streaming content was not affected. This problem usually occurs when the mouse is used more than three meters from the PC. But in our case, it was about 2.5 meters from the display to the mouse.
We also tried to use Remote Desktop (remote desktop) on Intel Compute Stick and connect to a computer via Wi-Fi. There was some delay during the first connection and login to the computer. Typically, this delay is not observed when using Remote Desktop, but considering that the Wi-Fi module Intel Compute Stick does not support 802.11ac and that we are working with an SoC, a Remote Desktop session could be too much of a task for the device. But after the first session, the launch time of the program was reduced. 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 came to us for testing, we found the following components:
- Intel Compute Stick preinstalled with Windows 8.1 Bing 32-bit;
- USB AC power adapter, 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 package, plus instructions and user manual.
Intel Compute Stick Review | Additional accessories
Since you get only 32 GB of storage in the Windows version, you should not ignore the possibility of expanding it using a microSD card. The device supports cards up to 128 GB, and this is worth taking advantage of. The built-in flash memory won't last long, especially if you save files locally, so extra storage won't hurt.
You can also use cloud storage. Given that Intel Compute Stick running Windows 8.1, there are many options available for storing data in the cloud. For example, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive provide free storage of a certain capacity, but you will have to pay extra for additional space on such a drive.
Accessories for Intel Compute Stick
Using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse is well worth it as you can keep the only USB port free. Wireless technologies Intel Compute Stick free 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 keyboard and mouse set with a shared USB receiver.
Also not out of place on the list is an externally powered USB hub that 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 suitable 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 tested for compatibility with Intel Compute Stick peripherals can be found at intel.com.
Intel Compute Stick Review | Test Methodology
For testing Intel Compute Stick we had to borrow a few techniques from reviews of tablets and network 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 our expectations have been formed accordingly. 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 24" Asus VS247 monitor with HDMI port.
Web tests were conducted on the same Asus monitor, and to analyze network throughput at different distances between an Asus RT-AC66U dual-band router with an Ethernet-connected ASRock VisionX mini PC (Core i7-4712MQ, AMD HD8850M GPU, 8 GB RAM) connected to it via Ethernet , 256 GB SSD and 2 TB HDD) we used a small cart.
The quad-core Atom z3735F was tested using Primate Lab Geekbench 3. Geekbench is a cross-platform benchmark designed to test CPU and memory performance. One of the main benefits of Geekbench is access to Primate Labs' large database of tested devices, including platforms running Windows, iOS, and Android. 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 test the speed of sequential and random I / O operations on the integrated Samsung drive using CrystalDiskMark.
The PassMark Advanced Networking module allows you to test your Wi-Fi end-to-end transmission speed. The program is installed on each computer in a client/server configuration. On one it runs as a server, on the other it runs as a client. To test TCP traffic from Intel Compute Stick on the ASRock Mini-PC we used the standard fixed block size of 16384 bytes. The test results show received and transmitted data, average speed in kbps and processor load. Given that Intel Compute Stick only supports 2.4GHz transmission, we have limited other devices in network comparison tests to the same range.
Microcomputers are different - really “micro” and slightly larger, not very productive and generally not very suitable for anything other than Internet surfing. This type today includes a whole host of different devices with different capabilities and purposes, but it is not easy to find a model that is powerful enough in its class among the apparent variety. It is even more difficult to find such a PC in Russia. The models that are on the market today, for the most part, are only suitable for Internet surfing and watching movies with far from the highest resolution. Intel itself decided to correct 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 variant, designed primarily for tablet computers, but successfully used in many other devices. In the new microcomputer, everything is from Intel - both the design and the filling. Well, who, if not Intel itself, knows better what form factor and with what functionality a device based on the Intel hardware platform should have?
⇡ Contents of delivery
The device comes in a compact blue Intel corporate cardboard box. 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;
- short 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 we will consider the technical characteristics of the novelty.
⇡ 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) |
| Storage System | 1 × eMMC 5.0 32 GB, Samsung MBG4GC |
| Flash card slot | microSDXC |
| 1 × USB 2.0 type A 1 × Micro-USB (power supply only) 1 x HDMI 1.4a |
|
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 |
| Sound | Intel High Definition Audio |
| Food | Power adapter 5V, 2W; By USB |
| Size, mm | 104×38×13 |
| Weight, g | 54 |
| Operating system | Windows 8.1 with Bing 32-bit |
| Manufacturer's official warranty, months | 12 |
| Estimated price*, rub. | 10 500 |
* Average price for "Yandex.Market" at the time of writing.
The microcomputer is available in two versions - with different operating systems: Ubuntu 14.04 LTS and Windows 8.1 with Bing. We got the second option for testing. Interestingly, the manufacturer slightly cheated the version of the Intel Compute Stick microcomputer running Ubuntu, providing it with smaller amounts of RAM and disk subsystem and making it cheaper, respectively. As for the second version of this device, which came to our test lab, its OS has a 32-bit kernel. But the word Bing in the title means little to the user, except that this not the most popular search engine is built into the Internet Explorer browser. If you want - use it, but if you don't want - any other.
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Processor and chipset information |
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As mentioned above, the Intel Compute Stick microcomputer is based on the Intel Bay Trail-T platform with a 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 the nominal mode is 1.33 GHz and can be increased to 1.83 GHz in turbo mode. The L2 cache is 2 MB. The processor belongs to very economical models. The SDP (Scenario Design Power), that is, the level of average power consumption during everyday work, is only 2.2 watts for it. 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, there are many much more interesting models in the Intel Bay Trail-T processor family. Why the manufacturer chose the Intel Atom Z3735F, which is distinguished by a number of serious limitations regarding RAM, video output and other interfaces, is not clear. Most likely, this was done for economic reasons, because a more productive device will cost more, which means that the consumer circle will be completely different.
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Memory information |
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One of the most important limitations of the Intel Atom Z3735F processor is that it has a single-channel RAM controller, the maximum amount of which is not four, like other processor modifications, but two gigabytes. That is how much is soldered on the Intel Compute Stick motherboard. The DDR3L-1333 module is used, that is, the maximum possible frequency for the Intel Atom Z3735F. The amount of RAM in the microcomputer is small, but its modification with Ubuntu is even smaller - only 1 GB.
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Information about the integrated video adapter |
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The Intel Atom Z3735F processor has an integrated four-executor Intel HD Graphics that runs at a base clock speed of 311 MHz and can be overclocked to 646 MHz when needed. We have already met this video adapter more than once, but it has different operating frequencies for different processors, so it will be possible to talk about the performance and capabilities of Intel HD Graphics only after testing. We only add that in this case the video adapter works 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 display an image 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 given over to service information and the recovery partition. As in the case of RAM, there is an urgent 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 of other utilities will simply not fit on this disk. You will have to use flash cards, because on board the Intel Compute Stick there is a microSDXC reader.
To connect external drives and other devices, the microcomputer has a single USB port. The fact that the port is the only one is easily explained by the lack of free space on board the novelty. In addition, the manufacturer has placed not a reduced, but a full-sized version of the Type A USB port. If necessary, you will have to use a USB hub, which, by the way, can also 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 of 3.0, but of 2.0 should be counted among the shortcomings in which the processor used is again to blame. While other models from the Intel Bay Trail-T family have a built-in USB 3.0 controller, the Intel Atom Z3735F processor differs in working only with the 2.0 bus.
The set of wireless communications from the Intel Compute Stick is normal. A Realtek RTL8723BS module is installed on board, providing 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. As for the sound, the novelty is broadcast via the HDMI interface - no separate connectors are provided 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 supplied.
⇡ 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 easily fits into your pocket, so if you wish, you can use one computer at work, at home, in the country, 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 novelty is made of black plastic and consists of two halves. The bottom and side faces have a rough surface, but the top panel is lacquered. Naturally, it instantly attracts fingerprints and dust, and then the first scratches appear on it. The user can compensate for the extremely impractical decision of the manufacturer only by not removing the protective plastic film from the gloss or sticking his own.
The main interface of the device - HDMI video output - is located on one of the narrow side faces. Since the case of a microcomputer is still not quite “micro”, connecting it to a video panel without a short extension cord from the delivery set can be very problematic.
All other Intel Compute Stick interfaces are located on the long side faces. On the one hand, there are USB 2.0 and Micro-USB ports, a power control button, and a loop for attaching some kind of cord 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 is only a microSDXC memory card reader. As for the top lacquered panel, it has a blue LED power indicator and two large ventilation windows, behind one of which a miniature fan is visible. Small ventilation holes carry the side faces.
⇡
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 novelty was not difficult. The entire internal space is occupied by the motherboard, closed by a composite aluminum radiator. The huge Type A USB port looks like something from another world here - strange and archaic. However, its presence is an undoubted advantage of the design, so you should not find fault.
The compact fan is mounted on the case cover and is connected to a connector on the motherboard with a long and very thin wire. From three sides resting against the edges of the cover, the fan housing has blank walls. And only that of its side face, which is facing 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 results of testing one of the contemporaries of this device that visited our laboratory - the ECS LIVA X model. It's not as compact, but it's still a mini PC based on the Intel Bay Trail-M platform with an Intel Celeron N2808 dual-core processor running at 1.58 to 2.25 GHz. It has 4 GB of DDR3L-1333 RAM soldered on the motherboard and the same as the Intel Compute Stick, integrated graphics core Intel HD Graphics with only one difference - the maximum core frequency is not 646, but 792 MHz. The disk subsystem of these PCs is also similar. For 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 carry out full testing according to our traditional method in the case of the Intel Compute Stick. The thing is that some of the 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 resources of the Intel Compute Stick are sufficient for the operation of the program itself. However, to evaluate the performance, the part of the tests that ended 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 that was almost identical to the capabilities of its larger competitor. In some tests, the ECS LIVA X minicomputer pulled ahead, 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 test lab guest are several times smaller than those of ECS LIVA X, which in itself gives reason to think.
In general, the performance and capabilities of the novelty are sufficient both for solving office problems and for creating a home entertainment center based on this device, which allows you to watch movies in Full HD, listen to music and even work with various multimedia programs. Only the critically small amount of RAM is upsetting, which simply physically will 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 capable of displaying images with resolutions up to 4K.
Of course, for games, the capabilities of the integrated Intel HD Graphics are completely insufficient. Due to the slightly lower operating frequencies of the graphics core in the 3DMark test, the Intel Compute Stick microcomputer slightly lagged behind its larger competitor. Let's return for a moment to the previous "if ...": older versions of the 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 the Intel microcomputer the opportunity to equalize the results, and maybe break out forward. But what is, is. However, the gaming capabilities of both the ECS LIVA X and the Intel Compute Stick are still only suitable for sitting out with simple Internet strategies or some kind of digital board games - and nothing more.
In addition to tests using the traditional methodology for laptops and PCs, we conducted a few more 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 hard drives, but lower than modern SSD modules.
An important role for such a compact device with a small amount of disk space and without a wired network adapter is played by the speed of wireless data transfer, and therefore we decided to test the performance of the built-in Wi-Fi module. The testing involved a Netgear WNDR3800 dual-band router connected via a wired gigabit interface to a test bench with an Atheros AR8151 controller serving as an endpoint. Testing was carried out within the same room. The data transfer rate was 45-60 Mbps, which can be assessed as quite an acceptable result. Such performance is sufficient not only for simple data transfer, but also for broadcasting 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 otherwise. The Intel Compute Stick model has its own active system with a miniature fan and an aluminum heatsink that covers most of the electronic components on the motherboard. With a slight load on the processor and video core, the fan remains at rest, but even when it is running, no noise is heard. It is difficult to say what will happen after a year of active use, but while it is new, this fan can be called one of the quietest.
Evaluation of the efficiency of the cooling system was carried out in the stress tests of the AIDA64 package. During testing, the device was placed on the wall of the monitor in a room with a temperature of about 21 ° C. The processor demonstrated stable operation, although the maximum frequency - 1.83 GHz - could not be seen. The highest recorded frequency was 1.58 GHz, and the temperature during operation did not exceed 65 ° C. Throttling when loading all systems was not observed.
⇡ 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 you should not be afraid of the word Bing in Windows 8.1.
⇡ 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 novelty could be even higher, but for economic reasons, obviously, the manufacturer decided to limit itself to not the most powerful processor from the very extensive Intel Bay Trail-T family.
Of course, the Intel Compute Stick is not alone in its kind, and everyone, if desired, will find a dozen Chinese analogues on well-known trading floors. But make no mistake when choosing! There are microcomputers on various low-performance platforms, and there are on the Intel Bay Trail, which include the hero of our today's review. Despite its modest dimensions, the capabilities of the Intel Compute Stick model are the same as those of an entry-level laptop or desktop PC. Among the shortcomings, in addition to the already repeatedly mentioned processor with limited functionality, one 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 shortcomings, the new product makes a very good 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. So, the novelty can be successfully used as a home multimedia center and at the same time not complain about excessive slowness at work. You can buy it as a PC for presentations and various kinds of outdoor 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, moreover, can be easily carried in your pocket.
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 the entry into the Russian market of all the above pocket PCs, the cost of the Intel Compute Stick will drop to six thousand rubles (it is planned to sell the Archos PC Stick for exactly that), but if it drops by at least one and a half to two thousand, it will already be good .
Last year, we met a couple of very interesting devices - Intel Compute Stick and Modecom FreePC microcomputers, which in appearance resemble either very large “flash drives” or CDMA modems with a USB interface. For all their unusualness, these products are full-fledged PCs that run the familiar Microsoft Windows operating system and are designed to perform a wide range of everyday tasks that are not resource-intensive. Meanwhile, despite the bold idea, both of its practical implementations, which we considered, turned out to be not without drawbacks. It is not surprising that the founder of this class of devices - Intel introduced a new version of the Compute Stick STK1AW32SC microcomputer based on the Atom x5-Z8300 single-chip system.
Compared to the previous generation STCK1A32WFC, the new model received a number of improvements, including expansion options, but retained the same attractive retail price. Whether the newcomer managed to get rid of the "bottlenecks" of the predecessor - we will find out in the process of today's review, but for now I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the devices.
| Model | Intel Compute Stick STCK1A32WFC | |
|---|---|---|
| Official product page | intel.com | intel.com |
| CPU | Intel Atom x5-Z8300 (1.44GHz, SDP 2W, 4 cores, 4 threads) | Intel Atom Z3735F (1.33GHz, SDP 2.2W, 4 cores, 4 threads) |
| RAM | 2 GB DDR3L-RS SDRAM 1600 MHz | 2 GB DDR3L-RS SDRAM 1333 MHz |
| video card | Intel HD Graphics | Intel HD Graphics |
| Disk subsystem | eMMC 32GB, 1x microSDXC UHS-I (up to 128GB) | |
| I/O ports | 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 | 1x HDMI 1.4a, 1x USB 2.0 |
| Sound subsystem | Intel HD Audio | Intel HD Audio |
| Communications | 1x Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n+ac, Bluetooth V4.0) | 1x Realtek RTL8723BS (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth V4.0) |
| Power Supply | External 15W (5V, 3A) | External 10W (5V, 2A) |
| Dimensions, mm | 113x38x12 | 103.4x37.6x12.5 |
| Preinstalled OS | Windows 10 Home | Windows 8.1 with Bing (free upgrade to Windows 10) |
| Recommended cost, $ | 139 | 139 |
Contents of delivery
The Intel Compute Stick that arrived in our test lab turned out to be an engineering sample designed to demonstrate the technical capabilities of the product. Therefore, the design and shape of the cardboard box intended for transporting the device may differ significantly for retail copies.
On the reverse side, instead of technical specifications, a description of the main advantage of the Compute Stick is given: the ability to turn any monitor or TV with an HDMI input into a full-fledged, ready-to-use personal computer with it.
In addition to the device itself, the package includes:
- user's manual;
- network adapter;
- HDMI extender.
In general, the beginner's set of accessories is not much different from that of last year's model, with the only difference being that the bundled AC adapter WA-15105R, which provides an output power of 15 W (5 V, 3 A), is equipped with a non-removable cord with a micro-USB connector. type “B”, while the cable of the previous generation was supplied separately from the power supply.
Design
The 2016 Intel Compute Stick, like its predecessor, is made in the HDMI Dongle format, that is, the device is installed in a free HDMI connector on a digital monitor or TV, but the power is supplied from an external AC adapter. In the event that the TV is located close to the wall, the complete HDMI extension cable will come to the rescue. The case of the microcomputer is made of plastic, its dimensions are 113x38x12 mm. Compared to the 2015 model, the height and width have not changed, while the length has increased by 10 mm. Two groups of ventilation holes are visible on the top cover of the device, through one of them a miniature fan of the active cooling system is visible. There is also a power indicator and the Intel Inside logo.
On the reverse side there is a place for a sticker, on which service information will be applied to retail copies, including the model name and its serial number, as well as a hole plugged with a rubber stopper. Under it is a screw that holds the halves of the case together.
At one end of the miniature PC is an HDMI 1.4b connector, designed to display images in 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. There is no official support for 4K, due to the hardware limitations of the platform used.
On the right side of the device is a microSDXC memory card slot that supports UHC-I flash drives up to 128 GB, and a pair of small ventilation holes.
The left side of the newcomer carries USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 type “A” connectors, a micro-USB port for power supply, a power button and slots for fresh air to enter the cooling system.
After opening the case, the internal structure of the Compute Stick becomes visible. Most of the PCB surface area is occupied by a heatsink that removes heat from the single-chip system.
The efficiency of the cooling system was a pleasant surprise, in the mode of maximum simultaneous load on the processor cores and the integrated video card, the temperature did not exceed 81 ° C, there were no signs of overheating and switching on the skipping cycle mode. The noise emitted by the cooler can be described as insignificant, not standing out against the general background of the living space.
The "heart" of the microcomputer is hidden under the heatsink - SoC Intel Atom x5-Z8300, which is one of the versions of the economical Braswell platform, which has found application in nettops and budget-class embedded solutions. This single-chip system, manufactured in compliance with 14-nm manufacturing standards, has four computing cores built on the basis of energy-efficient Silvermont microarchitecture. Among the expansion options of the Intel Atom x5-Z8300, support for USB 3.0 and the PCI Express bus was added, which the Atom Z3735F, which is the basis of the previous generation Compute Stick, could not boast of. But, as in the case of its predecessor, the maximum amount of RAM of the novelty is limited by the capabilities of the platform, which is why the microcomputer is equipped with only 2 GB of DDR3L-RS RAM, operating in single-channel mode at a frequency of 1600 MHz. If we compare the computing capabilities of the Atom x5-Z8300 and Atom Z3735F, then with the exception of a more subtle technological process, the difference between them is very small. The volumes of cache memory of the first and second levels have not changed, the Turbo Boost clock frequency has remained at the same mark of 1840 MHz, while in normal mode there is an increase from 1330 to 1440 MHz. Both SoCs support SSE4.1, SSE4.2 SIMD instruction sets, 64-bit computing, AES encryption acceleration, and VT-x hardware virtualization. In terms of power efficiency, the Atom x5-Z8300's SDP for typical user scenarios is only 2W, thanks in no small part to EIST technology that reduces clock speed and voltage during idle periods.
Much more significant changes have occurred in terms of the integrated graphics card Intel HD Grahics. For the Atom x5-Z8300, the number of execution units (EU - Execution Units) tripled compared to the Atom Z3735F video subsystem - from four to 12 pieces, and the EUs themselves received the 8th generation microarchitecture. DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.2 APIs are supported, and the clock frequency, depending on the load, can take values from 200 to 500 MHz.
As for video decoding acceleration, the hardware processing unit supports most popular formats, including VC-1, H.264 and HEVC in resolutions up to 4K inclusive. This information is fully confirmed by the DXVA Checker diagnostic utility, and in practice, the Intel Compute Stick 2016 was able to play video at a resolution of 3840x2160 at 60 fps.
The single-chip support of the PCI Express 2.0 x1 interface made it possible to equip the device with a high-speed wireless adapter Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265, which provides operation in Wi-Fi networks of IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n+ac standards and Bluetooth V4.0 protocol. This made it possible to double the bandwidth of the network connection: from 6 to 12 MB/s.
Wireless Bandwidth Wi-Fi Intel Compute Stick STK1AW32SC (left) and Intel Compute Stick STCK1A32WFC (right)
The disk subsystem is represented by a 32 GB SanDisk DF4032 SSD connected to a single-chip system via the eMMC 5.0 interface. In terms of speed, compared to last year's Compute Stick, the Samsung MBG4GC SSD, the difference is small: the newcomer is slightly faster in linear reads and writes, while its predecessor has a slight advantage when working with small files.
Performance of the disk subsystem Intel Compute Stick STK1AW32SC (left) and Intel Compute Stick STCK1A32WFC (right)
Thus, the main improvements in the new version of Compute Stick touched the wireless adapter and integrated graphics subsystem, as well as the appearance of an additional USB 3.0 port. How the use of the new Atom x5-Z8300 single-chip system affected the speed of the Intel microcomputer - we will find out very soon, but now let's take a look at UEFI Setup and the complete newbie software.
UEFI Setup
Despite the miniature size, the Intel Compute Stick STK1AW32SC is equipped with a full-fledged UEFI Setup. The setup menu has a clear and simple graphical interface, and the number of options available to change is reduced to a minimum. The Main section displays information about the version of the control microcode, the SoC model and its mode of operation, and also sets the date and time.
The System Identification Information submenu displays detailed information about the device, including its name, serial number, and hardware version.
The Configuration tab is responsible for the activity of additional controllers and expansion ports, as well as boot options, including managing the Secure Boot function.
And finally, in the Exit section, you can apply changes to the UEFI Setup settings, as well as restore the default values.
As you can see, the Intel Compute Stick firmware is completely devoid of any performance management options, but offers all the necessary features for administration and basic configuration of the microcomputer.
Complete software
As for the software component of the Intel Compute Stick, there are two versions of it: STK1A32SC without an operating system, and STK1AW32SC, equipped with 32-bit Windows 10 Home, which was in our test lab. Alas, the system had problems with activation, which is quite acceptable for a pre-sale engineering sample, moreover, this fact did not affect the stability and efficiency of its work.
Meanwhile, the presence of the operating system made it possible to evaluate the use of disk space, which is especially true with such a small amount of SSD, which is equipped with a device. As it turned out, out of the 27.8 GB allocated for the system partition, Windows 10 Home, along with a set of drivers, takes up 10.2 GB, so a modest 17.6 GB remains available to users.
However, even they turned out to be enough to install an office suite and a set of test software, and if necessary, the Compute Stick can be equipped with a micro SDXC memory card or connected to an external drive with a USB 3.0 interface. And, of course, there is always the possibility of using network storage, for example, the Microsoft OneDrive cloud service, in which each registered user is offered 15 GB for free.
In addition to the necessary drivers, Compute Stick offers only one, but very useful application - the Intel Remote Keyboard, which significantly improves the usability of the microcomputer. This program allows you to turn a smartphone or tablet running Android or iOS, and located with the Compute Stick on the same Wi-Fi network, into a touch keyboard and mouse.
To work on a mobile device, you will need to install a special application from Google Play or the App Store, go through the pairing procedure, after which you can enjoy full microcomputer control without using a traditional keyboard and mouse.
In general, there are no questions about the software component, in any case, the Intel Compute Stick microcomputer is not overloaded with unnecessary software that only takes up precious space on the system disk, and the only third-party program - Intel Remote Keyboard is really useful and easy to use.
Test results
In performance tests, Intel Compute Stick competed with the previous generation device. Such a comparison will answer the question: is there a big difference in performance and does it make sense to hunt for a new model? Before testing, the Microsoft Windows 10 Home operating systems on both microcomputers were reset, after which no performance adjustments were made. The following software was used to evaluate the speed of work:
- Futuremark PCMark 8 v2.5.419;
- TouchXPRT2014;
- WebXPRT 2013 (Microsoft Edge);
- Futuremark 3DMark v1.5.915.
Each of the tests was repeated at least three times, according to the results of which the arithmetic mean was calculated. If one of the results was noticeably different from the other two, testing continued. For convenience, on the charts, the new STK1AW32SC model is designated as Intel Compute Stick (2016), and the previous generation product STCK1A32WFC is designated as Intel Compute Stick (2015), respectively.
Testing in the popular comprehensive benchmark Futuremark PCMark 8, which allows you to evaluate the overall level of performance in basic user scenarios, was carried out in Accelerated mode, which allows you to use OpenCL acceleration. The 2016 model showed noticeably better performance in the Home and Creative scenarios, apparently due to a more efficient video core, while in the Work subtest the situation turned out to be exactly the opposite: the beginner lagged behind noticeably and the reason for this was the low results in the LibreOffice program, obviously due to incompatibility with an Intel Atom x5-Z8300 processor.
Unlike the previous benchmark, the TouchXPRT2014 test suite is more focused on measuring productivity when performing multimedia tasks: digital imaging, converting Full HD video content, mixing audio tracks, and creating animated presentations. In this case, the clock frequency of the computing cores plays a key role, and since it is equal for both participants, their identical results were not surprising.
To assess the speed of working with web applications in the Microsoft Edge browser, which is the main browser for Windows 10, the WebXPRT 2013 online benchmark was launched. In this case, Compute Stick 2016 turned out to be significantly faster than its predecessor.
In the Futuremark 3DMark game test package in the Sky diver scenario, thanks to one of the main advantages of the new Intel microcomputer - a powerful graphics subsystem, the average score exceeded the previous generation model by more than two times, and with the acceleration of physical effects by the computing cores, the advantage was reduced to 20%.
In the Cloud gate subtest from the Futuremark 3DMark Compute Stick 2016, it also outperformed its predecessor, although the victory was not as impressive as in the previous case. The gain ranged from 60% in the overall standings to 100% in terms of graphics subsystem points, while both devices showed very close results in the Physics test track.
conclusions
As expected, the 2016 Intel Compute Stick turned out to be much more interesting than the previous generation product, primarily due to the use of the advanced Intel Atom x5-Z8300 single-chip system. PCI Express 2.0, and an increase in the speed of the graphics subsystem, which should now be enough not only for casual projects, but also for games 5 years ago. Also, it should be noted the appearance of a second USB 3.0 port for connecting a variety of peripherals, which significantly enriches the expansion capabilities of the device. The most pleasant impression was also made by the well-thought-out cooling system, which does not allow the processor to overheat even under the most intense load. As for power consumption, no measurements were taken, but it's safe to say that the updated Intel Compute Stick fits into the 15 W provided by the bundled power supply. In a word, progress is evident in some aspects, which cannot but rejoice.
However, compared to its predecessor, the amount of built-in storage and the size of RAM have not changed, and the long-awaited support for 4K image output has not appeared. However, there is a reasonable explanation for this: in an effort to ensure the low recommended cost, which for the 2016 Compute Stick is set at $139 for the version with Windows 10 Home, the manufacturer is forced to use a budget SoC with limited capabilities and severely save on other components. But even in this configuration, the microcomputer is great for use as a home multimedia entertainment center, and in the business field, the Compute Stick can be used for organizing an information board, self-service kiosk, as well as a thin client or entry-level workstation. So, there should be no demand from the microcomputer for anything more. And for those who still want to get the speed of a full-fledged PC in the HDMI Dongle form factor, Intel has prepared a real gift: Compute Stick based on energy-efficient Skylake processors with double the amount of RAM and a solid state drive will soon be presented. But, that's a completely different story!