Intel Compute Stick PC Review: Tiny, Sleek, And Versatile

Name: Intel Compute Stick Review: Tiny, Sleek, And Versatile
Brand: Intel

by Marco Chiappetta — Wednesday, April 22, 2015, 11:00 AM EDT

Performance Summary: We didn’t run a ton of benchmarks on the Intel Compute Stick, but the few numbers we’ve presented here tell much of the story. The device is packing a low-power Atom processor, Intel HD graphics and only a single-channel of DDR3L-1333 memory, so it’s not going to burn through any benchmarks. For multi-media playback, basic computing tasks like browsing the web, or remotely accessing a higher-end systems, however, the Compute Stick has the muscle it needs for the vast majority of applications. As an affordable, stand-alone device that can add basic PC functionality to any screen, the Intel Compute Stick succeeds.

Find The Intel Compute Stick @ Amazon.Com

The Windows-based version of the Compute Stick with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage we looked at here (model STCK1A32WFC), will have a street price hovering around the $149 mark. The Ubuntu version (model STCK1A8LFC) with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage will land somewhere around the $100 mark. Considering the ultra-small, convenient form factor and that the “system” includes Windows 8.1 with Bing ready-to-go, we think the Compute Stick is pretty cool. Install a copy of Kodi (formerly XBMC) and you’ve got yourself a capable little HTPC. But even on its own, the fact that the Compute Stick has a fully-functional version of desktop Windows makes it almost as versatile as any basic SFF PC. We do wish the Compute Stick had 802.11ac WiFi built in and a second usable USB port, but it is a first gen product and there’s only so much real-estate to work with. If you’re in need of a tiny, affordable device to add PC functionality to a display, and the Compute Stick’s low-power processor meets your needs, it’s absolutely worthy of consideration for only 150 bucks.


Tiny Form Factor Affordable Quiet Low-Power Ready To Use With OS Out Of The Box (after selecting region, etc.)	No 802.11ac WiFi Only 1 USB Port Low Performance

Tags: Intel, SFF, Atom, HDMI, Small Form Factor, thin-client, compute stick

Marco Chiappetta

Marco's interest in computing and technology dates all the way back to his early childhood. Even before being exposed to the Commodore P.E.T. and later the Commodore 64 in the early ‘80s, he was interested in electricity and electronics, and he still has the modded AFX cars and shop-worn soldering irons to prove it. Once he got his hands on his own Commodore 64, however, computing became Marco's passion. Throughout his academic and professional lives, Marco has worked with virtually every major platform from the TRS-80 and Amiga, to today's high end, multi-core servers. Over the years, he has worked in many fields related to technology and computing, including system design, assembly and sales, professional quality assurance testing, and technical writing. In addition to being the Managing Editor here at HotHardware for close to 15 years, Marco is also a freelance writer whose work has been published in a number of PC and technology related print publications and he is a regular fixture on HotHardware’s own Two and a Half Geeks webcast. - Contact: marco(at)hothardware(dot)com