Intel Compute Stick (2nd Generation) Review

Intel Compute Stick Overview
The Intel Compute Stick is a very simple looking device. If you are familiar with HDMI sticks then you know exactly what I am talking about. The Compute Stick is only 4.5-inch long, to give you an idea of size here it is next to a few different USB flash drives.

Intel Compute Stick

Under the hood you have an Intel Atom x5-Z8300 processor (Cherry Trail), 2GB of DDR3L memory, 32GB of onboard storage, 802.11ac wireless and Bluetooth 4.2 with a 2×2 antenna. Our model (BOXSTK1AW32SCR) comes with Windows 10 home pre-loaded. There is another version (BOXSTK1A32SC) that has the same hardware, but does not have Windows installed.

Intel Compute Stick

On the top of the device there is the Intel logo, a power LED, and some ventilation holes. Toward the front there is actually a small fan to help keep things cool.

Intel Compute Stick

On one side you will find two USB ports (1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0). This is an upgrade over the 1st generation Compute Stick, which only had a single USB 2.0 port. This means if you are using a wired keyboard and mouse you can easily plug both of them in without having to use a USB hub. Next to the USB ports is a smaller microUSB port used for powering the device and towards the front is a small power button.

Intel Compute Stick

Moving over to the other side there is a microSD slot that will allow you to add more storage than the onboard 32GB. You can add up to a 128GB microSD card here.

Intel Compute Stick

Flipping over to the back there is a sticker will a bunch of information on it. The important things here are your MAC address for the wireless and your serial number.

Intel Compute Stick

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