Intel Unveils 5 New Compute Stick Models Powered by Intel Atom x5 and Core M Skylake Processors

Intel has introduced 5 new models of their Compute Stick with two models based on Intel Atom x5-X8300 Cherry Trail processor, and three more power and expensive models based on Core M Skylake processors, namely Core M3-6Y30 and m5-6Y57 vPro.

Let’s get started with the specifications for the two Cherry models STK1AW32SC and STK1A32SC:

SoC – Intel Atom x5-Z8300 Quad-Core “Cherry Trail” processor @ 1.44 GHz/1.84 GHz and Intel HD Gen8 Graphics
System Memory – 2 GB DDR3L @ 1600MHz
Storage – 32 GB eMMC + micro SDXC v3.0 slot with UHS I-Support up to 128GB
Video & Audio Output – HDMI 1.4b
Connectivity – 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 (via Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265)
USB – 1x USB 3.0 port, 1x USB 2.0 port, 1x micro USB port for power
Misc – Power button, security notch
Power Supply – 5V/3A via micro USB port.
Dimensions – 113 mm x 38 mm x 12 mm

So what’s the difference between STK1AW32SC and STK1A32SC? The former comes pre-loaded with Windows 10, and the latter does not have any operating system. There’s no hardware difference at all. Compare to the Bay Trail compute stick, the new versions mostly add support for 802.11ac instead of 802.11n, and one USB 3.0 port. Smaller differences include HDMI 1.4b vs HDMI 1.4a, and higher requirements for the power supply probably because of the USB 3.0 port.

The Core M Skylake compute sticks looks very similar from the outside, except the connectors are arranged differently, and the USB 2.0 port is gone. STK2MV64CC, STK2M3W64CC, and STK2M364CC models feature:

SoC
- STK2M3W64CC & STK2M364CC – Intel Core m3-6Y30 dual core/four thread processor @ 900 MHz/2.2GHz with Intel® HD Graphics 515 @ 300MHz/850Mhz (4.5 W TDP, configurable to 3.8W and 7W)
- STK2MV64CC – Intel Core m5-6Y57 vPro dual core/four thread processor @ 1.1 GHz/2.8GHz with Intel® HD Graphics 515 @ 300MHz/900Mhz (4.5 W TDP, configurable to 3.5W and 7W)
System Memory – 4 GB DDR3L @ 1833MHz (Dual channel, 2GB per channel)
Storage – 64 GB eMMC + micro SDXC v3.0 slot with UHS I-Support up to 128GB
Video & Audio Output – HDMI 1.4b
Connectivity – 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi up to 867 Mbps and Bluetooth 4.2 (via Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 8260)
USB – 1x USB 3.0 port, and 2x USB 3.0 ports on power adapter.
Misc – Power button, security notch, TPM (STK2MV64CC and STK2M364CC)
Power Supply – 5V/4A via power port.
Dimensions – 114 mm x 38 mm x 12 mm

The model with a W (STK2M3W64CC) will come with Windows 10, and the other two models without operating system. The specs should make these last three sticks perfectly usable as desktop replacements, although the difference between base and turbo frequencies for the CPU and GPU is very large, so proper thermal management will be critical. I also find it very interesting that due to the small size of these sticks, they’ve decided to add two USB 3.0 ports on the power adapter itself. You can find a comparison of all existing and new Compute Sticks on Intel website.

Linuxium reports that the Cherry Trail sticks will sell for $159 with Windows 10 and production taking place now, while the Core M3 stick will go for $399 with Windows 10, and the Core M5 Compute Stick for $499 without OS starting in February. That’s a little odd since the “recommended customer price” for both Skylake processors is $281, but these are the prices listed in the press release.

[Update: April 2016: You can now but the Core m3 Compute Sticks on Amazon for $339.95 (STK2M364CC without OS) and $384.95 (STK2M3W64CC with Windows 10)

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.