Intel Compute Stick to see refresh with Skylake Core M processors
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Intel Compute Stick to see refresh with Skylake Core M processors
The Intel Compute Stick has inspired a slew of similar computers-on-a-stick from manufacturers like Archos and Lenovo. But other than a few minor differences, there remained little to differentiate the devices as they all featured similar hardware – the Intel Atom Z3735F processor – and storage and memory configurations. However, the Intel Compute Stick could soon stand above the crowd as its next-generation iteration will reportedly boast the chipmaker’s latest Skylake processors.
The new Compute Stick will use the ultra-low power Skylake processors from the refreshed Core M series, which incidentally now sports a new naming scheme. Intel has opted for the Core m3-6Y30 and Core m5-6Y57, both of which use dual-core CPUs with HyperThreading enabled.
Given that the new Core M processors are also targeted at ultra-thin devices and 2-in-1 hybrids where battery life and slim profiles made possible by fanless designs are of paramount importance, both processors sport conservative clock speeds of 0.9GHz for the Core m3-6Y30 and 1.1GHz for the Core m5-6Y57.
These should provide improved performance over the Bay Trail Intel Atom Z3735F CPU, while keeping within a comparable 4.5 watt Thermal Design Power (TDP). In fact, as we noted in our review, a performance boost and improved multi-tasking is precisely what the Compute Stick needs to become a serious contender for consumers’ wallets.
Of course, it remains to be seen how long Intel will manage to maintain the lead as competing manufacturers will probably upgrade their own offerings to Skylake CPUs as well.
However, if you’re hoping to get one of these new tiny computers by Christmas, you’re out of luck. Intel says that further details – presumably more detailed specifications, pricing information, and release dates – will be available only in 2016.
Source: Tom’s Hardware
