Intel Compute Stick

A compact desktop computer tested with Windows 8.1 with Bing, an Intel Atom Z3735F 1.33GHz processor, 2GB of memory, a 32GB hard drive, Intel HD Graphics graphics, and no speakers.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our owner surveys and expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model incorporates our expert lab test results, as well as ratings for that brand’s reliability and owner satisfaction from our annual product owner survey of members.

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Current Range of Tested Desktop Computers

What goes into the Overall Score?

OWNER SURVEYS

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Performance

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Ergonomics

/ 5

Display

/ 5

Speakers

/ 5

Color

/ 5

Touch screen

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

Performance: Overall this desktop's performance was only fair, well below that of many models but still good enough for routine tasks like email, word processing and web browsing. Speed was adequate for productivity and Web-based tasks such as word processing, Web browsing, and scanning for malware. It was so slow that it was difficult to edit photos, and its video processor was slow for editing HD videos and organizing and editing music.

Ergonomics: Features of the keyboard, mouse, labeling, and LED indicators were not well-designed, so it's not especially comfortable or convenient to use. You can't replace the hard drive or add a new one.

Useful features and attributes on this model include: An HDMI port is provided for connecting to an HDTV.

Downsides: This desktop has fewer USB ports than others. There's no VGA video connector, or a separate adapter is required. There's no optical drive like a CD or DVD reader, so you'll have to buy an external drive if you need one.

About

The Intel Compute Stick is a compact desktop computer. It has 2GB of memory and a 32GB hard drive. It has an Intel Atom Z3735F 1.33GHz processor and Intel HD Graphics video adapter but no dedicated video memory. It is not suitable for high-performance gaming. But it lacks an optical drive for burning CDs or DVDs. It comes with Windows 8.1 with Bing pre-installed.

The Compute Stick has a built-in memory-card reader for digital photography, and 0 free USB ports.

The Compute Stick measures 1.5 inches wide by 0.5 inches high by 4.1 inches deep. It's backed by a 12-month warranty, with 12 months of tech support.

Brand Reliability & Satisfaction

#? in Reliability of all Desktop Computer Brands

Did the brand perform consistently well over time?

PREDICTED RELIABILITY SCORE

/ 100

Predicted brand reliability scores are based on the likelihood of newly purchased desktops experiencing a problem, adjusted for extended warranty or service contract status and product usage, by the end of the 3rd year of ownership. Higher scores mean better reliability. Ranked #? of 10

Would our members recommend this brand?

OWNER SATISFACTION SCORE

/ 100

Brand owner satisfaction scores are based on how likely owners are to recommend their desktop to their friends and family. Ranked #? of 10

Source: Consumer Reports' 2022, 2023, and 2024 Winter Surveys

Features & Specs

Features

Suitable for gaming

Wireless mouse

Wireless keyboard

Memory-card reader

Yes

Voice command

Built-in webcam

SD/MMC reader

Yes

MS (Memory Stick) reader

Blu-ray reader

Built-in microphone

Touchpad

xD reader

Number of speakers

Specs

Form factor

Display size (in.)

Operating system (as tested)

Windows 8.1 with Bing

Processor brand

Processor model name

Memory (GB)

Storage (GB)

Integrated graphics brand

Integrated graphics model

Dedicated graphics brand

Dedicated graphics model

Native resolution

Max Refresh Rate (Hz)

Optical drive

None

Height (in.)

0.5

Width (in.)

1.5

Depth (in.)

4.1

Warranty length (mos.)

Tech support length (mos.)

Video adapter

Intel HD Graphics

EPEAT level

Energy Star

Video memory (GB)

LCD resolution

Processor

Atom Z3735F

Blu-ray or DVD

Connections

WiFi

Yes

Ethernet

Digital video out

Yes

Thunderbolt port

Number of free USB ports

USB port

HDMI video out

Yes

HDMI video in

DisplayPort video out

Analog surround sound out

Free memory slot

VGA video out

Gigabit Ethernet

Optical digital audio out

DVI video out

Price & Shop

Intel Compute Stick

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

Brand Reliability & Satisfaction

Brand Reliability & Satisfaction

Features & Specs

Features & Specs

Features

Specs

Connections

Price & Shop

Price & Shop

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