Intel Compute Stick CS325 Computer with Intel Core m3 processor and Windows 10 (BOXSTK2m3W64CC)

This is a PC on a stick! We needed a computer to access company files on our server at work. We have a 70 inch monitor in our conference room. We simply plug this guy into one of the HDMI ports and presto we have our files displayed on a 70 inch monitor. We can cruise the web, run reports, run our software all without a hitch! This is exactly what we needed! Having Windows 10 pre-installed is great! No bloat-ware either! You don't have to worry about it fitting in an HDMI port because it comes with a small HMDI extender cable if needed.

The good news – this stick feels like the future – or at least a highly integrate-able form factor that manufacturers should use in every “smart screen” device in the future. The best way to get a sense for this product’s performance is to read reviews for the Core M3 powered Surface Pro 4. Take about 80-90% of the SP4 M3 performance, and you’ll have the Compute Stick’s performance. You’ll see how for 90% of users, it fits the bill for web, office, and general multimedia purposes. I hope we find Core M powered smart screens in our future – the chip is a solid piece of kit by Intel.UPDATE: Upon further research, it's clear this thing is NOT in the same class as the Surface Pro 4 M3 version. The TDP limit within the SP4 M3 is 9-watts, because of a superb passive cooling system. The compute stick is likely capped at 4.5 watts. This can have upwards of 25% impact on performance, especially with the HD515 iGPU. The more I read up on the SP4 - the more I realized how solid MS engineers did in thermal engineering and really stretching the M3 beyond what most manufacturers are doing with the Core M3 processor (capped at 4.5 watts, or other significant thermal throttling).My bottom line recco right now – unless you have a specific need for something this small, I’d recommend going for other SFF products like Intel’s NUCs or Zotac ZBOX. The 64GB of eMMC is slower than you’d expect and is just a bit too cramped for desktop class use. If you plan a highly specialized use for this, you’ll find a capable machine. For those who want maximum portability, please consider the size of the AC adapter and cabling as well. For those seeking fully feature web browsing, MS Office, highly adept media playback, and desire to play 1-2 older triple A steam games – the compute stick works wonderfully.Next year’s variant will likely include 128GB and 8GB RAM with better cabling – that’s the unit to look out for! But this is finally a stick worth using every day without compromise that feels like it punches above its weight.The PLUS:- Solid Wireless network radio – was able to latch onto and keep my 5GHz signal across the house- Was able to do steam in-home streaming, Xbox game streaming, and PS4 streaming without major issue- The M3 is an incredible chip considering its low TDP – apps and office programs opened as quick as my quad core skylake desktop- HD515 iGPU works for some older games @ low. I played Civilization (20-30fps @ 1080P)- 4MB of RAM is much better than 2 in other Compute stick products for multi-tasking- 3 USB ports is solid for a device this tiny, plus the micro-SD card slot for storage expansion- Flawless 4K video playback in YouTube (in Chrome no less!)- TINY – portable highly useful device that doesn’t feel compromised in powerThe NEGATIVES- USB-C cable is clunky, thick, and unwieldy, they could have at least packaged it better- Fan usually runs most of the time – it’s only audible when it sits within a couple feet though- 64GB of storage still feels cramped; at this price 128GB would have been amazing- The 64GB Storage runs fairly slow – I checked 150MB R/W and around 20MB R/W for 4K – this is slightly better than a 7200 RPM spinning disk, but nowhere close to SSD speeds- I did have one BSOD in use, and some issues with the device going to sleep and resuming forcing a windows reset – likely some immaturity in drivers/BIOS- PRICE - $400 bucks is a lot to ask for this, as solid as the hardware is. A NUC is a better choice with i3 ($289), 8GB ram ($35), storage ($42 for 120 M.2) = $366, and a windows 10 license ($99) if neededWhile that list of negatives looks extensive, I’m being pretty critical but only docking one star. Overall the compute stick is amazing piece of technology given its size.

This stick is awesome! My husband and I use it every time we travel and don't want to lug around a laptop. We installed Steam on this, and it runs most games smoothly. It has bonus HDMI/USB ports as well for our wireless controller adapter, and anything else you'd need. I highly recommend this if you travel a lot, or just want to be more ergonomic, lol.

Just set up and so far, the computer stick itself is working out. The USB ports on the power adapter are not functioning though. They don't seem to be receiving any power.

I really wanted this to work. It was just way too slow. Also, with Windows 10 Home, some functionality I needed was not present (ability to RDP). Returned and went with an other kind of computer and Windows 10 Pro.

Once set up and running it's not bad (not great), and having USB ports capable of running an external drive on the power supply is brilliant. The hardware is solid, my problem is with Windows. After 3 decades, setting up a Windows system is still a pain in the neck. This one just spent 24 minutes failing to install my wireless printer, I mean, geez, it took a minute on the Mac and it works. If you have old files / software and need to have one Windows computer around, this will do the trick, and I guess it's no worse than any windows system. If you want mostly to surf and stream, get the $90 Chromestick, it's cleaner, faster, and it works.

how awesome to have all that firepower in such a small computer. I absolutely love this thing. I use it with my ipad pro and have the best of both worlds. its a whole business computer in my bag as an afterthought - with plenty of speed for photoshop. I also plug it in to a 43" 4k TV to have an awesome desktop setup for office and web apps. Would never guess this computer is the size of a pack of gum when using it. It feels so snappy and powerful day to day. Multiple windows and programs open and it doesn't break a sweat.Cons:Can't seem to get it to boot when powered directly by a battery pack (the whole point was computing power in the smallest possible package). I have set all the voltage parameters correctly, but for some reason - even though my omnicharge is fully capable of delivering the correct DC voltage and wattage, the only way it is stable is when using the AC adapter that shipped with it. Work fine plugging AC adapter into omnicharge, but a direct DC to usb or usb to usb (even though 3 amps is more than required) fails every time.power adapter does not have folding prongs like asus or apple adapters.power button is almost flush mounted and hard to get to when installed on the back of a large TV.