Intel is well on its way to releasing its new Compute Card – a new device that effectively holds an entire PC within the confines of a credit-card sized chip. The device is something that’s going to be available later this year, and promises to make a big splash in how we think of technology.
The card will be able to plug into any compatible device, giving a simple option to any developer who wants their device to have some kind of intelligence or network connectivity. Instead of being a built-in component to applicable products, Intel intends to make it something you can easily slide in and out of a device, for maintenance and upgrades.
Here are the specs we’re looking at for the four models of Compute Card we know of.
| Model | CD1IV128MK | CD1IV128MK | CD1IV128MK | CD1C64GK |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 vPro processor 7Y57 | Intel Core m3 processor 7Y30 | Intel Pentium processor N4200 | Intel Celeron processor N3450 |
| RAM | 4GB DDR3 | 4GB DDR3 | 4GB DDR3 | 4GB DDR3 |
| On-Board Storage |
128 GB Intel® SSD | 128 GB Intel® SSD | 64GB eMMC | 64GB eMMC |
| Networking | Intel® Wireless-AC 8265 soldered IEEE (2×2 802.11ac & Bluetooth® 4.2) | Intel® Wireless-AC 8265 soldered IEEE (2×2 802.11ac & Bluetooth® 4.2) | Intel® Wireless-AC 7265 soldered IEEE (2×2 802.11ac & Bluetooth® 4.2) | Intel® Wireless-AC 7265 soldered IEEE (2×2 802.11ac & Bluetooth® 4.2) |
| Security | Support for mechanical security latch | Support for mechanical security latch | Support for mechanical security latch | Support for mechanical security latch |
| Dimensions | 94.5mm x 55mm x 5mm | 94.5mm x 55mm x 5mm | 94.5mm x 55mm x 5mm | 94.5mm x 55mm x 5mm |
While the success of the product will rely heavily on the market at large adopting it into their products, it’s a promising start. The video that Intel came out with to explain the product promises that we’ll be seeing it running information kiosks, vehicle infotainment, smart retail and more. We’ll be keeping an eye on what Intel does with this computer once companies start implementing it in their devices.
