Benchmarks: power consumption and temperatures
The Intel Compute Stick uses between 4W and 9W at the wall during all usage scenarios, from desktop idle to heavy system stress. Interestingly, it consumes less at load than some NUC devices consume at idle. The device is powered by a 5-volt, 2-amp external power supply which is capable of supplying 10W so the Intel Compute Stick is certainly an energy-efficient option.
Temperatures are a little on the high side at idle but this is for a good reason - the Intel Compute Stick remains passive until a temperature threshold of around 60 degrees Celsius, after which the tiny 20mm fan kicks in to provide active cooling. For reference, the fan isn't very loud but it does have a high-pitch whine that may irritate users sitting close to the device.
