Intel announces Compute Card, a Credit Card-Sized Modular Compute Platform

At CES 2017 today, Intel announced a new modular compute platform called the Compute Card. Compute Card is designed to transform the way compute and connectivity can be integrated and used in future devices. It includes all the elements of a typical PC, including Intel SoC, memory, storage and wireless connectivity with flexible I/O options. Intel is working with a range of partners who can optimize Compute Card for their particular solutions – from interactive refrigerators and smart kiosks to security cameras and IoT gateways.

Just slightly longer than a credit card at 95mm x 55mm x 5mm, and with a range of processor families in the works, the Intel Compute Card offers an optimal solution to power everything from entry-level to full featured host devices. Intel has mentioned that all latest Intel processors up to 6W can be built into Compute Card.

Device makers simply design a standard Intel Compute Card slot into their device and then utilize the best Intel Compute Card for their performance and price needs. For example, consider you have bought an expensive OLED TV with a dual-core processor, 2GB RAM and 500GB storage. After two years, if you need 4GB RAM and 1TB storage, instead of replacing your OLED TV, you can just remove the existing Compute Card and replace it with a powerful new one.

Features:

• Includes built-in integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® wireless connectivity.
• Save on engineering and design costs with a standardized I/O interface designed to support multiple devices.
• Equipped with a range of processors, including 7th Gen Intel® Core™ vPro™ processor, to handle the toughest computing needs.
• Low wattage computing with cooling integrated in the dock.
• Whether installed internally or inserted externally, the compute card remains secure via an integrated locking mechanism.
• Reduce the number of SKUs to manage through compute card enabled devices. Scale quickly when demand dictates.
• Simply add a compute card to any certified device to increase its compute capabilities and lifecycle.
• Hardware replacement is as simple as swapping the existing compute card for a new one.

Intel is working with a wide range of partners who share their vision and these partners are working to develop products that can take advantage of the simplified design, ease of serviceability and user upgradeability of the Intel Compute Card. Intel’s global partners include Dell, HP, Lenovo and Sharp. In addition, Intel is working with a range of regional partners like Seneca Data, InFocus, DTx, TabletKiosk and Pasuntech.

The Intel Compute Card will be available in mid-2017 and will come with a range of processors options, including the latest 7^th Gen Intel Core processors.  Intel will reveal more details about Compute Card and its pricing in 2Q 2017.