Cannot play smooth 1080p mkv on m3 stick STK2m3W64CC

[GCasa]

Have been using this Intel Compute Stick for a while, with Windows 10.

During last couple of weeks, I am unable to play smooth 1080p video using any player (Windows Media Player, VLC, and some others). Also tried using several mkv files.

Graphic interface is slow and laggy. had to disable all visual effects to get decent performance, but no luck with video playback.

Updated all drivers to latest version from Intel site, looking specifically for STK2m3W64CC versions.

No luck either. Interface keeps laggy. Even windows button when slide-opening the start menu is laggy if I don't disable all visual effects.

Definitely a software / drivers issue, it was working fine until 2-3 weeks.

[idata]

Thank you very much for sharing your issue with the Intel® Communities Team, GermanErnst.

In order for me to assist you better, please provide me with the .txt file that the http://https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25293/Intel-System-Support-Utility-for-Windows- System Support Utility will generate. To attach a file, you must click the "Attach" option on the bottom right-hand corner of the response box. Also, I would like to know the model of the monitor or TV you are using. Furthermore, what are the resolution set for the display and the refresh rate? In the meantime, please download the https://downloadmirror.intel.com/27565/eng/CC0054.bio 0054 BIOS version and update it on your Compute Stick by following https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000006039/mini-pcs/intel-compute-sticks.htm... this guide.Antony S.

[idata]

Hello, GermanErnst.

I would like to double check if you were able to perform the troubleshooting steps that I attached to the post above and the results.Antony S.

[GCasa]

Hello Anthony, sorry for the late reply, been out for the weekend.

Please find attached System Support Utility log.

Already double checked for latest driver versions.

I'm now following the BIOS update you mentioned

[GCasa]

Just completed the BIOS update, already had that version installed. No changes.

[idata]

Thank you very much for your reply, GermanErnst.

Can you please confirm the model of your monitor or TV? And, can you please provide me with the resolution and refresh rate set on the display?Antony S.

[GCasa]

Hi Antony.

TV is a 42 inch Philips LCD, model 42pfl3615/77 connected via HDMI.

Resolution has been always set to 1920x1080 and for refresh rates I've tried 59Hz and 60Hz. Intel HD Graphics Control Panel defaulted to 59Hz and I also tried 60Hz, with no better performance after the change.

Thanks!

German

[idata]

Thank you very much for your reply and the information provided, GermanErnst.

I will escalate this case to a different level of support, once I have an update I will let you know.Antony S.

[GCasa]

Thanks Antony.

One additional detail, is that even when playing Netflix video on Chrome or Edge, the computer becomes excessively slow, and streaming video isn't smooth either.

Seems like an overall graphic performance issue that turns the Intel Stick unusable, since its main purpose is living room tv.

Regards,

German

[GCasa]

intel_corp any updates on this? Has the issue been escalated?

Thanks!

German

[idata]

Thank you very much for your patience, Germanernst.

This case is being escalated and under investigation. By the way, can you please share with us which videos or games are the ones that are giving you this problem? It would be very helpful as well if you can share a video when the issue occurs. And, if possible, can you test your Compute Stick with another TV or monitor? This will help us a lot in our research.Antony S.

[GCasa]

Thanks Antony.

Right now hit is happening with just any Netflix movie, both in Chrome and Edge browsers.

Overall performance drops terribly.

Already tested in second monitor, other HDMI input, no luck either.

[idata]

Thank you very much for your reply, GermanErnst.

Just to clarify, the monitor you tested, is it smaller than your Phillips TV? If so, can you please specify the inches of it?Antony S.

[GCasa]

I've tested on a different monitor, with 1360x768 resolution. Samsung SyncMaster TA350.

Played Netflix fullscreen and 1080 .mkv 11Gb x264 file with no issues. Of course, the video didn't played at 1080 but 768 since the monitor is not full HD.

The issue occurs when going to 1080 full HD resolution, the Stick just cannot handle it...

Since this system should be able to handle 4k video, I'm surprised to see that it can't even handle 1080 properly.

[idata]

Hello, GermanErnst.

Thank you very much for that information, it will help us a lot in our research. Once I have an update I will be back to you.Antony S.

[GCasa]

intel_corp is there any tool to verify the health of the emmc storage within the Compute Stick? Could this be an issue with storage?

[n_scott_pearson]

It may very well be the eMMC that is responsible for this. Here are Crystal DiskMark reports comparing a SATA SSD on my development PC to the eMMC on the CCm5 ICS:

...S

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Thanks N.Scott.Pearson !!

Tried CrystalDiskMark and I'm getting very similar numbers as you are for the emmc in the ICS...

Of course is slower than a SATA SSD, but still shouldn't be causing any issues. It's still faster than standard HDD where I can still use 1080 resolution with no issues.

I'm still blaming some drivers or update issue, since this started happening one day with no previous notice.

[idata]

Hello, GermanErnst.

Regarding your question, we do not have any tool to test the EMMC storage. In this case, I recommend you to go back to a previous https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12415/windows-10-recovery-options Windows* Restore Point where your system was working fine. This might generate data loss so please make sure back up all your data before you perform this troubleshooting step.Please share with us the results.Antony S.

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Already did 3 full restores using Windows 10 backup&restore options. Lost everything in every restore since I selected to clean personal apps and files as well.

Fresh start, reinstall drivers using Intel application to auto-detect system and drivers and still no luck.