CPU Comparison
Core i7-660UM vs Core i7-660UE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-660UM is an ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in May 2010. Designed for thin-and-light laptops, it features 2 cores and 4 threads running at a base clock of 1.33 GHz. It utilizes the Arrandale architecture, combining a 32nm CPU die with a 45nm integrated graphics and memory controller die. With a low TDP of 18W, it prioritizes battery life while offering Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.4 GHz for burst workloads, alongside 4MB of Smart Cache and AES-NI support.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Can handle lightweight office applications but will stutter under heavy load.
Adequate for specific embedded tasks but slow for general OS navigation today.
Gaming
Inadequate for modern gaming; struggles with basic 2D games.
Not intended for gaming; lacks modern API support.
Virtualization
Supports basic VT-x but lacks cores for effective virtualization.
VT-x support is present, but limited cores restrict VM density.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for 2010, but outperformed by modern chips.
Excellent efficiency for 2010 embedded standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Insufficient compute for AI workloads
- No AI capabilities
- Designed well before AI integration
Content Creation
Gaming
- Only suitable for legacy games
- Weak integrated graphics
- No support for modern APIs
- Legacy IGP only
- Insufficient for 3D workloads
- Not targeted at consumers
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Low 18W TDP
- Turbo Boost capability
- AES-NI support
- Hyper-Threading
Cons
- Obsolete performance
- BGA soldered package
- Weak integrated graphics
- Limited memory speed
Pros
- ECC memory support
- Long embedded lifecycle
- Low 18W TDP
- Hardware virtualization (VT-d)
Cons
- Obsolete performance
- Soldered BGA package
- Limited availability
- Expensive for its performance
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-660UM
- AMD Turion II Neo K625Rival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core 2 Duo SU9600Rival
Mobile ULV
- AMD Athlon II Neo K325Rival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i5-430UMRival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i7-640UMRival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i5-520UMAlt
Similar performance at a lower price point for legacy systems.
- Intel Core i7-660UEAlt
Embedded variant with ECC support.
- Intel Core 2 Duo SL9600Alt
Older generation but comparable in power envelope.
- AMD Phenom II P920Alt
AMD alternative with more cores but higher power.
- Intel Core i5-470UMAlt
Slightly lower tier with similar architecture.
Core i7-660UE
- AMD Embedded G-T56NRival
Embedded ULV
- Intel Atom D525Rival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-610ERival
Embedded
- AMD Turion II Neo K625Rival
Embedded ULV
- Intel Core 2 Duo SP9600Rival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-660UMAlt
Consumer alternative if ECC is not required.
- Intel Core i5-430UEAlt
Lower cost embedded alternative.
- AMD Embedded G-T40NAlt
AMD alternative for low-power embedded systems.
- Intel Core i7-2617UEAlt
Newer generation embedded alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A pioneering low-power chip for its time, but its performance is heavily outclassed by modern mobile processors.
Best for: Maintaining legacy hardware
Read the full reviewA reliable embedded chip for its era, offering ECC support and low power consumption for mission-critical applications.
Best for: Replacing a failed chip in legacy industrial hardware
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-660UM or Core i7-660UE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-660UE comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Core i7-660UM and Core i7-660UE use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1288 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.