Quick Verdict
A pioneering low-power chip for its time, but its performance is heavily outclassed by modern mobile processors.
Overview
Launch
2010
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
1st Gen Core i7 (Arrandale)
Market
Mobile
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.
Released in 2010, the i7-660UM offered a balance of performance and power efficiency for early thin-and-light laptops. Its 18W TDP and 2.4 GHz turbo boost made it suitable for business professionals needing long battery life.
Today, it is obsolete and unsuitable for modern workloads.
Specifications
Performance
Can handle lightweight office applications but will stutter under heavy load.
Supports basic VT-x but lacks cores for effective virtualization.
Inadequate for modern gaming; struggles with basic 2D games.
Good efficiency for 2010, but outperformed by modern chips.
- •Only suitable for legacy games
- •Weak integrated graphics
- •No support for modern APIs
- •No dedicated AI hardware
- •Insufficient compute for AI workloads
Architecture
32nm
Process Node
Arrandale
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
18 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Arrandale architecture utilized a unique multi-chip package (MCP). The primary die was fabricated on Intel's 32nm Westmere process, housing the CPU cores and L3 cache. The secondary die, built on a 45nm process, contained the memory controller and Integrated Graphics Processor (IGP). This design allowed Intel to transition CPU cores to a smaller node while utilizing the mature 45nm process for the uncore components. The i7-660UM specifically targeted ultra-low power envelopes, implementing aggressive power gating and frequency scaling to maintain its 18W TDP. Hyper-Threading allowed the two physical cores to process four threads simultaneously, improving throughput in multi-threaded applications. The integrated memory controller supported dual-channel DDR3 memory, reducing latency compared to previous front-side bus architectures. This generation laid the groundwork for Intel's dominance in the mobile sector, introducing features like AES-NI for hardware-accelerated cryptography and Intel Turbo Boost, which dynamically increased the clock speed to 2.4 GHz when thermals permitted.
CPU Design
2 cores, 4 threads, 4MB L3 Smart Cache.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1066.
PCIe & I/O
PCIe 2.0.
Overclocking
Multiplier locked.
- Integrated memory controller
- Hyper-Threading
- 32nm CPU process
Key Highlights
- Low 18W TDP
- Turbo Boost capability
- AES-NI support
- Hyper-Threading
- Obsolete performance
- BGA soldered package
- Weak integrated graphics
- Limited memory speed
History
Launched in May 2010, the Core i7-660UM arrived during a pivotal era for mobile computing. Laptops were becoming thinner, and consumers demanded desktop-class responsiveness in highly portable form factors. Intel's Arrandale architecture addressed this by integrating graphics and memory controllers closer to the CPU.
The ultra-low voltage 'UM' series was specifically tailored for premium ultraportables, preceding the widespread adoption of Intel's Ultrabook branding. By splitting the manufacturing processes—32nm for CPU and 45nm for graphics—Intel mitigated production risks while advancing their lithography leadership. This generation also marked the debut of Intel HD Graphics, a foundational step that eventually led to the powerful Iris and Arc graphics lineups.
The i7-660UM was highly sought after for premium business laptops, offering features like AES-NI for hardware-accelerated encryption and VT-d for virtualization, which were previously reserved for higher-TDP mobile or desktop processors. Its legacy lives on in modern thin-and-light designs.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Integrated memory controller
- Hyper-Threading
- 32nm CPU process
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Maintaining legacy hardware
Avoid if…
- Buying a new laptop
- Modern web browsing
- Gaming
- Video editing
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It used a multi-chip package with two different lithography nodes.
It was one of the first ultra-low voltage Core i7 processors.
The integrated graphics were on a separate 45nm die.
It supported AES-NI, rare for low-power chips at the time.
Its turbo boost could reach 2.4 GHz on a single core.
It had a TDP of only 18 Watts.
It was commonly found in premium ultraportables of 2010.
The maximum memory speed was officially limited to 1066 MT/s.
It utilized the BGA 1288 socket.
The core codename Arrandale was derived from a location in Scotland.
People Also Ask
What is the TDP of the Core i7-660UM?
The Thermal Design Power (TDP) is 18 Watts.
Does the Core i7-660UM have integrated graphics?
Yes, it features Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake).
Can the Core i7-660UM be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What socket does the Core i7-660UM use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1288 socket, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard.
What is the turbo boost speed of the Core i7-660UM?
It can turbo boost up to 2.4 GHz.
How many cores does the Core i7-660UM have?
It has 2 physical cores and supports 4 threads via Hyper-Threading.
Is the Core i7-660UM good for gaming?
No, it is not suitable for modern gaming due to obsolete performance and weak graphics.
What generation is the Core i7-660UM?
It belongs to the 1st generation of Intel Core processors (Arrandale).
Does the Core i7-660UM support AES-NI?
Yes, it includes hardware support for AES encryption.
What is the maximum memory speed supported by Core i7-660UM?
It supports DDR3 memory up to 1066 MT/s.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-660UM released?
It was released on May 24th, 2010.
What is the cache size of the Core i7-660UM?
It has 4MB of L3 Smart Cache.
Does the Core i7-660UM support ECC memory?
No, it does not support ECC memory.
What was the launch price of the Core i7-660UM?
The launch price was $317.
What manufacturing process is used for the Core i7-660UM?
The CPU cores are built on a 32nm process, while the graphics/memory controller use 45nm.
Can I upgrade my laptop's Core i7-660UM?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard via the BGA 1288 socket.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the Core i7-660UM?
The maximum junction temperature (Tjmax) is 105°C.
Does the Core i7-660UM support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What chipsets are compatible with the Core i7-660UM?
Compatible chipsets include PM55, HM55, QM57, and HM57.
Is the Core i7-660UM still manufactured?
No, it is listed as End-of-life.