Quick Verdict
A reliable embedded chip for its era, offering ECC support and low power consumption for mission-critical applications.
Overview
Launch
2010
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
1st Gen Core i7 (Arrandale)
Market
Embedded
The Intel Core i7-660UE is an ultra-low voltage embedded processor launched in August 2010. Based on the Arrandale architecture, it features 2 cores and 4 threads with a base clock of 1.33 GHz and a turbo boost up to 2.4 GHz. Designed for long-life cycle embedded systems, it has an 18W TDP and supports ECC memory, differentiating it from its consumer UM counterpart. It utilizes a 32nm CPU die and a 45nm graphics/memory controller die, offering robust performance for industrial applications requiring hardware encryption and virtualization.
Released in 2010, the i7-660UE provided embedded system designers with a powerful yet efficient processor. Its 18W TDP and support for ECC memory made it ideal for reliable, always-on environments. While obsolete by modern standards, it was a cornerstone for early 2010s industrial computing.
Specifications
Performance
Adequate for specific embedded tasks but slow for general OS navigation today.
VT-x support is present, but limited cores restrict VM density.
Not intended for gaming; lacks modern API support.
Excellent efficiency for 2010 embedded standards.
- •Legacy IGP only
- •Insufficient for 3D workloads
- •Not targeted at consumers
- •No AI capabilities
- •Designed well before AI integration
Architecture
32nm
Process Node
Arrandale
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
18 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-660UE shares the identical Arrandale architecture with its consumer counterparts but is differentiated by embedded market qualifications and ECC memory support. The dual-die package features a 32nm Westmere CPU die and a 45nm uncore die housing the memory controller and Ironlake graphics. The primary distinction for the 'UE' suffix is Intel's validation for extended lifecycle and mission-critical environments. ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory support ensures that data corruption is detected and corrected, a mandatory feature for medical, industrial, and financial applications. The processor maintains the 18W ultra-low TDP, allowing it to be deployed in harsh environments with limited cooling. Despite the low power, it retains Intel Turbo Boost technology for dynamic performance scaling. The inclusion of VT-x and VT-d provides robust hardware virtualization support, allowing embedded systems to run real-time operating systems alongside standard Linux or Windows environments securely and efficiently.
CPU Design
2 cores, 4 threads, 4MB Smart Cache.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1066 with ECC support.
PCIe & I/O
PCIe 2.0.
Overclocking
Locked.
- ECC memory support
- AES-NI
- Integrated memory controller
Key Highlights
- ECC memory support
- Long embedded lifecycle
- Low 18W TDP
- Hardware virtualization (VT-d)
- Obsolete performance
- Soldered BGA package
- Limited availability
- Expensive for its performance
History
The Core i7-660UE was introduced in August 2010 as part of Intel's push into the embedded market with the Arrandale architecture. While consumer ultra-low voltage chips existed, system engineers needed components that guaranteed long-term availability and data integrity. The 'UE' series fulfilled this by adding ECC memory support and extended lifecycle validation.
This processor allowed manufacturers of medical equipment, industrial controllers, and ruggedized networking gear to upgrade from older Core 2 Duo architectures to a platform that included an integrated memory controller and hardware AES encryption. The 18W TDP was critical for fanless designs in dusty or sterile environments. Although the Arrandale architecture's dual-die approach was short-lived, replaced quickly by the monolithic Sandy Bridge, the i7-660UE served as a reliable workhorse for many legacy systems still operating in industrial settings today.
It demonstrated Intel's commitment to segmenting its mobile chips specifically for mission-critical applications.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- ECC memory support
- AES-NI
- Integrated memory controller
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Replacing a failed chip in legacy industrial hardware
Avoid if…
- New system design
- Consumer use
- Gaming
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'UE' suffix denotes an Ultra-low power Embedded processor.
It supports ECC memory, unlike the identical UM consumer version.
It was released slightly later than the UM version.
It shares the same dual-die Arrandale architecture.
Commonly used in medical diagnostic equipment.
Features Intel Turbo Boost 1.0.
Tjmax is a high 105°C, suitable for hot environments.
Only supports HM55 and QM57 chipsets.
Lacks the integrated graphics clock boost of higher TDP models.
Part number is SLBWV.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between i7-660UM and i7-660UE?
The i7-660UE supports ECC memory and is intended for embedded markets, while the UM is a consumer part.
Does the Core i7-660UE support ECC memory?
Yes, it supports Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory.
What is the TDP of the Core i7-660UE?
The TDP is 18 Watts.
Is the Core i7-660UE good for gaming?
No, it is an embedded processor not designed for gaming.
Can I buy a laptop with the Core i7-660UE?
It was primarily used in embedded systems, though some ruggedized laptops may have used it.
What socket does the Core i7-660UE use?
It uses the BGA 1288 socket.
How many cores does the Core i7-660UE have?
It has 2 cores and 4 threads.
What is the turbo boost speed of the Core i7-660UE?
It can turbo boost up to 2.4 GHz.
When was the Core i7-660UE released?
It was released on August 2nd, 2010.
What is the maximum temperature for the Core i7-660UE?
The maximum junction temperature is 105°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chipsets support the Core i7-660UE?
It is compatible with HM55 and QM57 chipsets.
Does the Core i7-660UE have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake).
What is the base clock of the Core i7-660UE?
The base clock is 1.33 GHz.
Is the Core i7-660UE unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What process node is the Core i7-660UE built on?
The CPU cores are 32nm, and the uncore is 45nm.
What is the cache size of the Core i7-660UE?
It has 4MB of L3 cache.
Does the Core i7-660UE support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
Is the Core i7-660UE still in production?
No, it is End-of-life.
What is the part number for the Core i7-660UE?
The part number is SLBWV.
Why was the Core i7-660UE used in industrial systems?
Because of its low power, ECC support, and long lifecycle.