Intel prepares Core i3-3120ME and i3-3217UE CPUs

Next Intel micro-architecture, codenamed Ivy Bridge, will launch in less than three months. Along with desktop and mobile microprocessors, based on new microarchitecture, Intel will release several embedded models. We previously reported on 5 embedded Core i7s, and now we found details on Core i3-3220ME and i3-3217UE embedded CPUs.

Common features of both processors are 2 CPU cores with Hyper-Threading support, 3 MB L3 cache, HD 4000 graphics, and capability to work with DDR3-1600 ECC memory. The microprocessors will not support Turbo Boost and Vpro technologies, and will have PCI Express support downgraded to 2.0.

Based on its processor number, Core i3-3120ME could be one of the slowest third generation Core i3 35W processors. This SKU will feature 2.4 GHz clock speed, which is identical to the fastest Sandy Bridge Core i3-2370M model. Like the Sandy Bridge chip, the i3-3120ME has 650 MHz frequency of the graphics processing unit, albeit the maximum GPU turbo frequency will be lower than on the 2370M, only 900 MHz.

Currently, there are three Ultra-Low Voltage Core i3 processors, and the fastest from them, Core i3-2367M, is clocked at 1.4 GHz. Upcoming Core i3-3217UE will feature 200 MHz higher core frequency. Integrated HD 4000 graphics on this chip will operate from 350 MHz stock speed and up to 900 MHz. The CPU will fit into 17 Watt power envelope.

The embedded Core i3s will be produced in BGA package. Specifications of both models are summarized in the table below:

Model	Cores	Threads	Frequency	L3 cache	Graphics	Graphics frequency	Memory	TDP
Core i3-3120ME	2	4	2.4 GHz	3 MB	HD 4000	650 / 900 MHz	DDR3-1600	35 Watt
Core i3-3217UE	2	4	1.6 GHz	3 MB	HD 4000	350 / 900 MHz	DDR3-1600	17 Watt