Intel introduces Core i3-3120ME and i3-3217UE embedded CPUs

In June Intel released the first two Core i3 mobile SKUs, i3-3110M and i3-3217U, that utilized Ivy Bridge microarchitecture. These third-generation processors offered better CPU and graphics performance than Sandy Bridge counterparts owing to enhanced microarchitecture and GPU design. Core i3-3217U also boasted higher operating frequency than the fastest second-generation Core i3 CPU with comparable power consumption. Earlier this month, presumably this week, Intel released two new Ivy Bridge Core i3 processors. Newly available Core i3-3120ME and i3-3217UE are aimed at embedded market. Details of these processors were added to Intel's ARK database on Friday, and their specifications pages state that the chips were launched this quarter.

Embedded Core i3 microprocessors are mostly similar to mobile i3-3110M and i3-3217U, launched one month ago. All chips have two CPU cores with Hyper-Threading, 3 MB L2 cache, and HD 4000 on-chip graphics. Standard features on Core i3s is support for SIMD instructions up to SSE4, as well as for AVX. The processors incorporate VT-x virtualization, but lack more advanced technologies. All Ivy Bridge-based Core i3 products work with DDR3-1600 memory.

Like Core i3-3110M, the 3120ME operates at 2.4 GHz, and has 650 MHz stock GPU frequency. On-chip graphics on this model can be boosted as high as 900 MHz, as opposed to 1 GHz on the 3110M. The processor fits into 35 Watt thermal envelope.

Despite almost identical processor numbers, embedded i3-3217UE runs at 200 MHz lower frequency than the i3-3217U. The 3217UE comes with 1.6 GHz CPU clock speed, 350 MHz GPU stock and 900 MHz maximum GPU Turbo speeds. This processor has 17 Watt TDP:

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

Both embedded SKUs are produced in BGA package and support ECC memory. Intel has not disclosed prices for new processors.