Intel Core i7-3610QE socket: Socket G2

What the Core i7-3610QE is

Intel Core i7-3610QE is a quad core Ivy Bridge embedded processor that Intel released in April 2012 for socketed carriers. It runs at 2.3 GHz base with turbo to 3.3 GHz, with 6 MB Intel Smart Cache and Hyper-Threading for 8 threads. Power is rated at 45 W on a 22 nm process. Unlike other QE quads that solder to BGA 1023, this QE uses FCPGA988 and fits Socket G2, which Intel confirms with a 37.5 × 37.5 mm PGA package.

Graphics are Intel HD Graphics 4000 at 650 MHz to 1000 MHz. The block covers control displays without a card, while eight threads handle build, imaging and test loads. Memory is DDR3 at 1067, 1333 or 1600 MT/s plus DDR3L at 1333 or 1600 MT/s for up to 32 GB. ECC is not supported on this socketed QE.

Socketed embedded use allows service where the carrier permits access, which separates it from soldered QE twins. Carriers pair it with HM77 class boards and fixed firmware for multi year duty. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains the service advantage of a pin grid over soldered balls.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Core i7-3610QE fits Socket G2 with 988 contacts in FCPGA988 form. The board must be an embedded Socket G2 carrier with Ivy Bridge microcode and the exact 3610QE string in its support list. Mobile 7 series chipsets such as HM77 and QM77 carry most socketed quads. At 45 W the chip needs a carrier thermal design rated for quad power, not a dual only sink.

Firmware decides the result more than power. A carrier that shipped with Sandy Bridge needs an update with Ivy Bridge microcode before the swap. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers that sequence, and Intel Core i7-3610QM shows the mobile quad twin on the same socket.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory support is DDR3 at 1067, 1333 or 1600 MT/s and DDR3L at 1333 or 1600 MT/s, two channels, up to 32 GB. Two matched modules feed eight threads and shared graphics. Carrier limits can sit below the CPU maximum in compact boxes.

PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 3.0, plus a small 2.0 link on this SKU, split by the carrier for I/O and expansion. Embedded carriers favor capture, control and storage cards over gaming graphics.

Cooling is board specific for 45 W with a 105 C junction class. Quad heat needs a full coverage heatsink with directed airflow. The PGA lid allows repaste during service, which often restores the 3.3 GHz single core peak.

Upgrade paths

On Socket G2 the Core i7-3610QE can move to mobile QM quads where the carrier allows it and the BIOS lists the target, such as Intel Core i7-3610QM with faster graphics. The 45 W envelope stays the same, so the heatsink carries over. Memory and storage also carry over.

A carrier generation change means a new embedded board with fresh qualification. Later embedded quads moved to soldered BGA packages with DDR4 memory. Keep the current carrier qualified while it meets the workload.