Intel Core i7-3615QE socket: BGA 1023

What the Core i7-3615QE is

Intel Core i7-3615QE is a quad core Ivy Bridge embedded processor that Intel released in April 2012 for carriers that need threaded performance with ECC. 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. The QE suffix marks embedded quad use, with ECC on qualified boards.

Graphics are Intel HD Graphics 4000 at 650 MHz to 1000 MHz. The block covers control displays and video capture without a card, while ECC guards long running threaded loads. Memory is DDR3 and DDR3L at 1067, 1333 or 1600 MT/s for up to 16 GB on embedded carriers.

Four cores with eight threads separate it from dual embedded parts for build, test and imaging loads that scale with threads. Carriers pair it with directed airflow and fixed firmware for multi year service. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the soldered package.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Core i7-3615QE solders to BGA 1023 with 1,023 balls in a 31 by 24 mm footprint and cannot be moved. Carriers qualify each quad with a fixed board and BIOS for a locked lifecycle, so another QE part is not a field swap even within the same balls.

The BIOS must list the exact Core i7-3615QE string with ECC wiring where used. The 45 W heatsink is sized by the carrier for the enclosure. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes soldered parts have no desktop mount.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory support is DDR3 and DDR3L at 1067, 1333 or 1600 MT/s, two channels, up to 16 GB, with ECC where the board enables it. Two matched modules give the rated bandwidth that eight threads and shared graphics split. Capacity follows the carrier design.

PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 3.0, used by carriers for frame grabbers, storage and expansion. Embedded boards keep the graphics path internal and spend lanes on reliable I/O.

Cooling uses the carrier solution for 45 W. Quad heat in a sealed box needs conduction paths and enclosure airflow more than a larger fan. Service is limited to cleaning and drive swaps.

Upgrade paths

There is no CPU upgrade path on soldered BGA 1023. The Core i7-3615QE cannot be removed, so a faster carrier means a new board or a new box. A socketed embedded quad comparison is Intel Core i7-3610QE on Socket G2, which shares clocks but allows service where the carrier permits access.

A platform move means a new embedded box on a current BGA package. Recycle the old unit through a proper e waste path once data is wiped.