Intel Core i7-3615QM socket: BGA 1224

What the Core i7-3615QM is

Intel Core i7-3615QM is a quad core Ivy Bridge mobile processor that Intel released in April 2012 for performance laptops with soldered boards. 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. Intel offers this SKU only as FCBGA1224, with no FCPGA988 version, which separates it from dual package quads such as the 3612QM.

Graphics are Intel HD Graphics 4000 at 650 MHz to 1200 MHz, the highest ceiling among the April quads. The block drives office displays alone, while performance laptops pair the chip with a discrete GPU over PCIe for 3D work. Memory is DDR3, DDR3L and DDR3-RS at 1333 or 1600 MT/s for up to 32 GB.

Soldered quad power suits makers that wanted fixed builds without socket service. Laptops pair it with HM77 or QM77 class boards, dual SODIMMs and dual drives. All core loads sit near 2.3 GHz, while bursts reach 3.3 GHz. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains the soldered tradeoff.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Core i7-3615QM solders to BGA 1224 with 1,224 balls in a 31.0 by 24.0 mm footprint and cannot be moved. Makers qualify each performance model with a fixed board and BIOS, so another BGA part is not a field swap. Boards use quad rated power delivery and cooling for 45 W.

The BIOS must list the exact Core i7-3615QM string. Because no socketed version exists, the board search stays inside BGA 1224. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes soldered mobile quads use board specific thermal parts.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory support is DDR3, DDR3L and DDR3-RS at 1333 or 1600 MT/s, two channels, up to 32 GB for 25.6 GB/s. Two matched modules feed eight threads and shared graphics. Some performance bodies solder part of the RAM, so size can lock at purchase.

PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 3.0, split as 1x16, 2x8 or 1x8 plus 2x4. Performance laptops wire lanes to a discrete GPU plus SSDs and Wi-Fi. Integrated graphics handle the panel when switching saves power.

Cooling uses the laptop quad solution for 45 W with a 105 C junction class. Full coverage pipes and clean fans hold the 3.3 GHz single core peak. Service is limited to paste and fan work where the design allows access.

Upgrade paths

There is no CPU upgrade path on soldered BGA 1224. The Core i7-3615QM cannot be removed, so a faster laptop means a new board or a new device. A socketed quad comparison with the same clocks is Intel Core i7-3610QM on Socket G2, which allows service where the laptop permits access.

A platform move means a new performance laptop on a current BGA package with DDR4 memory. Keep the old machine for threaded work after wiping the drive.