What is Arrandale Processor? Definition, Features & More

Arrandale represents Intel's line of dual-core, mainstream mobile processors built on the x86-64 microarchitecture using a 32 nm fabrication process. These chips, part of the 1st generation Westmere-based Core CPUs, utilize a 5-series chipset and support 64-bit computing.

Arrandale Processor

Key Features and Innovations

Launched on January 7, 2010, Arrandale processors introduced several notable advancements:

Integrated Design: Unlike their Penryn predecessors, Arrandale chips incorporate most Northbridge components, including:
- Memory controller
- Integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- PCI Express bus for external graphics
- DMI interface
Dual-Die Package:
- 32 nm processor die with I/O connections
- 45 nm integrated memory controller die with Intel HD Ironlake Graphics
Improved Architecture: Successor to Clarksfield and predecessor to Sandy Bridge mobile processors
Brand Diversity: Available under various Intel brands:
- Core i3
- Core i5
- Core i7
- Celeron
- Pentium

Technical Specifications

Cores/Threads: Typically 2 cores, 4 threads
Clock Speeds:
- Base: 1.06 GHz to 2.66 GHz
- Turbo Boost: Up to 3.46 GHz
Cache:
- L2 cache: 256 KB per core
- L3 cache: 2-4 MB (varies by model)
Memory Support: Up to 8 GiB DDR3-800 or 1066
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
- Base frequency: 166-500 MHz
- Boost frequency: 500-766 MHz
Socket Types: µPGA-988 and BGA-1288
Thermal Design Power (TDP): 18W, 25W, or 35W variants

Instruction Set and Extensions

Arrandale processors support the x86-64 Instruction Set Architecture along with various extensions:

MMX
SSE (including SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2)
AES-NI
TXT
System Management Mode (SMM)
Floating Point Unit (FPU)
NX

Select models also support:

AES
Intel vPro
Virtualization extensions (VT-d and VT-x)
Extended Page Table (EPT)

Conclusion

The Arrandale processor line marked a significant step forward in Intel's mobile CPU offerings. By integrating key components and introducing power-efficient designs, these chips paved the way for more compact and capable laptops. Despite being built on a 32 nm process, Arrandale processors delivered impressive performance and expanded the Core i3 and i5 mobile processor families.