CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8400 vs Intel Core i5-8500B
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-8400 is a landmark mainstream desktop processor that fundamentally shifted the budget CPU market by bringing six physical cores to the i5 tier for the first time.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks and moderate programming workloads efficiently.
Handles office tasks and moderate programming workloads efficiently.
Gaming
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming when paired with a mid-range discrete GPU.
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming in thin iMacs when paired with a discrete mobile GPU.
Virtualization
Good for basic VMs, but 6 threads limit heavy parallel virtualization.
Good for basic VMs, but 6 threads limit heavy parallel virtualization.
Efficiency
Balanced performance within a standard 65W power envelope.
Balanced performance within a standard 65W power envelope.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI-specific hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to lack of threads
- No AI-specific hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to lack of threads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent for budget gaming builds
- Handles eSports titles flawlessly
- May bottleneck high-end modern GPUs at 1080p
- Usually paired with discrete mobile GPUs in iMacs
- Integrated UHD 630 is only for light gaming
- Thermally constrained by AIO chassis
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Disruptive price-to-performance ratio
- 6 physical cores for modern gaming
- Includes integrated UHD Graphics 630
- Standard 65W TDP is easy to cool
- Wide compatibility with 300-series motherboards
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading (only 6 threads)
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- End-of-life platform (LGA 1151)
- Officially limited to DDR4-2666
- Not supported by Windows 11 officially
Pros
- Soldered design saves physical space
- 6 physical cores for multitasking
- 4.1 GHz turbo boost
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630
- Optimized for thin AIO thermals
Cons
- Soldered to motherboard (not upgradeable)
- No Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- Only available via OEM channels
- End-of-life platform
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-8400
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7500Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GRival
Mainstream Desktop
Slightly newer generation with marginally higher clocks.
Compare head-to-headNewer platform with 8 threads and similar gaming performance.
Compare head-to-headLow power alternative for SFF builds.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-8500B
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600HRival
Mobile/Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Embedded AIO
A higher-tier soldered BGA processor for iMacs.
Compare head-to-headNewer generation socketed alternative with marginally better speeds.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary value CPU that forced the market to adopt 6 cores as the standard. Excellent for budget gaming, though lacking Hyper-Threading.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system on a budget, or building an office/HTPC machine.
Read the full reviewAn efficient 6-core processor tailored for OEMs. Its soldered BGA design saves space but prevents user upgrades, making it strictly for pre-built systems.
Best for: Board-level repair of an existing Apple iMac or embedded system.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8400 or Intel Core i5-8500B?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-8400 comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-8400 or Intel Core i5-8500B?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8400 leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i5-8400 and Intel Core i5-8500B.
Do Intel Core i5-8400 and Intel Core i5-8500B use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8400: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i5-8500B: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.