CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8500B vs Intel Core i5-9500
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-8500B is a specialized hexa-core processor designed specifically for embedded systems and compact form-factor devices, most notably Apple's iMac lineup, featuring a soldered BGA package.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks and moderate programming workloads efficiently.
Adequate for office tasks but slow for heavy rendering.
Gaming
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming in thin iMacs when paired with a discrete mobile GPU.
Struggles with modern gaming unless paired with a low-end GPU.
Virtualization
Good for basic VMs, but 6 threads limit heavy parallel virtualization.
Limited by the lack of Hyper-Threading.
Efficiency
Balanced performance within a standard 65W power envelope.
Excellent power efficiency for daily tasks.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI-specific hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to lack of threads
- Not suitable for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Usually paired with discrete mobile GPUs in iMacs
- Integrated UHD 630 is only for light gaming
- Thermally constrained by AIO chassis
- Low clock speeds limit performance
- Lacks HT for modern engines
- Only suitable for e-sports titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Low power consumption
- Good for basic office tasks
- Includes integrated graphics
- Affordable on the used market
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading
- Low base clock
- End-of-life platform
- Limited multi-threading capability
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i5-9500
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400FRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Desktop
Better performance and upgrade path.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Superior multi-threading and modern architecture.
Modern budget alternative with better single-core speed.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Much better integrated graphics.
Slightly higher clock speeds on the same platform.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An 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 reviewA dependable 6-core CPU for basic computing, though its lack of Hyper-Threading and older architecture make it obsolete for modern upgrades.
Best for: Cheap upgrade for an older LGA 1151 system
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8500B or Intel Core i5-9500?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-8500B comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. 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 i5-8500B or Intel Core i5-9500?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8500B leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-8500B and Intel Core i5-9500.
Do Intel Core i5-8500B and Intel Core i5-9500 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8500B: Intel BGA 1440, Intel Core i5-9500: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.