CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8500B vs Core i7-9700E
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.
Gaming
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.
Efficiency
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 data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- Usually paired with discrete mobile GPUs in iMacs
- Integrated UHD 630 is only for light gaming
- Thermally constrained by AIO chassis
No data
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
- Long-term embedded availability
- Reliable 8-core performance
- Low 65W TDP
- Includes UHD 630 graphics
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
- Older 14nm process
- Limited upgrade path
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
Core i7-9700E
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700ERival
Embedded Desktop
- Intel Core i5-9500ERival
Embedded Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Embedded Desktop
- Intel Xeon E-2278GELRival
Embedded Server
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 2700URival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Core i7-9700TAlt
Lower TDP (35W) for tighter constraints.
Higher clocks for consumer desktop use.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 3700EAlt
Newer embedded alternative with more threads.
- Intel Core i3-9100EAlt
For lighter embedded workloads.
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 reliable 8-core processor tailored for embedded systems, offering excellent thermal predictability and long-term availability.
Best for: Sourcing for legacy embedded systems
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8500B or Core i7-9700E?
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 Core i7-9700E?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8500B leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-8500B and Core i7-9700E.
Do Intel Core i5-8500B and Core i7-9700E use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8500B: Intel BGA 1440, Core i7-9700E: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-9700E has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-8500B (6 cores), Core i7-9700E (8 cores).