CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8500B vs Intel Core i3-9100TE
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.
Handles single-purpose embedded applications well, but lacks the thread count for heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming in thin iMacs when paired with a discrete mobile GPU.
The low 2.2 GHz base clock and 35 W power limit make it entirely unsuitable for any modern gaming workloads.
Virtualization
Good for basic VMs, but 6 threads limit heavy parallel virtualization.
4 threads can manage one lightweight container or VM, but is not intended for heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
Balanced performance within a standard 65W power envelope.
Excellent performance-per-watt for a 4-core x86 chip in an embedded form factor.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI-specific hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to lack of threads
- No dedicated AI acceleration
- Lacks AVX-512 instructions
Content Creation
Gaming
- Usually paired with discrete mobile GPUs in iMacs
- Integrated UHD 630 is only for light gaming
- Thermally constrained by AIO chassis
- Not targeted at gaming
- Low power limits prevent sustained GPU feeding
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
- 35 W TDP allows for completely passive, fanless designs
- ECC memory support prevents data corruption
- Guaranteed long-term embedded availability
- UHD 630 handles multiple display outputs for signage
- Mature, inexpensive Intel 300-series platform
Cons
- Not available through consumer retail channels
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads limit complex workloads
- Low 2.2 GHz base clock results in sluggish bursty performance
- Memory limited to DDR4-2400 MT/s
- Lacks modern features like PCIe 4.0 or AVX-512
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 i3-9100TE
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Embedded AM4
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Embedded AM4
- Intel Pentium Gold G5400TERival
Embedded Budget
- Intel N100Rival
Modern Low-Power
- AMD Ryzen R1606GRival
Embedded R-Series
- Intel Core i3-10100TEAlt
The 10th-gen successor offering much higher IPC and modern features on the same 35 W platform.
- Intel Core i3-9100TAlt
If building a consumer SFF PC, the 'T' variant is easier to source.
- Intel N97Alt
For extremely low-power embedded tasks that do not need x86 legacy performance.
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 reviewThe i3-9100TE serves its embedded niche well by offering modern x86 performance in a strict 35 W power envelope, but it is irrelevant for consumer builds due to embedded channel restrictions and limited clock speeds.
Best for: This processor should only be purchased by OEMs and system integrators designing embedded systems through Intel's B2B embedded channels. It is the right choice if you are building a digital signage player, an industrial control panel, or a ruggedized edge gateway that requires a guaranteed 7+ year supply chain, operates in a hot environment, and needs ECC memory. Do not buy this for a standard desktop PC.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8500B or Intel Core i3-9100TE?
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 i3-9100TE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8500B leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-8500B and Intel Core i3-9100TE.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-9100TE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-8500B (65 W), Intel Core i3-9100TE (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-8500B and Intel Core i3-9100TE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8500B: Intel BGA 1440, Intel Core i3-9100TE: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-8500B has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-8500B (6 cores), Intel Core i3-9100TE (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-9100TE posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-9100TE (4,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.