CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8500B vs Intel Core i5-14401E
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.
Reliable 65W performance for continuous embedded productivity.
Gaming
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming in thin iMacs when paired with a discrete mobile GPU.
Handles 2D and casual 3D applications fine, not for gaming.
Virtualization
Good for basic VMs, but 6 threads limit heavy parallel virtualization.
Strong burst capability supports VM spikes effectively.
Efficiency
Balanced performance within a standard 65W power envelope.
Less efficient than TE models but offers more headroom.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI-specific hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to lack of threads
- No NPU
- Adequate for lightweight edge AI via CPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Usually paired with discrete mobile GPUs in iMacs
- Integrated UHD 630 is only for light gaming
- Thermally constrained by AIO chassis
- UHD 730 graphics only
- Suitable for basic display output and legacy games
- Not designed for gaming workloads
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
- Strong 2.5 GHz base clock
- High 154W PL2 burst limit
- Pure P-core design for deterministic latency
- Supports DDR4 and DDR5
- 20 MB L3 cache
- ECC memory support
Cons
- No E-cores for parallel tasks
- UHD 730 graphics are basic
- No bundled cooler included
- Locked multiplier
- 65W TDP requires active cooling in tight spaces
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 i5-14401E
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600ERival
Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14401TERival
Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14501ERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650ERival
Embedded
- Intel Core i3-14100ERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
More cost-effective for general consumer use.
Adds E-cores for better multi-threading at the same 65W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-14701EAlt
More cores and cache for heavy 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 solid 65W embedded processor that balances higher sustained performance with modern connectivity, ideal for edge servers and industrial PCs.
Best for: Deploying edge servers or network appliances requiring 65W baseline performance and 154W burst capability.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-8500B or Intel Core i5-14401E?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8500B leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-8500B and Intel Core i5-14401E.
Do Intel Core i5-8500B and Intel Core i5-14401E use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8500B: Intel BGA 1440, Intel Core i5-14401E: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.