CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8500B vs Intel Core i5-14401TE
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.
Capable productivity performer for embedded office tasks.
Gaming
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming in thin iMacs when paired with a discrete mobile GPU.
Not intended for gaming, but handles casual titles adequately.
Virtualization
Good for basic VMs, but 6 threads limit heavy parallel virtualization.
Handles light virtualization workloads well.
Efficiency
Balanced performance within a standard 65W power envelope.
Excellent power efficiency for its performance class.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI-specific hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to lack of threads
- No dedicated NPU
- Suitable only for basic edge inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Usually paired with discrete mobile GPUs in iMacs
- Integrated UHD 630 is only for light gaming
- Thermally constrained by AIO chassis
- Integrated UHD 730 limits gaming
- Suitable only for e-sports at low settings
- 45W limit restricts sustained GPU boost
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 45W TDP
- Supports DDR4 and DDR5
- PCIe 5.0 support
- Integrated UHD 730 graphics
- Extended embedded lifecycle
- Strong single-core performance
Cons
- No E-cores for multi-threading
- Locked multiplier
- Not ideal for gaming
- Limited turbo headroom compared to 65W+ parts
- Higher cost per core than consumer desktop chips
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 i5-14401TE
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GERival
Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-14501TERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GERival
Embedded
- Intel Core i5-12401TERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GERival
Embedded
Higher 65W TDP for better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-headLower power consumption for basic tasks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better value for general consumer desktop use.
Hybrid architecture with more total cores.
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 highly efficient and reliable embedded processor offering modern architecture features in a low-power envelope, ideal for commercial and industrial deployments.
Best for: Developing embedded systems, digital signage, or industrial PCs requiring 45W TDP and long lifecycle.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-8500B or Intel Core i5-14401TE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8500B leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-8500B and Intel Core i5-14401TE.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-14401TE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-8500B (65 W), Intel Core i5-14401TE (45 W).
Do Intel Core i5-8500B and Intel Core i5-14401TE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8500B: Intel BGA 1440, Intel Core i5-14401TE: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.