Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
Apr 3rd, 2018
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
Core i5 (Coffee Lake)
Market
Desktop
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 Core i5-8500B delivers 6 physical cores operating up to 4.1 GHz, paired with UHD Graphics 630. Its ball grid array (BGA) packaging permanently solders it to the motherboard, optimizing space for ultra-thin all-in-one designs.
Specifications
Performance
Handles office tasks and moderate programming workloads efficiently.
Good for basic VMs, but 6 threads limit heavy parallel virtualization.
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming in thin iMacs when paired with a discrete mobile GPU.
Balanced performance within a standard 65W power envelope.
- •Usually paired with discrete mobile GPUs in iMacs
- •Integrated UHD 630 is only for light gaming
- •Thermally constrained by AIO chassis
- •No AI-specific hardware
- •CPU inference is slow due to lack of threads
Architecture
14 nm
Process Node
Coffee Lake
Codename
6C / 6T
Core Config
9 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Architecturally, the Core i5-8500B utilizes the same 14nm Coffee Lake silicon as its socketed counterparts. It features a 6-core, 6-thread configuration connected via a ring bus to the 9MB L3 SmartCache. The processor provides 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes, which OEMs typically use to connect discrete mobile GPUs or high-speed storage in all-in-one designs. Memory support remains dual-channel DDR4-2666. The integrated UHD Graphics 630 features 24 Execution Units, handling hardware video decoding and multi-display output. The key architectural difference lies in its physical packaging. Utilizing the FC-BGA14F package, Intel eliminated the traditional socket interface to save space and improve thermals. This integration allows OEMs like Apple to design thinner logic boards. Despite the physical change, the processor retains full support for AVX2, AES-NI, and VT-x, ensuring no compromise in instruction set capabilities compared to the desktop version.
CPU Design
6 cores, 6 threads (no Hyper-Threading).
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-2666.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- Two additional physical cores
- Soldered BGA package for compact builds
Key Highlights
- Soldered design saves physical space
- 6 physical cores for multitasking
- 4.1 GHz turbo boost
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630
- Optimized for thin AIO thermals
- Soldered to motherboard (not upgradeable)
- No Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- Only available via OEM channels
- End-of-life platform
History
Launched on April 3rd, 2018, the Core i5-8500B was released to facilitate Intel's continued partnership with Apple and other major OEMs producing all-in-one systems. As Apple refreshed its iMac lineup in 2018, it required processors that fit the tight thermal constraints of the ultra-thin iMac enclosure while delivering desktop-class performance. Intel provided the 'B' series to meet these demands, offering a soldered solution that reduced motherboard footprint and improved thermals.
The 8500B served as the base hexa-core option in the 21.5-inch iMac, bringing 6-core processing to the mainstream all-in-one market. Its release highlights a broader industry trend where chipmakers create highly specific SKUs to cater to the exacting demands of premium OEMs.
While invisible to the DIY market, the 8500B played a crucial role in modernizing Apple's desktop lineup, ensuring that even base model iMacs had the processing power for modern creative workloads.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Two additional physical cores
- Soldered BGA package for compact builds
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Board-level repair of an existing Apple iMac or embedded system.
Avoid if…
- Building a custom PC
- Upgrading an existing standard desktop
- Looking for a socketed processor
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'B' suffix denotes a BGA (Ball Grid Array) package, meaning it is soldered.
It was specifically used in the 2018 Apple iMac lineup.
Uses the FC-BGA14F package with 1440 pins.
Features identical architecture and clocks to the socketed i5-8500.
Part number SRCX3 is specific to this embedded variant.
Features a die size of 154 mm².
Officially supports DDR4-2666 memory in dual-channel mode.
Provides 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for OEMs to configure.
Has a base clock of 3.0 GHz and a max turbo of 4.1 GHz.
Cannot be installed in a standard LGA 1151 motherboard.
People Also Ask
What does the B mean in Intel Core i5-8500B?
The 'B' suffix indicates a BGA (Ball Grid Array) package, meaning the processor is soldered directly to the motherboard.
Can I upgrade the Intel Core i5-8500B?
No, because it is soldered to the motherboard, it cannot be removed or upgraded.
What computers use the i5-8500B?
It was primarily used in the 2018 Apple iMac lineup and select embedded systems.
Is the i5-8500B the same as the i5-8500?
Architecturally yes, but the 8500B is soldered (BGA 1440) while the 8500 uses a socketed LGA 1151 design.
Does the i5-8500B have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes the Intel UHD Graphics 630.
Can you overclock the i5-8500B?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i5-8500B?
The maximum turbo frequency is 4.1 GHz.
What socket does the i5-8500B use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1440 (FC-BGA14F) socket, which is integrated into the motherboard.
Does the i5-8500B support Hyper-Threading?
No, it has 6 cores and 6 threads.
What is the TDP of the i5-8500B?
The standard TDP is 65 Watts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the i5-8500B fit in an LGA 1151 motherboard?
No, it uses a BGA 1440 package and cannot be installed in a standard socketed motherboard.
What is the part number for the i5-8500B?
The part number is SRCX3.
Can the i5-8500B run Windows 11?
Officially no, but it can run via registry workarounds on supported Macs.
What RAM speed does the i5-8500B support?
It officially supports DDR4-2666 memory in dual-channel mode.
Does the i5-8500B support PCIe 4.0?
No, it only supports PCIe 3.0.
What is the cache size of the i5-8500B?
It has a 9 MB L3 SmartCache.
Is the i5-8500B good for gaming?
In iMacs, it is often paired with a discrete GPU and can handle 1080p gaming well.
What is the base clock of the i5-8500B?
The base clock is 3.0 GHz.
Does the i5-8500B support ECC memory?
No, the i5-8500B does not support Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory.
Who manufactured the i5-8500B?
It was manufactured by Intel specifically for OEMs like Apple.