Core i5-8500BvsRyzen Threadripper 9960X
The Core i5-8500B is a compact, low-power processor for small-form-factor desktops, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is a high-end workstation chip for heavy multitasking and content creation.
Core i5-8500B
Coffee Lake · 14 nm · 2018
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Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
Shimada Peak · 4 nm · 2025
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Overall Performance Score
A unified score from combined synthetic and real-world benchmarks. 100 represents the fastest desktop CPU available.
Side-by-Side Specs
Every detail compared. Highlighted cells indicate the leading value for that metric.
Which should you buy?
The Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is the clear winner for demanding tasks, thanks to its far greater core count and speed.
For budget buyers, the Core i5-8500B is the smarter pick as it costs far less and suits basic computing needs.
The Core i5-8500B is the right choice for a compact, low-power office PC where extreme processing power is unnecessary.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i5-8500B better than the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (56 vs 5 out of 100), so it leads the Core i5-8500B in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X than the Core i5-8500B?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is roughly 1020% faster than the Core i5-8500B overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i5-8500B or the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X. If the Core i5-8500B is meaningfully cheaper where you shop, it can be the better value for similar real-world results — check current prices and the full spec comparison above before deciding.