The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing more individual specification victories than its competitor. Its most impactful advantage is the L3 cache, which is 78% larger than that found in the Intel Core i5-12400. This significant lead in L3 cache capacity serves as the primary differentiator between the two processors, providing the Ryzen 5 5600 with a clear technical edge across the majority of the evaluated categories.

Users prioritizing the substantial L3 cache advantage should select the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 for their build. Conversely, those who place a higher value on L2 cache capacity should opt for the Intel Core i5-12400, as it offers a 150% advantage in that specific area. Choosing between these two components depends entirely on whether your specific computing needs are better served by the superior L3 cache of the former or the expanded L2 cache of the latter.