The Intel Core i3-12100F is the objective winner of this comparison, securing a lead in seven of the fourteen evaluated categories. Its most significant technical advantage is the L2 cache, which is 233% better than that of the Intel Core i5-10600K. This substantial improvement in cache capacity provides the primary performance edge for the newer architecture, allowing it to outperform the older model across the majority of the measured specifications.

Users prioritizing modern architecture and the efficiency of a larger L2 cache should select the Intel Core i3-12100F. Conversely, those whose specific workloads benefit from a higher core count should choose the Intel Core i5-10600K, as it offers 50% more total cores than its counterpart. Selecting between these two components depends entirely on whether your primary requirements favor the superior cache capacity of the newer model or the increased core density of the older processor.