The Intel Core i7-13700KF is the objective winner of this comparison, securing a lead in eight of the sixteen evaluated specifications. Its most significant technical advantage over the Intel Core i3-12100F is its L2 cache, which is 380% larger. While the Intel Core i3-12100F maintains a notable lead in MSRP, being 75% better in that specific category, the Intel Core i7-13700KF offers superior hardware specifications across the majority of the measured fields.

Users prioritizing budget-conscious builds should select the Intel Core i3-12100F to take advantage of its significantly lower MSRP. Conversely, those requiring higher performance capabilities should choose the Intel Core i7-13700KF. The latter is the better option for tasks that benefit from a substantially larger L2 cache, as it provides a clear technical edge in that area compared to the more affordable alternative.