The Intel Core i7-14700KF is the objective winner of this comparison, securing nine spec victories compared to three for the Intel Core i3-12100F. The most significant technical advantage held by the Intel Core i7-14700KF is its L2 cache, which is 460% larger than that of its counterpart. This substantial increase in cache capacity represents the primary performance differentiator between the two processors, establishing the former as the superior option across the majority of measured specifications.

Users prioritizing maximum hardware capability should select the Intel Core i7-14700KF to leverage its superior L2 cache capacity. Conversely, the Intel Core i3-12100F is the appropriate choice for budget-conscious builders who prioritize the 75% advantage in MSRP. By choosing the latter, buyers sacrifice the cache capacity of the higher-tier model in exchange for a significantly more favorable price point, making it the logical selection for those focused strictly on initial acquisition costs.