The Intel Core i3-12100F is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in eight out of fourteen evaluated categories. Its most significant technical advantage is the L2 cache, which is 150% larger than that of the alternative. While the Intel Core i7-9700K holds its own in specific areas, the superior cache architecture of the newer model provides a clear edge in overall technical specifications and modern efficiency.

Users should choose the Intel Core i3-12100F if they prioritize the benefits of a significantly larger L2 cache for their computing tasks. Conversely, the Intel Core i7-9700K remains the better option for those who specifically require a higher total core count, as it offers a 100% advantage in that category. Selecting between these two processors depends entirely on whether your workload favors the cache capacity of the newer architecture or the raw core count of the older model.