The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in eleven out of sixteen measured specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is its L2 cache, which is 420% larger than that of the Intel Core i3-12100F. This substantial increase in cache capacity provides the Ultra 5 245K with a clear lead in hardware architecture and data processing efficiency compared to the more limited specifications found in the i3-12100F.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K is the superior choice for users prioritizing high-end technical specifications and cache-heavy performance. Conversely, the Intel Core i3-12100F is the better option for budget-conscious buyers, as it offers a 69% advantage in MSRP. Those who do not require the advanced cache capabilities of the Ultra 5 245K can leverage the significant cost savings provided by the i3-12100F to allocate their remaining budget toward other system components.