The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in eleven of the sixteen evaluated categories. Its most significant technical advantage is its L2 cache, which is 620% larger than that of the alternative. While the Intel Core i3-12100F maintains a notable lead in MSRP, being 74% better in that specific metric, the superior cache capacity and overall spec count establish the Ultra 7 265KF as the more robust hardware option.

Users prioritizing high-end technical specifications and cache-heavy performance should select the Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i3-12100F is the appropriate choice for budget-conscious buyers who value the 74% advantage in MSRP over the advanced cache and broader feature set offered by the higher-tier model. Your decision should depend on whether you require the expanded capabilities of the Ultra 7 or the cost efficiency of the i3.