The Intel Core i3-13100F is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in eight of the fourteen evaluated categories. Its most significant technical advantage is the L2 Cache, which is 233% better than that of the Intel Core i7-8700K. This substantial improvement in cache capacity provides the primary performance edge for the newer processor, allowing it to outperform the older model across the majority of the measured specifications.

Choose the Intel Core i3-13100F if you prioritize the superior L2 Cache capacity for your computing tasks. Conversely, select the Intel Core i7-8700K if your specific workload requires a higher total core count, as it maintains a 50% advantage in that area. Your decision should depend on whether your applications benefit more from the increased cache efficiency of the newer architecture or the higher number of physical cores available on the older unit.