The Intel Core i3-14100 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in seven of the fourteen evaluated specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is its maximum memory capacity, which offers a 50% improvement over the alternative. While both processors share several identical specifications, the Intel Core i3-14100 demonstrates a broader lead across the majority of the measured categories, establishing it as the superior option based on the total count of spec wins.

Users who prioritize memory-intensive tasks should select the Intel Core i3-14100 to leverage its superior maximum memory support. Conversely, those who require higher multi-threaded processing power should choose the Intel Core i5-12400, as it provides a 50% advantage in total core count. Selecting between these two components depends entirely on whether your specific workload benefits more from the expanded memory capacity of the former or the increased core count of the latter.