The Intel Core i3-14100 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in eight out of fourteen evaluated specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is its L2 cache, which is 150% larger than that of the alternative. This architectural improvement provides the primary edge for the newer processor, allowing it to outperform the Intel Core i7-10700K across the majority of the measured categories despite the differences in core counts.

Users prioritizing modern architecture and the efficiency of a larger L2 cache should select the Intel Core i3-14100. Conversely, the Intel Core i7-10700K remains the superior choice for tasks requiring high core density, as it offers a 100% advantage in total core count. Choosing between these two components depends entirely on whether your specific workload benefits more from the increased cache capacity of the newer model or the higher core count of the older unit.