The Intel Core i3-14100 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in eight of the fourteen evaluated categories. Its most significant technical advantage over the alternative is its L2 cache, which offers a 100% improvement. This architectural enhancement provides the Intel Core i3-14100 with a clear lead in the majority of measured specifications, establishing it as the more modern and efficient choice based on the provided data points.

Users prioritizing modern architecture and cache efficiency should select the Intel Core i3-14100 for their build. Conversely, those who require a higher volume of processing units should choose the Intel Core i9-10900K, as it maintains a 150% advantage in total core count. Selecting between these two processors depends entirely on whether your specific workload benefits more from the superior cache capacity of the newer model or the higher core density of the older unit.