The Intel Core i9-12900K is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in eight out of fourteen measured specifications. Its most significant technical advantage over the Intel Core i5-10600K is its L2 cache, which is 833% larger. This substantial increase in cache capacity provides the primary performance edge for the newer processor, establishing it as the superior option for users prioritizing raw technical specifications and memory-intensive operations.

Users should choose the Intel Core i9-12900K if they require the highest available cache capacity for their computing tasks. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-10600K remains the logical choice for budget-conscious buyers, as it holds a 56% advantage in MSRP. By selecting the i5-10600K, consumers prioritize cost-efficiency, while those opting for the i9-12900K prioritize the significant architectural improvements found in the newer hardware.