The Intel Core i7-12700K is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in eight of the fourteen evaluated categories. Its most significant technical advantage over the Intel Core i5-11600K is a 300% larger L2 cache, which provides a substantial architectural lead. While the Intel Core i5-11600K remains competitive in four areas and holds a 36% advantage in MSRP, it ultimately falls behind in the majority of the measured specifications.

Users prioritizing raw technical capacity and the benefits of a significantly larger L2 cache should select the Intel Core i7-12700K for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-11600K is the appropriate choice for budget-conscious buyers who want to capitalize on its 36% MSRP advantage. Choosing between these two processors depends entirely on whether you value the superior cache architecture of the newer model or the lower cost of the older unit.