The Intel Core i5-13600KF is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in seven of the sixteen evaluated categories. Its most significant technical advantage over the Intel Core i5-12400 is its L2 cache, which is 167% larger. While the Intel Core i5-12400 maintains a 48% advantage in TDP, the superior cache capacity of the Intel Core i5-13600KF provides a more substantial lead across 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 i5-13600KF for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-12400 is the appropriate choice for those who prioritize a lower TDP, as it remains the more efficient option in that specific metric. Your decision should depend on whether you value the expanded cache performance of the newer model or the power efficiency profile of the older unit.