The Intel Core i7-14700F is the objective winner of this comparison, securing a lead in seven categories compared to three for the Intel Core i5-12400. The most significant technical advantage belongs to the Intel Core i7-14700F, which features an L2 cache that is 273% larger than its counterpart. While the Intel Core i5-12400 remains competitive in four tied areas, it falls behind in overall specification count despite its primary advantage in MSRP, which is 49% better.

Choose the Intel Core i7-14700F if your primary requirement is the superior L2 cache capacity, as this represents its most substantial technical edge. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-12400 is the logical selection for users prioritizing the 49% advantage in MSRP. By weighing the significant cache capacity of the former against the cost-focused benefits of the latter, you can select the processor that best aligns with your specific budgetary or technical needs.