The Intel Core i7-14700 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory across eight measured specifications compared to three for the Intel Core i5-12400F. The most significant technical advantage belongs to the Intel Core i7-14700, which features an L2 cache that is 273% larger than that of its counterpart. While the Intel Core i5-12400F holds a notable 48% advantage in MSRP, the superior cache capacity provides the Intel Core i7-14700 with a clear lead in overall hardware specifications.

Users prioritizing budget efficiency should select the Intel Core i5-12400F, as it offers a significantly lower MSRP. Conversely, those who require the technical benefits of a substantially larger L2 cache should choose the Intel Core i7-14700. By aligning your purchase with these specific advantages, you can ensure the selected processor matches your primary requirements for either cost savings or the hardware capacity provided by the expanded cache architecture.