The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory across nine measured specifications compared to three for the Intel Core i5-12600K. The most impactful advantage for the newer processor is its L2 cache, which is 174% larger than that of its predecessor. This significant architectural improvement provides the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K with a substantial lead in memory-related performance metrics, establishing it as the superior option based on the provided technical data.

Users prioritizing modern architecture and the substantial cache capacity should select the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-12600K remains a viable alternative for specific workloads that benefit from its 14% advantage in thread count. Choosing between these two processors depends on whether your primary computing needs favor the increased thread density offered by the older model or the significantly expanded L2 cache found in the newer unit.