The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in eleven of the sixteen evaluated categories. Its most significant technical advantage is its L2 cache, which is 279% larger than that of the alternative. While the Intel Core i5-12600K holds its own in specific areas, the superior cache capacity of the newer model provides a substantial architectural edge that defines its performance lead across the majority of the measured specifications.

Users prioritizing the latest architectural advancements and the massive L2 cache advantage should select the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-12600K remains a viable option for those who specifically require the 40% advantage in Max Turbo Power provided by that model. Your final decision should depend on whether your workload benefits more from the increased cache capacity or the specific power profile offered by the older processor.