The Intel Core i5-13400F is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in ten out of fourteen measured specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is its L2 cache, which is 533% larger than that of the Intel Core i7-8700K. This substantial increase in cache capacity provides the primary performance edge for the newer processor, making it the superior choice across the majority of the evaluated hardware metrics.

Users prioritizing modern architecture and the significant L2 cache capacity should choose the Intel Core i5-13400F for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i7-8700K remains a viable option for those who specifically require a higher base clock speed, as it maintains a 48% advantage in that category. Selecting between these two components depends on whether your workload benefits more from the increased cache efficiency of the newer model or the higher base frequency of the older unit.