The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in nine of the sixteen evaluated specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is its L2 cache, which is 174% larger than that of the Intel Core i5-13400F. While the latter component maintains a lead in power efficiency, the superior cache capacity of the Ultra 5 245K establishes it as the more robust option across the majority of measured hardware metrics.

Users prioritizing raw hardware specifications and expanded cache capacity should select the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-13400F is the appropriate choice for those who specifically require a component with a 48% better TDP. By focusing on these distinct advantages, buyers can align their selection with either the higher-performing cache architecture of the newer model or the power-efficient profile of the i5-13400F.