The Intel Core i5-13600K is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in ten out of fourteen measured specifications. Its most significant technical advantage over the Intel Core i7-8700K is its L2 cache capacity, which is 1233% larger. This substantial increase in cache memory provides the newer processor with a clear architectural lead across the majority of the evaluated categories, establishing it as the superior option based on the provided hardware specifications.

Users prioritizing modern architectural efficiency and the benefits of a significantly larger L2 cache should select the Intel Core i5-13600K for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i7-8700K remains a viable choice for those specifically seeking a lower Max Turbo Power, as it holds a 48% advantage in that metric. Choosing between these two components depends on whether your requirements favor the cache-heavy performance of the newer model or the power profile of the older unit.