The Intel Core i5-14400F is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in ten out of fourteen measured specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is the L2 cache, which is 533% larger than that of the alternative. While the Intel Core i7-8700K maintains a lead in base clock speed by 48%, it falls behind in the majority of categories, making the newer processor the superior choice based on the total number of winning specifications.

Users prioritizing modern architecture and the substantial L2 cache capacity should select the Intel Core i5-14400F for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i7-8700K remains a viable option specifically for those who require the higher base clock speed provided by that model. Choosing between these two components depends on whether your specific workload benefits more from the expanded cache memory of the newer unit or the higher base frequency offered by the older processor.