The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in ten out of sixteen measured specifications. While the Intel Core i7-12700KF maintains a lead in power efficiency with a 24% advantage in Max Turbo Power, the newer model dominates in core architecture. The most impactful technical improvement is found in the E-Cores, where the Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF provides a 200% increase over the Intel Core i7-12700KF.

Choose the Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF if your workload benefits from a significantly higher count of E-Cores, as this is its primary architectural strength. Conversely, the Intel Core i7-12700KF remains the appropriate selection for users who prioritize the specific power profile defined by its 24% advantage in Max Turbo Power. These two components offer distinct trade-offs between raw core density and power management specifications for your system build.