The Intel Core i7-14700F is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in ten out of fourteen measured specifications. Its most significant technical advantage over the Intel Core i7-8700K is its L2 cache, which is 1767% larger. While the older processor maintains a lead in base clock speed, the substantial cache capacity of the newer model provides a clear architectural superiority across the majority of the evaluated metrics.

Users prioritizing modern architectural efficiency and the massive L2 cache advantage should select the Intel Core i7-14700F for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i7-8700K remains the appropriate choice for those specifically requiring the 76% higher base clock speed provided by that unit. Your decision should depend on whether your workload benefits more from the expanded cache capacity of the newer processor or the higher base frequency offered by the older model.