The Intel Core Ultra 5 235 is the objective winner, securing victories in 12 out of 14 comparable fields. Its most significant technical advantage is a 2500% larger L2 cache compared to the Intel Core i7-7700K. While the older processor maintains a 25% lead in Max Turbo Power, the newer model dominates the majority of the measured specifications, establishing itself as the superior component in this head-to-head comparison.

Users prioritizing modern architecture and the substantial L2 cache capacity should choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 235 for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i7-7700K remains the appropriate selection for those who specifically require the higher Max Turbo Power provided by that unit. Your final decision should depend on whether your workload benefits more from the massive cache advantage of the newer chip or the specific power profile of the older model.