The Intel Core i9-11900K is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in eight of the fourteen measured categories. Its most significant technical advantage over the Intel Core i7-8700K is its L2 cache, which is 167% larger. While the Intel Core i7-8700K maintains a notable lead in power efficiency with a 62% better Max Turbo Power rating, the superior cache capacity of the newer processor provides a distinct architectural edge for data-heavy operations.

Users prioritizing raw cache capacity and the latest architectural specifications should choose the Intel Core i9-11900K for their build. Conversely, those who place a higher value on power efficiency and lower Max Turbo Power requirements will find the Intel Core i7-8700K to be the more suitable option. Selecting between these two components depends entirely on whether your specific computing needs favor the increased cache performance of the newer model or the power-efficient profile of the older unit.