The AMD Ryzen 5 9600 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in ten out of fourteen evaluated specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is its L3 cache, which is 167% larger than that of the Intel Core i3-12100F. This substantial memory capacity provides the primary performance edge for the Ryzen processor across the majority of the measured categories, establishing it as the superior component based on the provided technical data.

Users prioritizing raw technical capability and the benefits of a larger L3 cache should select the AMD Ryzen 5 9600 for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i3-12100F is the appropriate choice for budget-conscious buyers, as it maintains a 58% advantage in MSRP. Choosing between these two components depends on whether the user values the performance-oriented specifications of the Ryzen or the cost-efficiency offered by the Intel alternative.