The Intel Core i3-14100 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing a lead in 11 out of 14 measured specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is its L2 cache, which is 233% larger than that of the Intel Core i5-9400F. This substantial cache capacity provides the primary performance edge for the newer processor, allowing it to outperform the older model across the vast majority of the evaluated hardware metrics.

Users prioritizing modern architecture and the efficiency of a larger L2 cache should select the Intel Core i3-14100 for their build. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-9400F remains a viable option for those who specifically require a higher total core count, as it maintains a 50% advantage in that category. Choosing between these two components depends on whether your specific workload benefits more from the superior cache architecture or the increased number of physical cores.