The Intel Core i9-12900K is the objective winner of this comparison, securing more individual specification victories than its counterpart. While both processors offer distinct strengths, the most significant advantage belongs to the Intel Core i9-12900K, which provides a 60% lead in total core count. This substantial difference in core architecture serves as the primary differentiator between the two units, establishing the i9-12900K as the more robust option for users prioritizing raw multi-core hardware capacity.

Users who require maximum core density for intensive computing tasks should select the Intel Core i9-12900K to leverage its superior core count. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-14400 is the better choice for budget-conscious buyers, as it holds a 62% advantage in MSRP. By choosing the i5-14400, consumers prioritize cost efficiency, whereas selecting the i9-12900K focuses on maximizing the physical processing resources available within the system architecture.