The Intel Core i5-14500 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in eleven out of fourteen measured specifications. Its most significant technical advantage over the Intel Core i5-8600K is its L2 cache, which is 1333% larger. While the older processor maintains a lead in base clock speed, the substantial cache capacity of the newer model provides a clear architectural superiority across the vast majority of the evaluated hardware metrics.

Users prioritizing modern architecture and the massive L2 cache advantage should choose the Intel Core i5-14500 for their system builds. Conversely, the Intel Core i5-8600K remains a viable option specifically for those who require the 38% higher base clock speed provided by that unit. Select the newer processor for its broad spec-based dominance, or opt for the older model if your specific use case relies heavily on the higher base frequency.