The Intel Core i5-14500 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victories in eleven out of fourteen measured specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is its L2 cache, which is 2050% larger than that of the Intel Core i7-6700K. 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 metrics.

Users prioritizing modern architecture and high-capacity cache should choose the Intel Core i5-14500 for their system builds. Conversely, the Intel Core i7-6700K remains a viable option for specific use cases that rely heavily on a higher base clock speed. By weighing the massive cache advantage of the newer processor against the frequency lead of the older unit, buyers can select the component that best aligns with their specific operational requirements.