First Build: Work + Casual Gaming PC under $800

Hi guys,

I'm new here, so go easy on me. I've been wanting to build my own computer for ages. I always thought the idea of building a new computer meant it would last longer and be easier to upgrade. I do a lot of photography and video editing and my current PC (HP 7330N) can't keep up anymore. I can't really complain as its lasted what seems like forever.

I'm familiar with the internals and most of the components as I've upgraded my current PC on multiple occasions. (ram, hdd, video card, etc) My ultimate goal with this build is to have something that once again will seemingly 'last forever' or at the very least give me a very healthy upgrade path.
I've read various magazines, watched countless PC builds on youtube and stalked many a forum and I finally think i have the courage to do it myself.

Budget Range:
$700 - $800 Canadian Dollars

System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Currently: Adobe Suites, Video editing, Casual gaming (if I see something I like), basic internet stuff (email, surfing)
In the future: I want to possibly get into sound recording and be in an okay position to view / manipulate 4k video content.

Parts Not Required:
From my current PC I can salvage a DVD burner, Wireless card (a/b/g/n), Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black (intend to use as a media drive and boot from a SSD) and an older Nvidia video card (I think 512mb) I also have a keyboard, mouse and monitor.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
I've been using PCpartpciker.ca to help gather all the different items I'll need.

I've created a saved part list which outlines the direction I'm going with the build: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/Luimallozzi/saved/KZMKHx

Country:
Canada

Parts Preferences:
CPU: i5 to start, possibly upgrade down the road to i7 if needed. (i'm thinking the 4690k, or if you have another suggestion which would help shave a few dollars off)

Motherboard: Looking for advice, MSI and ASROCK show up a few times. Less sure about this.

Memory: 8gb at least, your suggestion on brand / speed would be greatly appreciated.

Case: Cooler Master K280 (cheap, with cable management, like how it looks)

PSU: Corsair? EVGA? Opinions? I'm thinking 500w should be good for now. If I SLI in the future, should I just get higher wattage now? Modular / Non Modular?

GPU: Nvidia based, not power hungry, always had good experience with them. Would like to game at my monitor's resolution (1600x1200) on high/ultra. 2-4gb is minimum

SSD: Cheap cheerful, no less than 120GB. Kingston or Sandisk?


Overclocking:
Likely not unless its super easy to do. I imagine that this also influences CPU and motherboard prices (K processors & Z series motherboards?) If I could get your input here that would be great.

SLI or Crossfire:
Not initially, but I think I'll go SLI down the road. SLI allows you to run two cards in tandem but is there a significant performance gain? Would 1 really good card be better than two average cards in SLI configuration?

Monitor Resolution:
I have a Samsung 245bw monitor. I believe the resolution is 1600x1200 (16:10 aspect ratio) I'm fine working at this resolution and if I were to use the computer for gaming this would be my max resolution.

Additional Comments:
I intend on building this computer over the next month or so. Buying parts as they go on sale and as I can find the funds. I do have a few more questions though:

- I'm thinking that I might initially hold off on the GPU purchase and either use my current GPU or stick with the onboard video that the Intel powers for budget reasons. (Your thoughts on this? Good move, bad move?)

- How safe is it to order computer components over the net? do they ever get damaged in delivery / static? When possible, should I just go to the store to pick them up?

- I have a copy of Windows 7 Pro (non OEM) on my HP, will I be able to bring that over? or should I pony up for a OEM copy of Windows 8.1?

I hope I was able to provide enough info. If you have any questions please let me know!

Thanks guys!

Hi guys,

I'm new here, so go easy on me. I've been wanting to build my own computer for ages. I always thought the idea of building a new computer meant it would last longer and be easier to upgrade. I do a lot of photography and video editing and my current PC (HP 7330N) can't keep up anymore. I can't really complain as its lasted what seems like forever.

I'm familiar with the internals and most of the components as I've upgraded my current PC on multiple occasions. (ram, hdd, video card, etc) My ultimate goal with this build is to have something that once again will seemingly 'last forever' or at the very least give me a very healthy upgrade path.
I've read various magazines, watched countless PC builds on youtube and stalked many a forum and I finally think i have the courage to do it myself.

Budget Range:
$700 - $800 Canadian Dollars

System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Currently: Adobe Suites, Video editing, Casual gaming (if I see something I like), basic internet stuff (email, surfing)
In the future: I want to possibly get into sound recording and be in an okay position to view / manipulate 4k video content.

Parts Not Required:
From my current PC I can salvage a DVD burner, Wireless card (a/b/g/n), Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black (intend to use as a media drive and boot from a SSD) and an older Nvidia video card (I think 512mb) I also have a keyboard, mouse and monitor.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
I've been using PCpartpciker.ca to help gather all the different items I'll need.

I've created a saved part list which outlines the direction I'm going with the build: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/Luimallozzi/saved/KZMKHx

Country:
Canada

Parts Preferences:
CPU: i5 to start, possibly upgrade down the road to i7 if needed. (i'm thinking the 4690k, or if you have another suggestion which would help shave a few dollars off)

Motherboard: Looking for advice, MSI and ASROCK show up a few times. Less sure about this.

Memory: 8gb at least, your suggestion on brand / speed would be greatly appreciated.

Case: Cooler Master K280 (cheap, with cable management, like how it looks)

PSU: Corsair? EVGA? Opinions? I'm thinking 500w should be good for now. If I SLI in the future, should I just get higher wattage now? Modular / Non Modular?

GPU: Nvidia based, not power hungry, always had good experience with them. Would like to game at my monitor's resolution (1600x1200) on high/ultra. 2-4gb is minimum

SSD: Cheap cheerful, no less than 120GB. Kingston or Sandisk?


Overclocking:
Likely not unless its super easy to do. I imagine that this also influences CPU and motherboard prices (K processors & Z series motherboards?) If I could get your input here that would be great.

SLI or Crossfire:
Not initially, but I think I'll go SLI down the road. SLI allows you to run two cards in tandem but is there a significant performance gain? Would 1 really good card be better than two average cards in SLI configuration?

Monitor Resolution:
I have a Samsung 245bw monitor. I believe the resolution is 1600x1200 (16:10 aspect ratio) I'm fine working at this resolution and if I were to use the computer for gaming this would be my max resolution.

Additional Comments:
I intend on building this computer over the next month or so. Buying parts as they go on sale and as I can find the funds. I do have a few more questions though:

- I'm thinking that I might initially hold off on the GPU purchase and either use my current GPU or stick with the onboard video that the Intel powers for budget reasons. (Your thoughts on this? Good move, bad move?)

- How safe is it to order computer components over the net? do they ever get damaged in delivery / static? When possible, should I just go to the store to pick them up?

- I have a copy of Windows 7 Pro (non OEM) on my HP, will I be able to bring that over? or should I pony up for a OEM copy of Windows 8.1?

I hope I was able to provide enough info. If you have any questions please let me know!

Thanks guys!