I'm looking to build a PC for my girlfriend's first setup, aiming for a solid balance between gaming and photo/video editing without breaking the bank. She's interested in playing mostly lighter games, but one she really wants to try is Inzoi, which demands decent graphics. For editing, she uses Lightroom and Photoshop and may start video editing soon. I want to focus on a build that prioritizes editing but still has enough power to run games at medium to high settings without necessarily maxing everything out.
I have a budget of around $1600 CAD. Here are some specific areas where I could use advice:
**GPU**: I know Nvidia has been a go-to for editing, but are AMD GPUs competitive options for both tasks now?
**CPU**: I'm considering mid-range Intel i7s for gaming and editing but I'm open to recommendations.
**Motherboard**: Not sure how much to invest here. Any suggestions for a good value motherboard?
**SSD/NVME**: I'd prefer an NVME for faster speeds, but again, looking for cost-effective options.
**RAM & Hard Drive**: I can find a good deal for 32GB RAM, but is more necessary? Also, I'm not worried about the hard drive since price shouldn't be a huge issue there.
**Power Supply**: Just need something reliable that meets the requirements without going overboard on price.
This is my first solo build, and I'm excited about it, so any tips would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
For the GPU, definitely look into AMD options—they're getting better for content creation too! But Nvidia is still a strong choice, particularly for editing with programs like Photoshop. As for the CPU, an Intel i7 is a good pick, but don't overlook Ryzen either; they're great for multitasking and rendering too!
Instead of breaking down your budget by component, try thinking of it as a total for the whole build. Aiming for around $1600 CAD is smart! I’d recommend getting a setup like a 14600k paired with a 5060 ti and 16GB of RAM. That combo should work well for both gaming and your girlfriend’s productivity needs.
Yeah, exactly! Staying around that total budget helps prevent overspending. Plus, that build you suggested sounds solid for her needs!
Good point! Ryzen CPUs are often underrated, especially when it comes to content creation. I'll have to check that out!