Ok bros, I could use some help.
First time building a PC in almost a decade. I'm pretty out of the loop and reading tech reviews helps, but I'm no hardware wizard so some of it is a bit over my head.
I'll try to simplify -
-Budget $1,500
It can go slightly higher, but I have a reserve budget aside for accessories/monitor/chair. I will dip into that if I need to if something really makes the difference, but it won't be much. Maybe an extra $200 at most.
-Priorities in order of importance - Gaming (obviously), Music Production Software, Video Production Software, Photo Editing
Graphics card is one area I need some help especially. It is a critical piece I do not want to undervalue or skimp on, however I obviously can't blow the entire budget on the latest gangbang cards that cost most of my budget by themselves. I have read up on them but information is all over the place. I trust anecdotes from this forum when it comes to this stuff, so any information or experiences is appreciated. I have heard many good things about AMD recently but I have only ever used NVDA graphics cards. I would be willing to make the switch, but I have no idea what I'm looking at when it comes to AMD products. Is there anything to avoid or be aware of? I've been told around a 1070 or so from NVDA is around the best I can do on my budget while still being affordable to acquire everything else. Seems like there has to be other options though.
I also heard that going cheap on a power supply is a big no no, so I'm okay to spend what I need there as well.
What do I need to be looking at? This is a ground up build, I need the case and everything inside of it. I am 100% okay using refurbished parts as long as it's trustworthy, unless anyone here recommends against that? Seems like I could save a nice amount by doing that on some pieces. Not sure if that's a good idea, though.
When it comes to the processor, I was told by my buddy that I wouldn't be able to use Windows7 (my preferred OS in general) with the newer and modernized CPUs. Is it going to hinder me terribly, especially in 2020 and going foward, to go back and select the highest quality CPU I can find from an era that will run Win7? Should I say fuck it and accept using some bloatware infested bullshit version of Windows for now until I can learn Linux like a real man?
SInce I have a heavy interest in using audio software, is there any specifics I should be buying for my build to make sure it can handle it?
What do I need to know about compatibility? For instance when getting a motherboard and GFX card, etc. what should I check to make sure that when I get all the pieces together it can actually all be configured in unison instead of ordering some shit that I don't have a slot for, etc.?
Any help is appreciated. Almost none of my IRL friends of contacts know shit about this, and like I said the vast amount of information for a newb PC builder out there is overwhelming and often times conflicting.
