Looking to build a system under $500 with the best possible performance. Don't need an OS licence or any accessories as part of that price.
Would it be better to go with an i3 and a better graphics card or an i5 and a slightly worse card? Is it worth considering AMD? Does anyone have any other suggestions for a parts list?
AMD for the CPU
AMD is worse for gaming performance per dollar.
If possible I would get a faster CPU and worse video card with the plan to upgrade your video card again when you have more money and newer video cards are out.
Celeron G540 Socket 1155 ~ $60
reasonable cheap MicroATX MB for socket 1155 with USB 3 - $80
ram 2x4GB ~ 2x$24
Geforse 550Ti ~ $110
Good PSU (500W) ~ $70
HDD 2TB ~$100
Cheap case ~$30
total: ~$500
plus good wifi card ~40 (aware of available MB slots)
plus DVDRW ~25
Build good for games and all usual activities. You don't need i3 or i5 for games or for everyday needs.
This. i3 at most for this point, but at this price point you are probably better off with a celeron or pentium.
Processor Intel G2120 $75
RAM 4GB DDR3 1600mhz any brand $35
Mobo ASROCK B75m DGS $65
GPU HD 7770 $109
HDD Choose one. WD Blue $75 or Seagate $99
CASE and Power
CM Elite 344 USB3.0 $49
Or this if you prefer full ATX case $55
Corsair VS450 $49
I vote for this.
i3 and Good Graphics for gaming.
i5 if you're doing video editing.
And I'd stick to NVidia, or are you taking about AMD for CPU?