Budget Editing Computer Build

[trewyn15]

I think I kind of already know the answer here, but I'll try anyways. I'm looking to get a computer for Video and Photo editing. I was looking at just buying something that's already put together from Dell or someone second hand, or something similar.

I then thought that I could maybe piece some parts together here in the classifieds and get them into a case and get my own computer rolling that could potentially open up for improvement later on.

I was thinking i5 (cheaper AMD equivalent?), 8GB RAM and open to more, an HDMI video card and go on from there.

Any thoughts on this as to whether or not I can do this for around $200-300 on second hand parts?

Am I able to get a motherboard with a processor already in place to build off of?

I've modified desktops before, but never built from scratch.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[trewyn15]

Some information that I read will help:

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc

Photoshop, Powerdirector, Light Gaming (Runescape), Web browsing.

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?

$300-350 or so

3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.

U.S. - Milwaukee, WI

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.

Hoping to find this out more, I don't currently have anything aside from a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.

I currently have no parts.

6) Will you be overclocking?

No

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?

I will be upgrading, Would like something with HDMI inputs, this will be more of an after thought.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?

As soon as I'm able to find the parts necessary.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.

Will have to do more research here, it will be a pretty basic setup that leaves room for upgrades to the video card and speed based items such as processor and RAM.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?

I have access to any Windows key/license that I need. I will more than likely run Windows 7 64 bit on this machine, but I may run Windows 8 64 bit as it's slightly lighter.