1. Wait for AMD Ryzen. Coming out very soon in 1-2 weeks. Price likely to be competitive and offer 8 cores 16 threads.
2. Goes with Intel/Nvidia such as the following:
Set aside 400 for monitor, mouse, keyboard.
CASE: Tecware F3 ($49)
MOBO+CPU: Asus PRIME B250M-K + i7-7700 ($609)
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 2400MHz 2x8GB ($199)
PSU: Superflower Leadex Silver 550W ($119)
SSD: PNY CS1311 480GB ($189)
HDD: WD Blue 1TB ($72)
GPU: Zotac GTX 1060 6GB mini ($370 via lazada after $15 off)
OS: Windows 10 Home (<$30 via carousell)
WIFI: Asus PCE-N15 ($59)
PERIPHERAL: Logitech MK270 wireless combo ($45 retail price. Can find cheaper elsewhere)
MONITOR: Dell S2316H (~$165 @ carousell)
TOTAL: $1920
Optional Add-ons:
1) CPU Cooler for quieter operation and cooler overall system temp:
CRYORIG M9i ($39)
Good for long hours rendering/intensive workload.
2) Speakers of your own choice. Monitor have speakers but pretty small. You could try first see loud enough or not before getting a set of external speakers. Unless you have headset and gonna use them, then you can overlook this option.
3) Case fan. You can add 2 more 120mm case fan but up to you. Case already come with 2 fans set at 1x front intake 1x top exhaust.
Prices quoted from PC theme or otherwise stated.
This is a sample specs that I find would work fine for your usage.
Sent from Overpowered Phone Mark III using GAGT