What can $1000 CAD get me?

You can get a pretty decent rig for $1000, which is about 1000 CAD.

First question, AMD or Nvidia?

Second question, AMD or Intel?

Midsize, full tower, or mini?

Any preferred companies for other parts?

Newegg often has great deals and discounts. I actually just got a ton of coupons, if I can I'll send you a few codes for discounts tomorrow.

Nvm, codes aren't transferable. Sorry.

 

Go with Nvidia graphics card, Intel processor In my experience they are more efficient and better built than AMD products.

 

I was going to try and stay unbiased, but i have to agree with no schwag.

Amd has some decent graphics cards for the price, but the higher end Nvidia models blow them away. And in a $1k pc, you're gonna want a high end card.

 

You'll want amd graphics if you plan on bitcoin mining (which is highly unlikely so yeah nvidia)

 

[quote name='"Broseph Radson"']You'll want amd graphics if you plan on bitcoin mining (which is highly unlikely so yeah nvidia)[/quote]

What difference does that make?

 

Found this on some forum, and it's not the only place I've seen it. So yes, AMD cards are better for mining BTC's, but $1k won't even begin to put together the necessary amount of hardware to actually turn a profit.

Plus, I have a feeling OP just wants to game, not get BTC.

 

I prefer Intel/Nvidia, I'm just not really a huge fan of AMD processors. I've also heard a lot about driver issues with AMD cards, and my Nvidia card runs great and has no issues.

AMD is better for cheap rigs, and Nvidia cards are a bit more expensive. Having said that, Nvidia cards are fast, and worth the money.

Also, have you thought about getting an SSD? They really help with loading times and stuttering, but can get expensive.

 

An SSD isn't entirely necessary. I would pick out what parts you want first, then if you have money left go for a SSD.

If not, you can always get one in a few months.

You don't need a memory card or a sound card for your rig. Integrated audio should be sufficient.

You need some case fans, depending on how many your case comes with you may need between 2 and 4 extra fans.

Case: Get a nice case, if it's ugly then your whole PC is ugly. Check reviews, try and pick a case that would have good airflow. If you're not sure, post a pic of a case.

Motherboard: Get a socket 1155 mobo, it can hold most current Intel processors.

CPU: Intel i5 3570k is a good choice, but I can't remember the price off the top of my head.

GPU: Some good Nvidia carriers are MSI and EVGA. Depending on price of other components, I'd go for a 660 ti. Solid card, but not crazy expensive. If you have extra cash, go for a 670.

RAM: 8gb should be enough. Get some decent 1600 MHZ RAM from somebody like G. Skill or Corsair.

PSU: Get a quality power supply! If something goes wrong with it, it can take out your whole computer. Depending on specs, you'd need probably a 650 watt PSU. ONLY get a good brand, like Corsair, XFX, or Antec.

HDD: Get whatever you like. I recommend Seagate, I have one of their models and I get really high read/write rates for a HDD.

Dvd drive, if you want

CPU cooler: If you're overclocking, you want something better than the stock Intel heatsink. You can get a better heatsink, or you can get a cheap closed loop liquid cooler. They're very easy to install, and pretty effective. If you're interested, the Corsair H60 is great, it keeps my overclocked i7 under 60c.

Remember to check reviews for all the things you pick.

Do you plan on building the PC yourself, or having that company do it for you?