My boyfriend asked for a computer build for podcasting and light gaming for Christmas. He specifically wants a custom build desktop and I wasn’t able to talk him out of going this route. We’re starting from zero so I’d need to get a tower, monitor, keyboard, mouse, mic, webcam, etc. Trying to keep it under $1300ish for the package.
What kind of specs should I target to future proof the system for podcasting in case this becomes a serious hobby for him? I’ve built hundreds of PCs in my lifetime but never had to consider audio/video production. Also curious if anyone has advice for the podcasting equipment.
Thanks ahead of time.
Go with either a 12th/13th Gen Intel (non-f), or a 7000-series Ryzen (do not start on a dead platform with AM4/5000-series Ryzen!). Since podcasting doesn’t need much graphical horsepower, hold off on the GPU and use the integrated graphics on the CPU to start. Use that GPU money, instead, for your monitor and peripherals - I like the Audiotechnica mics (2100X is a good budget one).
Once you do plop in a GPU, it’ll feel like you’re getting a brand new computer, again. Then you game in earnest.
I’m always a little weary of APUs, because most people will try to over game on them, and every overheat is a tiny bit slower CPU. Heat damage is why laptops eventually get shitty whether you abuse them or not. Even a low end dedicated card will save the processor a bit of stress. I run a few zen APUs at my offices and they’re great, but no one is trying to play anything more demanding than freecell on them.
Bah. Put a good cooler on your CPU and you’re fine.
I suppose it really depends on what games the guy is into. If he’s an occasional stardew guy, no trouble. If it’s call of duty, might be a problem. Although if he’s into call of duty they’ll need another whole ass hard drive to support that bloat