Plans on a new computer.

[xracecar]

In the near future, I plan on selling my laptop for about $500. That $500 is my budget for my gaming rig I plan to build. I'm not sure about which processor or video card I should buy as I'm kinda clueless on computer builds. Just note that I want to build 100% from scratch.

[Old Rabbit]

Though more expensive, Intel processor systems work better.  But for gaming you
really need a good graphics card to do well.

64 bit is good too, with at least 8gig of ram to go with it. I usually like 2 hard drives
in a system. That way you can do a quck back up to the  other. Of course it's always
better to have a backup that's seperate too.. Now days USB memory sticks hold
many gigs, and don't cost a lot. So they work pretty good for a backup too.

Don't skimp on the processor and case cooling. Gaming keeps a system busy and hot.

Good luck.

[Elusive]

A great site to look at if you don't know about it already is : https://pcpartpicker.com/
You can browse through budget builds other people have put together or start you own build. It does a good job at notifying you about any hardware conflicts and it shows you a list of stores you can order the parts from among lot's of other information.

Don't skimp on the processor and case cooling. Gaming keeps a system busy and hot.

Definitely pay attention to this, I learned the hard way on my first build to not skimp on the case cooling. My motherboard ended up getting fried due to this.

Also something I feel worth mentioning is to take the environment the PC will be sitting in into consideration. For example if you have carpet where it will be sitting, I recommend putting it up on a platform a few inches above the carpet to reduce the amount of dust buildup.

Here is a rather thorough list of "rules" when it comes to PC airflow: airflow-101-setting-fans-keeping-computer-cool

[Old Rabbit]

Another thing if you have a long haired cat, keep it away from your computer case. They shed alot and the fine
hair can get into tight places causing heat and other problems.

Actually it's best to keep all pets away from electronic equipment. They know not what they do.

In the 1950's my dad had a cat walk right through a high voltage power supply that was on. 2000 + volts. Somehow
it made it in and back out without being harmed. He blocked it off afterwards. That's one good thing about solid state
electronics. The voltages are usually much lower.

[Doc]

The processor you want must be determined by use. What all are you going to do with your PC?