Building a $1,000 Streaming PC: Intel vs. AMD — Which is Right for You?
If you’re aiming to build a streaming PC with a $1,000 budget that can handle gaming at decent settings without dropping frames in OBS, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll guide you through what I believe is your best option right now and offer an alternative build in case you want to avoid Intel entirely.
Welcome to the Pixel Pub
First off, welcome to the Pixel Pub! Whether you’re new here or a returning viewer, I appreciate you stopping by, and I hope you’ll stick around. Now, let’s dive into the details.
The Intel/NVIDIA Combo
For streaming and content creation, I’ve always favored Intel and NVIDIA. Yes, AMD offers more gaming power for your buck, and we’ll discuss an all-AMD build in a moment. But for video editing, streaming, and other productivity tasks, Intel and NVIDIA are still leading the pack, even though the gap is shrinking.
The CPU: For this build, I’ve selected the Intel i7–12700KF, currently priced at just $210. With 12 cores, this CPU is more than capable of handling both streaming and gaming without succumbing to the recent controversies surrounding Intel.
The GPU: Paired with the RTX 3070 at $452, this combo offers brand-new hardware with the performance you need. However, if you’re open to buying used, I’d recommend looking at the second-hand market for GPUs. The 3000 series cards are becoming scarce and overpriced, and while the 4000 series is also expensive, the 5000 series is set to drop later this year. So, unless you want to wait, consider a used 3080 or 4070 if you can find one for the same price as a new 3070.
The Full Build:
- Intel Core i7–12700KF 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor — https://amzn.to/4cjQL67
- ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB 68.2 CFM CPU Cooler — https://amzn.to/3AjnfzZ
- ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard — https://amzn.to/4cdRVzL
- Silicon Power XPOWER Turbine 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4–3200 CL16 Memory — https://amzn.to/4chiofS
- TEAMGROUP MS30 1 TB M.2–2280 SATA SSD — https://amzn.to/3SHeeqC
- Zotac GAMING Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 3070 8GB Video Card — https://amzn.to/3SDZxEI
- Montech X3 Mesh ATX Mid Tower Case — https://amzn.to/46Ff90P
- MSI MAG A650BN 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply — https://amzn.to/3YxGMa1
For around $1,003, this setup should give you excellent FPS, especially at 1080p, while streaming to your platform of choice.
The AMD Alternative
If you’re inclined to join Team Red after recent issues with Intel, I completely understand. Here’s an all-AMD build that’s just as potent, with the added benefit of better upgradability.
The CPU: The AMD Ryzen 7 7700X is comparable to the i7–12700KF in speed, though it only has 8 cores. Priced at $287, it’s a bit more expensive but compensates by being newer and on the AM5 platform, which offers better upgradability.
The GPU: The XFX Speedster RX 6700 XT is a solid choice for this AMD build. It offers similar power to the RTX 3070 but with 12GB of VRAM instead of 8GB, and at a lower price. Another option to consider is the Intel Arc A770, which I’ve also covered in a separate build video.
The Full Build:
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 4.5 GHz 8-Core Processor — https://amzn.to/3Ahw1i1
- Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE CPU Cooler — https://amzn.to/3YCMbg6
- MSI PRO B650-S WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard — https://amzn.to/3WAUaaQ
- TEAMGROUP Elite 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5–4800 CL40 Memory — https://amzn.to/3ylJvbZ
- Silicon Power A60 1 TB M.2–2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME SSD — https://amzn.to/3LURNdZ
- XFX Speedster SWFT 309 Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card — https://amzn.to/3WG9a7h
- DIYPC Rainbow-Flash-F4 ATX Mid Tower Case — https://amzn.to/3LT5mKW
- MSI MAG A650BN 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply — https://amzn.to/3YxGMa1
This build comes in just under $1,050, providing a fantastic AMD alternative with room to grow.
Conclusion: Intel vs. AMD — Which Should You Choose?
Both builds offer great performance for streaming and gaming, with each catering to different needs and preferences. If you’re leaning towards more immediate power with Intel and NVIDIA, or future-proofing with AMD, either build will serve you well.
If you’re still deciding on the best CPU and GPU combo for your needs, whether you’re an esports player, a “Just Chatting” streamer, or someone looking to play the latest AAA titles, be sure to check out my other videos for more insights.
