Can I Stream, Game, and Edit Video with a $1500 Budget?

A budget of $1500 is more than enough to build a streaming and editing PC, but the enjoyment you get from it depends on a range of factors including the hardware you choose and the peripherals you already have. If you already own a quality mouse, keyboard, monitor, and headset or headphones, and maybe a dedicated microphone, you can allocate the entire budget to your PC components. However, if you do not have these, the amount of money you can invest in your PC decreases quickly. Let's explore a few configurations to help you decide.

List of Components for Building a Streaming and Editing PC

List 1: Optimized for Performance and Visuals

This list is tailored for users who already have all necessary peripherals and want to focus solely on the PC. A Ryzen 7 2700 processor with 8 cores and 16 threads is more than sufficient for streaming, gaming, and multitasking. The GPU is an RTX 2080 8GB TURBO OC, which is perfect for 1440p ultra gaming at 120 fps or 4k high/ultra gaming at 60 fps for almost any game out there. The RAM is fast (3200 MHz), crucial for Ryzen processors to perform at their best. Additionally, the RGB lighting looks nice but can be swapped for a cheaper 3200 MHz kit without sacrificing performance.

List 2: Cost-Effective for Gaming and Midsize Monitor

This configuration is nearly identical to the first but assumes the need for a monitor. The RTX 2070 is still great for 1440p and 4k gaming, although you might need to drop settings on AAA games or accept a slightly lower frame rate. The monitor options range from 27 inches at 75 Hz for more gaming enjoyment to 4k for the best image quality but may struggle to run at high settings. A 27-inch 75 Hz monitor is a good middle ground, balancing performance and size for gaming, editing, and multitasking.

List 3: Comprehensive Setup with All Peripherals

This list is similar to the first but assumes the need for every peripheral along with the PC. The only hardware difference is the GPU, which drops to an RTX 2060, still performing well in most games at 1440p/75 Hz. A 1440p 75 Hz monitor from the first list is selected for its good balance of performance and size. The mouse and keyboard are affordable but offer quality for the price. The keyboard is an upgrade from a generic Dell model. I personally use the headset and mic in the list, both of which are excellent. Alternatively, you could opt for a more expensive headset with a better built-in mic, such as the Cloud II or Seiren X.

As demonstrated, building a PC for streaming, gaming, and video editing with a $1500 budget is absolutely doable. Another option is to use two decent 1080p monitors instead of one high-end 1440p or 4k monitor, allowing you to game on one monitor and stream/chat on the other. You can also mix and match options from these lists to create a feasible setup that suits your specific needs.

Conclusion

With thorough planning and careful selection of components, you can build a PC that supports both streaming and gaming while also allowing for video editing. Each configuration listed above provides a different balance of performance, cost, and efficiency, so choose the one that best fits your budget and preferences.