Help build a $2k+ computer

[tiwake]

My little brother wants me to build him a $2k-2.5K computer. The problem that I keep running up against is that the really good stuff is coming at the end of the year, not right now...

He will be getting a really good 4k computer screen and other stuff, between 2 and 2.5k is reserved for the computer system. When it comes time to buy, I will be driving out to microcenter (in dallas texas) and getting all the parts there, so no newegg or amazon unless its such a good part that can't be obtained at microcenter. Also he will be using linux too, so AMD videocard only.

Should I go with a better motherboard and a cheaper (maybe ryzen 2000 series) processor and tell him to upgrade when he feels the need to?

[PoNyePiC]

I feel the average person won’t be held back by using a cheaper motherboard/chipset. I’d get the second chipset from the bottom and throw more at the CPU.

[davidfg4]

Eh there's always better stuff on the horizon, build a good computer now that will last for a good long while without being crazy expensive.

And honestly with the 5700XT being the best AMD GPU out right now priced at only $400, you are going to have a hard time using up that $2500 budget anyway.

[seatsea]

I can certainly vouch for the 5700XT, it's been a great upgrade to make, however, I cannot guarantee this will be a great performer at 4k, and likely won't be able to hold 60fps on the most demanding games.
It's a great 1440p card and  I intend to get a 144hz screen which it should be able to keep up with.

However, if you're willing to hold out a bit longer, AMD is indeed rumored to have RDNA2 coming out later this year, and like Zen -> Zen 2 you might be looking at a decent step up.

[tiwake]

However, if you're willing to hold out a bit longer, AMD is indeed rumored to have RDNA2 coming out later this year, and like Zen -> Zen 2 you might be looking at a decent step up.

This is what I tried to get him to wait for, but it is not meant to happen. Maybe he will upgrade later.

After thinking about it for a bit more I think you guys are right about getting a good processor right now rather than waiting. At least 8 core ryzen 3000. Later I'll see what microcenter has in stock and put something together. Will link the parts here.

[davidfg4]

Do you know what the computer will be used for? Because we certainly can use up a budget but there's no way to know if that's a good use of money without use cases. Will it be used for gaming? What games? Anything that would actually benefit from a high core count?

[PoNyePiC]

I always assume it's for gaming or general use until specified otherwise.