Need PC Build Recommendations

[Kotaro]

I want to build a computer. At long last, I have the money I need to put together a decent rig. However, while I fix other people's computers for a living, I have never actually built one, so I have no idea what to get. So please, if anyone can help with some recommendations, here's what I need:

-I plan to use this computer mainly for gaming, some streaming, and video editing.
-I will need a large hard drive (1 TB or more), and I would rather avoid SSDs.
-The router/modem is in the other room, so a direct link is unrealistic, and a wireless connection is a must.
-Yes, I need an optical drive. Blu-Ray would be nice, but only DVD is required at minimum.
-I would rather go with Nvidia for the graphics card. I've had pre-built low-end gaming computers before, using both Nvidia and AMD, and I have a slight preference for Nvidia.
-I do not have a case yet. I don't need anything flashy, but I would like something with plenty of space for expansion cards, in case I decide to add anything more down the line.
-My maximum budget is approximately $700.

Any advice would be appreciated, but a full build would be ideal. If you need to know more specifics, just ask.
Thank you so much.

 

[Albino Boo]

This site is about the best out there for component recommendations for budget levels http://www.logicalincrements.com/

You get faster speeds by using a homeplug/ethernet over power adapter. They are slightly more expensive but you get better latency and bandwidth

 

[SnowyGamester]

You get faster speeds by using a homeplug/ethernet over power adapter. They are slightly more expensive but you get better latency and bandwidth

Not strictly true. If you're dealing with shitty old wireless g on your router, phone or computer then yeah, unless you've got direct line of site and shitty wiring PoE will be faster. But if you've got decent hardware and aren't too far or blocked off from the access point then it's possible to get better performance over wireless. If your access point is in the next room and has at least wireless n a WiFi card is cheaper than PoE and should perform well enough, though whether it would be superior is hard to say without comparing hardware and actually knowing where everything is and even then you can't predict where the signals will bounce. WiFi isn't always the best solution but it seems like so many people are still using old ISP provided hardware that limits its usefulness.

But yeah, logical increments is a good source for possible builds. I'll just add that I probably wouldn't bother with Blu-Ray...every experience I've had trying to play one on a PC has been a nightmare because of all the licencing and DRM crap.

 

[Kotaro]

You get faster speeds by using a homeplug/ethernet over power adapter. They are slightly more expensive but you get better latency and bandwidth

Not strictly true. If you're dealing with shitty old wireless g on your router, phone or computer then yeah, unless you've got direct line of site and shitty wiring PoE will be faster. But if you've got decent hardware and aren't too far or blocked off from the access point then it's possible to get better performance over wireless. If your access point is in the next room and has at least wireless n a WiFi card is cheaper than PoE and should perform well enough, though whether it would be superior is hard to say without comparing hardware and actually knowing where everything is and even then you can't predict where the signals will bounce. WiFi isn't always the best solution but it seems like so many people are still using old ISP provided hardware that limits its usefulness.

But yeah, logical increments is a good source for possible builds. I'll just add that I probably wouldn't bother with Blu-Ray...every experience I've had trying to play one on a PC has been a nightmare because of all the licencing and DRM crap.

My desk is in the living room of my apartment, and I plan to set up the computer there. The modem/router is in my roommate's bedroom, since that's where all the cables come in (for some reason). To be more specific, my desk is against the wall closest to his bedroom, with only about 6 feet of hallway in-between, so it's not a huge distance. The router is actually a really good piece of hardware; my roommate is a sysadmin at a school, specializes in wireless networks, and bought it himself.
And thanks for the advice on the Blu-Ray drive; I guess I'll just stick to using my PS3 for that, then.