Essence, I bought the PC a few years ago and just upgraded it because I had no clue what I was doing, haha. What would be a good build for a new pc that fits my req? I can spend around 1400 CAD. I live in Canada so if you are listing something make sure I can get it here
EDIT: Also to answer the reformatting thing it's just from me liking a fresh start with nothing messy etc it's pointless but I just felt I needed to put it in there so people knew I didn't have a 2 year old pile of viruses or something.
Reformatting a drive and reinstalling the OS falls into the category "drastic-action-of-last-resort." Repeating an observation made elsewhere -- Maximum PC magazine, which caters to enthusiast DIY-builders, recommends a "fresh start" reformat and re-install annually. Those inclined to follow that maxim are not likely to have invested as much in software and software-collection. IT would be a weekend-long task; the user would need to make an inventory and take stock of software downloads and installation optical discs, then rank-order them for reinstallation. I'm still using the same, original OS installation on a machine that's been running now for 4 years 24/7.
So I have a fair idea of "where you're comin' from." My dentist went the opposite direction: He was building his systems from scratch for a long time, then realized he could get Dell Xeon hex-core refurbished workstations for a decent price and little hands-on trouble with them. He never needed the latest and greatest.
I don't know what I'd recommend to someone who is planning to build their first DIY system. I started klooging together parts in the 1980's -- it's become a matter of principle -- a choice -- a habit. But not that difficult.
Choose a processor: maybe a Devils Canyon quad-core. Then pick a motherboard -- deciding whether you plan to become an overclocking obsessive like some of us, or just build a machine configured to run at default specs. There are plenty of comparison reviews for each essential part: motherboard, RAM-kit, graphics card, HDD or SSD, power-supply . . . computer case -- even cooling fans and CPU-coolers.
I've taken months to make plans and choices before I ever hit the "Check-out" button at the first reseller's web-site. When I first started building my systems, I never anticipated overclocking. Very little effort went into choosing a motherboard in those days -- the mid-1990s. But I had the experience of klooging together parts in OEM systems I'd purchased in the 80s.
A spreadsheet program -- Excel -- comes in handy for gathering your information, comparing prices, evaluating reseller options -- price, tax, shipping expense. Again, the primary focus would be processor, motherboard, RAM, storage and graphics adapter. But never -- never -- scrimp on a PSU. You don't need a 1,000W PSU, and these days, you could power two GTX 970 cards in a system with a 650W unit. But I'd advise choosing "Gold" or "Platinum" maximum efficiency of reputable manufacture with a 5-year warranty. An unlikely company like Rosewill has started producing PSUs with great reviews, and they have models with 7-year warranties. In that regard, you get what you pay for.