OK, it sounds like you’re looking for a mainstream computer for general office and web browsing on a budget. I’ll add smooth 1080p video playback and low to mid-level gaming to the mix to be safe. For that I recommend from Intel a processor with a GT2 tier minimum on-board graphics. Those would be all I3 generation Haswell and up along with Pentium G45xx Skylake and G46xx KabyLake. For AMD most of their Apu’s provide good graphics but they’re weaker than Intel in other performance areas. Most of us won’t notice this difference but the A8-7600 Kaveri is a good compromise at its price point.
Below is some recommendations from NewEgg:
Good ($467.00):
*AMD A8-7600 Kaveri processor
*G.Skill DDR3/1866 2*4GB (F3-149000CL9D) memory
*Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3HP matx motherboard
WD Blue 1TB 7200 RPM HHD
EVGA 430 W1 psu
Antec VSK3000E-U3 matx case
Arctic Cooling F9 92mm front case fan
Asus DRW-24B1ST optical drive
Apevia case speaker
Better ($538.00):
*Pentium G4600 KabyLake processor
*Kingston DDR4/2133 2*4 GB (KVR21N15S8) memory
*Asus B250M-A matx motherboard
Best ($573.00):
*I3-6100 Skylake processor
*Kingston DDR4/2133 2*4 GB (KVR21N15S8) memory
*Asus B250M-A matx motherboard
Optional:
Crucial MX300 275 GB SSD ($125.00)
Cooler Master Hyper T2 cpu cooler ($25.00)
LG WH16NS40 Bluray optical drive ($70.00)
Installation:
Choose a non-conductive work surface and uncarpeted flooring like your kitchen table to reduce the chance of electrostatic discharge. Further, wear cotton clothing like jeans and a tee shirt avoiding wools and synthetic material for same.
Install the optical drive.
Install the front case fan with the airflow blowing in (there’s an arrow on the fan indicating direction).
Install the PSU then turn the switch off (the symbol is binary where “I” is on and “0” is off)
Plug the mickey mouse cable into the PSU then connect it to a surge protector with it switched off. Doing this creates a ground path to further mitigate ESD, and as an extra measure, accidentally turning the power supply on. Now whenever you leave your workstation before resuming touch an unpainted metal section of the case.
Install the HDD with the PC board side against the tray.
Install the standoffs (if not incorporated) for the motherboard.
Install the I/O shield making note of the correct orientation.
Inspect your motherboard for any bent pins in the CPU socket NSEW. Remove the CPU socket protector being careful not to damage any pins (if Intel). Gently place the CPU into the socket aligning the notches and/or small triangle. Make sure it’s fully seated before closing the lever. AMD CPU’s are pinned so perform a NSEW inspection first for alignment prior to install.
Install the motherboard leveraging it carefully from underneath the I/O shield at a slight angle being careful not to jam any of its tangs. This process is fiddley so take your time. Once lined up screw it in with the holes provided to ground the board.
Plug in your front panel cables provided with the case. These will be the USB 3.0 (20 pin with a blank for orientation), Audio cable (10 pin with blank for orientation) identified as either HD audio or AC97, and the smaller group of cables marked as PWR LED, HDD LED, PWR SW, and RESET (if available with case). An arrow indicates positive polarity. Note, I generally don’t connect the PWR HDD because, one, it’s not necessary, and two, the flashing light is a pain in the neck. Consult your manual for location but should be identified as FP or Front Panel on the board.
Install the keyed memory modules into slots A and B (same color) pushing firmly with your thumbs on each end until they snap in closing the release levers.
Place a small pea sized blob of the provided thermal paste in the centre of the CPU. Pick up the pre-assembled CPU fan, first ensuring the push pins are in the neutral position (slot perpendicular to the body), then hover carefully over the push pin holes gently placing to rest. Wiggle it gently to ensure all the push pins are pre seated. Once satisfied, push in the opposite corners simultaneously until they click in. Repeat same for the other two corners. AMD uses a levered clip system which is quite simple if not more secure.
Plug in your fans as indicated on the MOBO (CPU FAN, SYS/CHA FAN 1). These are keyed.
Plug in your 4/8 pin CPU power lead from the PSU.
Plug in your main 24 pin power lead from the PSU.
Connect your case speaker. Generally near the FP.
Connect the SATA power cables from the PSU to the HDD and Optical drive.
Connect SATA 6 port 1 to the HDD/SSD (system drive)
Connect SATA 6 (or SATA 3 if not available) port of your convenience for the optical drive.
Lock tie and cable tuck to maximize airflow and minimize any vibration, blockages or fan pinch.
Double check that everything is correct.
POST (power on self-test):
Connect a wired keyboard and mouse (you can switch to wireless after OS install).
Connect your monitor.
Turn on the power. You should be presented with the UEFI/BIOS screen.
The computer should automatically detect your configuration and load your optimized setting. Depending on the board it might ask you to save as optimized defaults. If so accept then re-start if necessary.
If your computer doesn’t post make note of the beep code. Do a Google search under manufacturer motherboard beep codes to diagnose. It could be something as simple as a cable or RAM not properly seated.
Some motherboards are designed for legacy support with businesses. With this configuration often Windows will install with the MBR partition table not the now preferred GPT. Not a biggie but if you want to install a 2 TB or greater HDD you won’t be able to. To prevent this go to the BOOT menu and change CSM (Compatibility Support Mode) to AUTO from enabled.
Change the BOOT priority order 1 to your installation media type (your installed optical drive name, or USB)
Disable FAST BOOT
Connect Ethernet cable to internet.
Insert the OS media then close and save changes from the UEFI/BIOS.
Windows should now begin the installation process.
Once done install the drivers from your installation CD or go directly to the manufacturers website (preferred).
To change back your BOOT priority to where your OS is installed continuously press the hotkey (usually DEL or F2) on re-start. You can also re-enable FASTBOOT if you wish.
While in the UEFI/BIOS you can also change your fan profile and slopes. You'll find that under the MONITOR MENU.
If I missed something I'm sure other members will chime in to help.
GOOD LUCK