Budget PC build recommendations under $300

Hey there,
I'm looking for some build advice for around $667. Just need it for web browsing, office work, streaming movies, and maybe some light sketching software (basically, nothing heavy for gaming 🙂). I've already got my case and peripherals, so I just need the CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, and a PSU.

I'm leaning toward an Intel i3 so the setup stays relevant longer and gives me an easier upgrade path down the road... Not sure if that's smart thinking though, or if I should look at what the competition offers in this price range. Is an i3 even worth it?

Thanks in advance

It would be helpful if you could mention which case you're using just so we know what motherboard size fits, and maybe what drawing software you use, if you don't mind...

EDIT: Also, clarify what you mean by "upgrading in the future." What's the end goal? Staying with this setup or moving toward gaming?

Assuming you aren't planning to upgrade for gaming or run heavy design software, here’s how I’d build it—provided you don't need massive amounts of storage:

1 x Asrock H81M-HDS, s1150, Intel H81, M-ATX, dual Channel 2 xDDR3 ($133)
1 x Intel Celeron G1840 (2.80GHz,512KB,2MB,54 W,1150) Box, ($108)
1 x Kingston SSD 240GB Kingston Fury, 2.5", SATA 3 ($241)
1 x DDR3 4GB (1x4GB) Kingston, 1866MHz, CL10, Kingston Fury, HX318C10F ($67)
1 x Power Supply EVGA 400W, HEXA Plus 400, 12cm fan ($113)

$662 USForum

Or, if you need more room, swap the 240GB SSD for a 120GB SSD + 1TB HDD combo for $278

If you're running demanding programs, the integrated graphics might cut it, and you'd likely have to overhaul the whole rig...

The i3 isn't actually a bad call if you just want things to run smoothly without any headaches—plus, you get a socket that gives you plenty of room to upgrade to a beefier processor down the road. When you say "design programs," I'm assuming you mean stuff like AutoCAD or similar?

Intel i3 4170
ASUS H81M-S2V
CRUCIAL 4GB 1600 MHZ
PATRIOT BLAST 120GB SSD
FORTRON HEXA+ 400W 80+ ACTIVE

= $758.

- Honestly, I'd prioritize a faster SSD first—it makes a huge difference—and then you can always just slap in a 500GB or 1TB hard drive later on for extra storage.