WhatCPU should I choose?

[mattbrad83]

I am in the process of trying to get the items to build a new PC. I am at a loss as to what I need.
Here is what I need.
1. I am only replacing the tower. I have all the other componets which are fairly new(a year or two old
2. My budget is just over $1000.I can go up to 2000 but prefer to stay in the 1300 range if it can be done and still get the performance.
3. I prefer Intel to AMD, but will go with AMD If it will be reliable and give better performance.
4. I want to build a PC that willstill be a decent PC in 4 or 5 years and may last for 10 years or more on secondary duty when I do replace it. This, again, is why I prefer Intel.
5. This PC will be mainly a PC for surfing, but is occasionally used for gaming and 3d rendering. I want something that the rendering will not kill.
6.It will probably be set as a media center. I need it for everything including surround.

I have read quite a few threads and do not know what I need. Do I need to go all the way to a 4930k I7 like I use to have to do in previous generations or is a lesser cpu good enough these days. If so, I have some much better places to spend the money. I also want the computer to be able to run Linux, which may effect the choices on componets. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the formatting, I am a user of screen reading software (legaly blind) and this site is not as friendly as I hoped when trying to post.

 

[sunder25]

I suggest you give this a read.
http://www.hardware-revolution.com/best-mainstream-gaming-pc-march-2014/

 

[umadbro]

4930k for gaming? No. An higher-end i5 would even do just fine for you or if you want to go all out get an 4770k or similar.

Find an review that includes the program that you are doing your rendering with and compare current Intel and AMD CPU's to answer your question about that, generally in gaming Intel CPU's are better until (if ever) the newer gen consoles start helping AMD with their threaded architecture.

 

[mattbrad83]

Thank You,but what I need to know is how upgrading the cpu in my build will effect my rendering or if I would be better investing in 32 gb of ram to improve the rendering. Secondly, those pc's mention nothing about Linux compatibility, which is a major issue for me.
To the second person, are you saying that the I5 or 4770 are not going to greatly effect the speed of rendering? I just prefer not to turn my computer into a brick for 8 hours when I render a video. As long as I can still write my term paper while it renders, I will be good with it.