So I'm looking to build a new rig as mine is well in need of replacing. I have a loose budget of $700, but I would like to stay around there as I want to save some money for college so I don't need loans.
I'm a fan of Intel and Nvidia but I am willing to try out some AMD parts if that would give me better bang for my buck. My current idea is for a quad core CPU (don't care to overclock) and 8 GB of RAM (with room for expansion). As far as storage a 1TB will suite my needs. A graphics card would be nice assume it fits the budget but that can be a purchase later down the road if needed to better the budget as far as other parts go. I already have a monitor as well as a mouse and keyboard (not any good but get the job done). If possible budget in Windows OS but if I need to splurge I suppose I can.
The goal would be a rig to mostly run design programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator but casual gaming would be nice as well.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K2RxTW I went AMD instead of intel so that you could get a better GPU. If you'd prefer intel, then go with an i5-4790 and an H97 motherboard. This AMD config is suited to overclocking so I've included an aftermarket cooler just incase you wanted to give it a go.
Stronger than Zavarrr's build in performance, and also has windows 8.1. Whole computer is also Micro-ATX, which may help if you're in a college dorm room.
Here are two options I've cooked up for you. First one is an AMD/nvidia build. Photoshop does like cores so I thought I'd put a 6300 in it. The GPU may seem a bit low end but as you said, you only really do a bit of casual gaming so it'd suit you:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HvbHpg
The other build is a tiny ITX rig with an i3 and a 750ti. Its slower but its cheaper and smaller
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/zRgjvK
If you want more gpu grunt it won't take much to tweak it to a 280 or similar.