So, I'm dumb as shit when it comes to computer now. I'm operating with some family Christmas money and would like to keep things under a grand if possible. Basically what I wanna do that requires power is being able to game up to running a dolphin emulator well enough, graphical setting higher than like 720p really don't matter to me, if I can run some sorta newish PC stuff at lower graphic ends fairly smooth that's perfectly fine just wanna play new Vegas on PC with mods for the first time level. Also being capable of some light video/sound editing would be cool. Plz don't get too into the weeds here, I'm so behind on stuff it's kinda funny.
It's definitely a tinkerer's machine if you want to do more than gaming on it - lots of the replies are suggesting old SFF business PCs and those definitely look like a good way to get something going easily.