around $400-500 to spend

[AFG34]

My friend wants to build a gaming comp, he already has a 8800GTS 512MB so he doesnt need a video card. I haven't been following the hardware scene for a while so I need your help. so....suggestions please

Thanks

[geokilla]

For $400 to $500, I'd recommend something that involves AMD. Just the power supply alone will cost at last $80, unless he gets something on the cheap site like an OCZ StealthXStream. Then there's motherboards where even the cheapest AMD motherboard with some overclocking options would cost like $80 at least. CPU Processor alone would cost at least $60, and the RAM at least $40 AR for 4GB. Then there's the hard drive.... So yea..AMD rig is the way to go.

Off the top of my head:

AMD X2 5000+ or the new 7750
ASUS or Gigabyte motherboard
Corsair/OCZ/Mushkin/Patriot/G.Skill 4GB kit
OCZ Vendetta 2
OCZ StealthXStream 500W
Western Digital or Seagate 640GB Hard drive

That's what I would get. However, more detail such as the stuff in the sticky would make things easier for both you and I. Good luck, and don't forget to price match.