Help configure gaming computer for friends son

[kef7]

My buddy has a budget of $800-900 to spend on a gaming computer for this son. I'm not sure what types of games he plays other than Empire Total War.

I'm asking for help because I haven't been paying much attention to the hardware scene for around 2 years.

I've configured an Intel and AMD based system at Ibuypower; both came in around $950 after shipping.

Can anyone get one in the $800 range? His only requirements are:
-Windows 7
-500g hard drive
-Wifi N

thanks in advance

 

[latch]

To be clear, monitor, keyboard, dvd drive, mouse and speakers aren't needed? What country? US?

(hitting 800 should be pretty easy, btw)

 

[MisterDonut]

AMD would be the cheaper route if he's not into heavy gaming. As posted above, what do you already have that you are going to use ?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

5870

 

[Blain]

Sony VAIO
And the little guy can still watch his Blu-ray movies.

 

[kef7]

He plans on re-using his monitor.

On the few sites I've tried various configurations adding a basic keyboard, mouse and 2.1 system usually only added a few dollars.

Are there any videocards out there that give great bang for the buck in the $100-120 range?

Are the 5750/5770 worth it?

 

[Ksyder]

He plans on re-using his monitor.

On the few sites I've tried various configurations adding a basic keyboard, mouse and 2.1 system usually only added a few dollars.

Are there any videocards out there that give great bang for the buck in the $100-120 range?

Are the 5750/5770 worth it?

yes they are great... and use extremely low power. If power consumption is not a concern you might be better off with a 4870 or 4890

this might be of some help to you: http://www.pcper.com/hwlb.php

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,

You can absolutely do something great in that range. Instead of using a pre-built system, I'm going to recommend you get the parts and built it yourselves. You'll learn more, you'll have full control over what you're getting, and you'll know how to expand on it and everything. Plus it's a great way to get your friend's son active into the process instead of just receiving a big whopping $800 gift bag.

Motherboard: Gigabyte MA785GM-US2H
CPU: AMD Regor 2.8ghz DualCore
RAM: OCZ Reaper 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 1066
Combo Price: $217
PSU: Rosewill Stallion 500W @ $40
HDD : Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB @ $55
DVDR: Sony Optiarc DVD+R @ $32
GPU: ATI HD4850 1Gb @ $110
WIFI: Rosewill Wireless N capable @ $30
Case: Antech 300 Illusion @ $55
Keyboard & Mouse: Microsoft Comfort Curve & Mouse @ $22
Speakers: Logitech S-220 2.1 @ $24
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit @ $105

Total Cost: $690

Options:

You can step up to a faster GPU for more future gaming. Get the Sapphire HD5770 1GB @ $155 for a $45 increase to the price listed above.

If you order after the holidays have passed, the shipping will be free on these items.

Very best,

 

[Blain]

Motherboard: Gigabyte MA785GM-US2H
CPU: AMD Regor 2.8ghz DualCore
RAM: OCZ Reaper 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 1066
Combo Price: $217
PSU: Rosewill Stallion 500W @ $40
HDD : Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB @ $55
DVDR: Sony Optiarc DVD+R @ $32
GPU: ATI HD4850 1Gb @ $110
WIFI: Rosewill Wireless N capable @ $30
Case: Antech 300 Illusion @ $55
Keyboard & Mouse: Microsoft Comfort Curve & Mouse @ $22
Speakers: Logitech S-220 2.1 @ $24
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit @ $105

Total Cost: $690

Options:

You can step up to a faster GPU for more future gaming. Get the Sapphire HD5770 1GB @ $155 for a $45 increase to the price listed above.

If you order after the holidays have passed, the shipping will be free on these items.

Where's that link or code?