If i was going to throw a list together it would be pretty close to the intel suggestion in the link above, but I would cut the SSD out, upgrade the processor to an I3 or an I5 and add a r260x or r270 to the list. Depends mainly on how close to $500 you need to stay, and if you are planning on including a monitor, KB, mouse, etc in that price. If you are trying to do more than just the tower for $500 you might be hurting.