pentium d 3ghz gaming

[LOL_Wut_Axel]

Ok fuck this. I'm gonna get a new mobo CPU and ram. What video card would you suggest at that res? I'll end up with a phenom 2 x 2 560 and try to unlock it. I'll get the card first then psu, mb, CPU, RAM and case

NO!!!

You want to stick to a budget, do so.

First thing you need to do is find out what the motherboard on the PC is. You could save tons of money by getting a used Core 2 Duo/Pentium Dual-Core and put it on the existing mobo, which will bring a huge upgrade in gaming and normal usage in comparison to that Pentium D.

For gaming at 1280x720, something like a Radeon HD 5670 will be adequate with a Core 2 Duo and he'll be able to play most games at High settings.

Getting a Phenom II X2 is the worst thing you can do as a builder. Chances of unlocking all the cores is around 60%, and is therefore a hit or miss. Most games take advantage of three cores, so if you're making a new system the Athlon II X3 will be faster than it in both gaming and most other applications.

So, again, first find out what motherboard is in the PC. You need to see how you can work with what you already have if it means you can save money.