Future-Proof System for a Friend

There is no such thing as "future proofing" In particular, the APU series have nowhere to effectively go.
Their cpu speeds are not great, and once you add a discrete graphics card for gaming, you have wasted the advantage of the excellent graphics of the apu.

Here is a post I made for a budget build.
Take from it what you will:

------------------------------ budget build ---------------------------
For a budget build, I like to recommend that one builds for future expandability.
That means paying a bit more up front for some parts that allow for an easier future upgrade.
Let me start where you might not expect:
1. Buy a good 620w psu. Such a unit will run any future graphics card.
I would normally suggest Seasonic 620w:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
But this EVGA 600w unit is going for a very good price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
2. Buy a Z97 based motherboard. Z97 will allow you to install a overclockable cpu and even offer a future 14nm broadwell upgrade.
You should find one for under $100.
Here is a M-ATX : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157529
3. I suggest a G3258. It is a overclockable dual core at a budget price of about $75.
Here is what it can do: http://techreport.com/review/26735/overclocking-intel-p...
In time, you can upgrade to any cpu that you want and market the G3258.
4. The intel stock cooler will do the job up to a point. But, I suggest a $30 tower type cooler like the cm hyper212 with a 120mm fan. It will cool better and be quieter under load.
5. For ram, speed is not important. Buy a 8gb kit of 2 x 4gb DDR3 1.5v ram.
If you will be using the integrated graphics, I suggest faster ram. It improves the performance. 1866 is good. You will get a WEI of 6.4.
6. Cases are a personal thing. Buy one you love. Most will do the job for <$50.
It would be hard to beat $34 delivered for this Antec GX500 :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
7. The graphics card is the most important component for gaming. My usual rule of thumb is to budget 2x the cpu cost for the graphics card. I like the GTX750ti and EVGA as a brand.
Here is a superclock version:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
You could go stronger in the video card if your budget permits and your games need it.
On the other hand, you could build using the integrated graphics and see how you do.
By deferring on the graphics card, you will get a better idea of what you really need.
Integrated is fine for sims, but not fast action games.
8. Lastly, I will never build again without a SSD for the "C" drive. It makes everything you do so much quicker. 120gb will hold the OS and a handful of games. With 240gb you may never need a hard drive at all. Defer on a hard drive until your ssd approaches 90% full.

-------------good luck------------






Some comments on your list:
1. 120gb can fill up very quickly. A 240gb Samsung EVO is cheap and will outperform the PRO. I have both and you can't tell the difference.

2. If you will use a M-ATX sixed motherboard, look into the SilverStone SST-PS07B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163186
It is a real gem. I am using one to build for a friend. It is of high quality, has excellent cooling , front air filters .....
3. The asrock A97-M is not expensive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157529