$500 budget gaming PC

[mune87]

Going to build my friend a new gaming PC and could use some advice on an AMD based system. Would it be better to go with a Phenom or FX based system? I'm looking at getting a 7770 or a 7850 (if budget allows).

This budget only applies to the PC. He doesn't need an OS, monitor, or inputs.

 

[2260121]

You have 3 options:
#1: Phenom ii x4
#2: i3 2120
#3: Pileriver (if ti's ever released)

As for the gpu, i would go with a 6850.

 

[mune87]

I might try to convince him to wait until Piledriver is out before we start ordering parts. On the 6850 vs. 7770 vs. 7850: is it simply a matter of price to performance ratio?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

you could also use the piledriver-derived Trinity parts. an A10-5800K is fairly competitive with an i3-3220

 

[mune87]

Best answer selected by Mune87.

 

[tiny voices]

AMD build: (7850 included in budget)
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jZnv

Best you will get for the budget in an AMD build. An Intel build will be slightly better in respect to gaming only.

The mobo here is am3+ so you will be able to upgrade to piledriver if it ever comes out.