ddr5 > ddr3?

Perhaps replace that 970 with a 390, though. Shaves off $20.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JGHqf7

I would like to be able to give him at least a 1980x1080 resolution. Yes I would like to be able to fit in a keyboard and monitor along with the computer build since he won't have any old ones to use.

860K+R9 280
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/DFNs7P

Case is a bit overkill, but it's enjoyable to work with, otherwise there's 100 bucks left over for an SSD, or headphones+microphone, might want to also consider throwing in a hyper 212 evo.

Done some researched, and attempted a second try at building a rig that included everything I need for my brother's budget.
Sadly 7 Dollars over the budget but doubt he will care.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/VkMX7P

That cooler probably isn't much better than the stock one, and a 64gb SSD really isn't too worth it.

The R9 280 should be much better than a 750ti for like 20 dollars more

You can save money on the monitor by getting a 21.5"/22" model.

You can also just drop the DVD drive and make a bootable USB drive, and just use linux wink**wink

I direct you to my build above, the 860k is slightly faster per core than FX series CPUs, so unless he plans to do some work with the extra cores they won't matter too much for most games

linux wink**wink

Much as I would love to build a computer dedicated to learning Linux! This is a computer for my brother, somebody who just want a nice computer for gaming, but I may consider buying a bootable windows on a usb stick.

Ha build a computer dedicated to learning Linux.

My friend do you have a solar powered calculator laying in the back of your night table drawer?? /
INSTALL UBUNTU ON IT!!!

But in all seriousness. You can run modern Linux on a PC that has less than 512MB of RAM and a Single CPU processor.
You will need a lighter weight DE if you want a GUI but you can learn Linux on a computer from the Free Section on craigslist.

I meant as more that there are other ways to acquire windows*wink**wink* such as the free insider program that is opening up soon again from what I last read.

Also known as a RPi?

You can get a RPi on Craigslist in the free section!!
What town do you live in! I want to move there.

Haha, I'm from California, specifically the part with too much tech and way too many liberals. Oh and SF is somewhere near by.

Ohh dang that is disappointing.

I like to take 10 min showers so Cali is a no go till you guys get some more water.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Yeah... please bring water, we are dying. I need to go to Nevada and borrow water.