Okay, here's another build.. You'd have to buy everything by 10/9, though... Because of all of the promo codes & stuff. Some of them expire then.
CPU: AMD FX 8120 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103961
Promo Code: EMCWXXM25
$124.99
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MoBo: Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128565
-- Allows up to 125 W Processor, which is the 8120. Has USB 3.0.
Promo Code: EMCWXXS26
$48.49, after $10 Mail In Rebate
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GPU: PowerColor 7870 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131484
$149.99 after $30.00 Mail In Rebate + has 2 free games
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PSU: 500W Thermaltake - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153165
Promo Code: EMCWXXM237
$19.99 after Mail In Rebate
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RAM: 8 GB Crucial Ballistix DDR3 1600 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148540
$64.99
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HDD: Seagate 1TB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840
Promo code: EMCWXXT22
$59.99
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Optical Drive: Lite-On DVD Burner - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289
Promo Code: EMCWXXT23
$14.99
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Case: Rosewill RANGE-M - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147122
Promo Code: EMCWXXT34
$24.99
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Total before Mail In Rebates & Promo Codes: $632.92
Total AFTER Promo Codes: $568.42
Total AFTER Mail In Rebates: $508.42
If your friend can spend just a few more dollars, then he can get a Ghz edition 7870 for slightly more money. It ends up being $154.99, instead of $149.99 after the mail in rebate. Also by PowerColor. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131492
If you were to purchase all of these at the listed retail price, it'd cost you over $700.. Plus tax.. And $50 for the 2 free games, plus tax.. So around $800+ !!!...
To save some more $ you could drop down to an FX-6300 or drop down to a 7850, but i wouldn't if i didn't have to.. xD lol If his mom will fill out the mail in rebates, then that computer will be awesome! It'll play a lot of games on high/ultra settings! :)
If your friend wanted to get an SSD instead of an HDD, or if he can reuse his old HDD, Newegg has a refurbished 120GB SSD on sale from OCZ for $61.99..
SSD: OCZ Refurb 120GB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227928
Promo Code: EMCWXXM57
To avoid any shipping costs, just sign up for a free trial of Shop Runner. Then cancel it in a couple weeks. :)
If you need an operating system, here's 2 FREE and LEGAL options..
1.) Ubuntu - http://www.ubuntu.com/ You can game on this using WINE or PlayOnLinux.
2.) Windows 8.1 Beta: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview-iso
Don't try to overclock without some kind of aftermarket cooling! :)