This is the build. It can go up to the $1600 mark if he decides to upgrade the RAM from 8GB to 16GB, or add more storage with a 2TB or more drive.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
| Type | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor | $344.99 @ B&H |
| CPU Cooler | Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler | $26.98 @ OutletPC |
| Motherboard | Gigabyte GA-Z97X-GAMING 7 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard | $126.99 @ SuperBiiz |
| Memory | Kingston Fury Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $52.99 @ Amazon |
| Storage | Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $98.99 @ SuperBiiz |
| Storage | Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $48.60 @ SuperBiiz |
| Video Card | EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB Superclocked ACX 2.0 Video Card | $534.99 @ SuperBiiz |
| Case | Fractal Design Define R5 w/Window (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case | $108.99 @ SuperBiiz |
| Power Supply | Corsair 750W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply | $124.98 @ Newegg |
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts | ||
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $1518.50 | |
| Mail-in rebates | -$50.00 | |
| Total | $1468.50 | |
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-19 22:45 EDT-0400 |