As the 6870 is starting to on in age, I wanted to put in a newer/stronger graphics card so he wouldn't feel like he needed to upgrade his GPU as soon.
Everything except the RAM, PSU, and GPU are located at the Philadelphia/St.Davis MicroCenter. I do use a few Open Box items, however MicroCenter does have an in-store return on Open Box items and they shouldn't have an issue with you opening them in store and verifying that they have everything you need.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
| Type | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-4370 3.8GHz Dual-Core Processor | $129.99 @ Micro Center |
| Other | MicroCenter Intel CPU+Mobo Combo saves $20 | |
| Motherboard | Gigabyte GA-H81M-H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard | $26.96 |
| Other | Motherboard has a $5 MIR (MC Link) | |
| Memory | Mushkin ECO2 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $29.99 @ Newegg |
| Storage | Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (MC Link) | $39.99 |
| Other | 1TB WD Mainstream | |
| Video Card | HIS Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (GPUShack Link, reputable GPU seller - Promo Code 'HIS20') | $111.20 |
| Power Supply | EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply | $38.98 @ Newegg |
| Case | MicroCenter Open Box: LEPA LPC306 Black ATX Case with Rubberized Coating | $27.96 |
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts | ||
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $420.07 | |
| Mail-in rebates | -$20.00 | |
| Total Before Intel Bundle | $400.07 | |
| Total without MIR | $400.07 | |
| Final Total | $380.07 | |
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-14 22:48 EST-0500 |