Need help picking optimal remaining components.

[Tim]

I've got a friend that I've been trying for years to get into a gaming PC, and he just won't/can't spend the money on it. I've gathered a few free parts, and only need GPU, PSU, Case to complete a build.

Keeping in mind what hardware I have to pair with, what would be the best possible bang-for-the-buck GPU would be for this system to play games at high detail settings on 1080p? He will be playing games like the Borderlands series, Bioshock series, Fallout series, etc. I'm waiting for him to get back to me about what TV model he has so I can nail down the refresh rate for sure, so assume 60hz for now.

I will also need a reliable yet cheaper PSU to handle the components. Cheap case suggestions are also welcome, although not necessary.

Intel i5-760
MSI H55M-P33 motherboard
8gb (4x2gb) of cheap A-data DDR3-1600
240gb Crucial M500 SSD
Lite-on DVD-R/W drive (we might not even use this, not sure yet)
A cheap Anatel PCI-E Wi-fi card (all I had laying around, and he unfortunately can not run cat 5)

Let me know what you think, and TYIA for your time.

 

[DSF]

What is the actual budget?

 

[lehtv]

For i5-760 and the games listed, I'd go with a lower midrange NVIDIA card. You could look for a used GTX 660, 660 ti or 760 or grab a GTX 750 Ti new. E.g. Asus GTX 750 Ti DCII $120 AR AP

As for the PSU, you definitely don't want to cheap out too much, and I would also recommend against buying used. A well built unit can last over multiple builds even within its warranty period. Just grab the cheapest no frills but highly reliable unit. Counting the mail-in-rebate, Rosewill Capstone-550 is a ridiculously good deal at just $40. Very near top-tier quality, highly efficient, 7 year warranty, enough power to handle any single GPU graphics card (in most cases with plenty of room left for overclocking too).

It's not the cheapest unit without MIR, but still worth it in my view... the only units that come close to its quality at that wattage are $60+, but less efficient (which makes up the price difference). However, if you just can't spend $70 on a PSU, then consider the good ol' CX430 for $40. Short warranty and lower tier caps will make it less of a long-term option though.

Finally, the case - almost any normal microATX or ATX tower will work, but I would want to have at least basic modern features like bottom-mounted PSU, sideways drive cages and some cable routing holes. E.g. Thermaltake Versa H25 $40

 

[Tim]

What is the actual budget?

More of an optimal hardware for what's already been acquired than specifying a budget this time. I'll look at any viable options and consider them all carefully.