$900 Gaming Build Ideas?

I’m actually stepping in to help out a colleague this time rather than looking for something for myself.
He is hunting for a solid gaming setup within a specific budget, and he really just needs the tower itself. To be honest, we aren't worried about how quiet the system runs or how flashy it looks under the lights.
The main thing is that the purchase needs to be made through Best Buy using an American financing plan.
I am well aware that other retailers might offer better deals or custom building and shipping services where you could potentially squeeze more performance out of the same budget, but sometimes it's just easier to explain things to people when you stick to one familiar place, so I would appreciate it if you could build this entire list using parts exclusively from Best Buy.

Thanks so much!

Zachary Brown5 said:This isn't actually for me—I'm putting this together for a colleague.
Essentially, I'm looking for a gaming build within the stated budget. We just need the tower itself; aesthetics and noise levels aren't high priorities here.
The main constraints are that the buyer is an American purchasing via an installment plan, and we want to stick specifically to Best Buy for the purchase.
I am fully aware there are other retailers out there, and that one could likely squeeze more value out of a custom assembly or a different shop, but sometimes it's just easier to explain things to people if you keep it simple—so please, let's try to build this using parts available at Best Buy.

Thanks!

-Graphics Card: PCI-E XFX AMD RADEON R9 270 x, 2GB DDR5, DualDVI, HDMI, 2x miniDP

-Processor: AMD FX X8 8320 box, socket AM3+, 3.5GHz, 16MB cache, Eight Core

-Motherboard: ASROCK 970 PRO3, AMD 970/SB950, DDR3, audio, SATA, G-LAN, RAID, PCI-E, CrossFireX, USB 3.0, ATX, socket AM3 / AM3+

-Cooler: LC POWER LC-CC-120, compatible with socket 775/1150/1155/1156/1366/2011/FM1/FM2/AM2/AM3

-Power Supply: 550W, XFX Core edition P1-550S-XXB9, ATX, 120mm fan, PFC

-Memory: PC-12800, 8 GB, KINGSTON, KVR16N11/8, DDR3 1600MHz

-Hard Drive: 1000.0 GB WESTERN DIGITAL Blue, WD10EZEX, SATA3, 64MB cache, 7200rpm, desktop grade

-DVD±RW: LG GH24NSB0, 24x, SATA, Dual layer, black, bulk

-Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite, USB 3.0, black, without PSU

Total:$1998 BestBuy.com
Your configuration is quite well-balanced—everything is housed in a case with decent airflow, paired with a solid cooler and a reliable power supply, so you shouldn't have any major concerns. I'd suggest calling ahead a few days before heading down to the local Best Buy to confirm they have all these specific components in stock; since you didn't mention your location, I can't be sure what's available near you. If they don't have them on hand, they can usually ship items from another branch, though you might have to wait a couple of days for delivery.

I suspect that particular motherboard might not be the smartest move if you're aiming for the 8320. Honestly, I'm leaning towards thinking the 6300 would be the better way to go here, since it would probably allow you to squeeze in a higher-quality board and a more capable graphics card instead.

Graphics Card: XFX AMD RADEON R9 285 DD edition, 2GB DDR5
Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 R2
Cooler: LC POWER LC-CC-95
DVD±RW: LG GH24NSB0
Memory: PC-12800, 8 GB, G.SKILL Ripjaws X series DDR3 1600MHz, kit 2x4GB
Hard Drive: 1000.0 GB WESTERN DIGITAL Blue
Power Supply: 560W, LC POWER Silent Giant GREEN POWER LC6560GP3 V2.3
Case: XIGMATEK Asgard Pro, MIDI, USB 3.0, black, no PSU
Processor: AMD FX X6 6300 box, s. AM3+, 3.5GHz, 14MB cache, Six Core

$1998

Thanks to everyone for getting back to me so quickly! I really enjoyed Halek's presentation!