Curious about a new build

[solaris11]

Hi,

So I have recently built myself a new rig, which I love.
Now a friend has asked me about building him a new pc. Not for gaming, just a 'solid' computer.
So I'm looking for suggestions. Should I go AMD? Dont think a GPU is necessary, and it wouldnt have to look fancy, I'm just pricing things out right now and am very open to suggestion!

Thanks!

Approximate Purchase Date: probably asap

Budget Range: as cheap as possible while still being 'solid'

System Usage from Most to Least Important: as far as i know email and web browsing mostly

Parts Not Required:

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: tigerdirect.ca or newegg.ca

Country: Canada eh

Parts Preferences: I prefer Intel, but I dont think the person knows or cares

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: whatever .... probably doesnt even need a GPU so leave that out

 

[obsama1]

I think a budget of $600-$700 is good, but you can go down to $500.

 

[solaris11]

any recomendations on components around the 500-600 range?

 

[obsama1]

i3 and 4GB of RAM, w/ a 400w PSU.

 

[solaris11]

trying to go i5 and 8g ram, but obviously much more.....any AMD ideas? i dont know AMD processors at all....guy now needs a blue ray burner and wireless card so budget is gonna have to go up too

 

[obsama1]

i5? All he needs is 4/8GB and an i3.