Need help selecting GPU-don't want to have a processor bottleneck

[halolll]

My friend has asked me for advice for getting a new GPU for his PC (he currently has a dell), since his integrated graphics arnt cutting it. He has a $350 budget for a new GPU and power supply. The main reason I am asking for advice is I am not sure what the most powerful GPU i can get will be without getting bottlenecked by the dual core processor, i believe its around 2.5GHZ but im not positive. If you guys could help me out id appreciate it

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within 2 weeks
USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming
CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: integrated graphics, 250w power supply
OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: Athlon II x2
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Microcenter, Newegg
PARTS PREFERENCES: none
OVERCLOCKING: no SLI OR CROSSFIRE: no
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1980x1020

 

[sg81]

depending on the game. You might actually need to upgrade both things. However, I would probably pick a GTX 460 or AMD 6870.

 

[purple stain]

The most powerful card without causing a bottleneck would be a 6670.Technically the 6670 should run on that 250watt PSU but it would be near max and since you have the cash you might as well upgrade the PSU for the future.

Here's a good 6670.

MSI 6670 $100+$7 Shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127586

And you get Dirt 3 for free.

Here's a good PSU as well.

Antec NEO 400watt $45 + Free Shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029

 

[halolll]

Would it possibly be better to upgrade the processor as well as the gfx card? Say 100 for a processor, 200 for a card and 50 for a power supply?

 

[purple stain]

That would probably be best.

What is the PC's full system specs?(CPU,RAM,Mobo,etc.)

If the mobo's socket is AM3 then we have plenty of room to work with.

 

[purple stain]

Here's what my upgrade list looks like.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/TemporaryWishList.aspx?ChangeQty=0

It's $380 in total and their's a $20 MIR on the GTX560 so then it comes to $360.All the items have Free Shipping so you don't pay any extra.

 

[halolll]

Here's what my upgrade list looks like.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/TemporaryWishList.aspx?ChangeQty=0

It's $380 in total and their's a $20 MIR on the GTX560 so then it comes to $360.All the items have Free Shipping so you don't pay any extra.

Wish list showed up as empty.
I believe my friend has an Athlon II x2 3.1 GHZ, 4 GB DDR3 or DDR2 (Ill call him and ask right now) , motherboard unknown (probably asus or foxconn, its a standard dell mobo) 500gb sata 3gb/s drive no ssd, standard dell case and power supply @ 250w

EDIT: I'm pretty sure its AM3, but if its not and the processor is upgraded we can get a free mobo from microcenter
http://www.microcenter.com/specials/promotions/AMDbundlePROMO.html

 

[purple stain]

Well you need to know what the TDP of the mobo is.I had chosen a 125watt processor and i'm guessing that mobo only has a max TDP of 80watts which means you can't get a Phenom.

Here's what was on the list.

GTX560

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121446

Antec 500watt

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035

Phenom ii x4 955

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

 

[halolll]

Im guessing the TDP of his mobo probably isnt even 80 and is only probably 65w

 

[purple stain]

If all you can choose from is within the free mobo bundle get the Phenon ii x4 965 and the Gigabyte combo.That Gigabyte board has an AM3+ socket so you can at least upgrade to a bulldozer CPU in the future.

 

[purple stain]

I'm sure it's at least 80-90 watts.Although if you can get that mobo for free with that processor that screw the other Dell mobo.

 

[halolll]

This is the processor he currently has http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103896

 

[purple stain]

I know that already.Most of the time PC makers only use lower wattage CPU's and don't leave room for future upgrades.