Upgrade or Build new?

[Grantofhell]

600 dollars will get a pretty good build. But you'll want to stick with AMD. Intel is a bit more expensive.

 

[Whyfly??]

600 dollars will get a pretty good build. But you'll want to stick with AMD. Intel is a bit more expensive.

Yes it will make a pretty good build, HOWEVER.
I saw in your post your friend was amazed at how Crysis runs.
I assume he will be getting the game too?
If he does I'm quite skeptical he will be able to max out and get good FPS.
However less intensive games will do just fine.