Bottlenecks

[Dominus Atheos]

I realize most games aren't very processor-intensive, so how important is that component in a low-end or mid-range gaming comp?

In other words, if I have a low-end computer that has a 5000+ AMD processor and 2 gigs of ram, and whose only notable features are a free 16x pci-e slot and a full 4 year warranty, and drop a 8800gt into it, would I just be wasting my time, or would that be a good idea for a mid-range computer that I really don't want to have to support?

I ask because a friend wants me to design a computer for him, and I managed to configure one at HP's website like the above for $700. I also found one with an Intel E8200 for $900. So which one would be good for him?

[Ohma]

I think that ought to be fine, my personal comp only has 1 gig of RAM, an AGP 6800GT, Soundblaster Audigy card, and a Pentium 4, and most 3d games run fine on it. (granted my 3d gaming inventory isn't the most expansive, or modern, I think the most demanding game I routinely run is The Sims 2, but it runs smoothly at 1280x1024 with everything aside from AA maxed out so I think it's pretty okay)

[Resinence]

I wouldn't go far as to say CPU isn't important, I used to have a Pentium D and it was bottlenecking a GF8600GTS in intensive games, which is a lot less powerful than an 8800gt. The 5000X2 is a little more powerful than the most powerful D, so I'm sure it won't effect performance massively. Just be aware that if you have to upgrade the machine you will probably need to replace the CPU as well as the GPU to get the most from the new graphics card. If he's just going to get a new PC when that one doesn't cut it, instead of upgrading, I'd just save the 200bucks and get the AMD.