So, pretty much what the title says. I'm not new to PC gaming at all but I've never had a decent gaming rig, i typically had to use what I had (and still am) which has always been cheap computers running integrated graphics, clearly not made for gaming. Either way, I've found a job and have been saving up, and I think I'm ready to start purchasing parts and putting together my first rig. I've got a friend who can help me put it together, so I'm in good hands, however, I'm looking for part recommendations to build the best rig possible on a budget of around $700, give or take. This is excluding mouse and OS, as I already have those. I don't need something that will max out all games at 60fps, just something to start with since I can always upgrade. I don't mind playing in lower resolutions than 1080p either, 720 is fine if need be. So yeah, if someone could help me out here, I'd appreciate it!

Just to verify, you do realize that if the OS license you have for Windows is from the likes of Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Sony, Toshiba, etc, you cannot use it on your own PC you build, right? You need a new license.

I only mention this because you said you never built your own PC yet you say you already have the OS. Prebuilt PC Windows OSes are incompatible with self-built PCs as the license is tied to the mobo of the prebuilt PC and is non-transferable.

A friend of mine builds and repairs computers, he said he'd provide me a copy of Windows 7 free of charge lol

He actually gave me quite a few recommendations for builds already, but I thought I'd the opinions of some others as well before making any final decisions.