I would be giving my current config to my friend
AMD X2 4000+, 2*1GB DDR2 667, 8800GTS 640 MB (G80), 1 SATA HDD

I was powering this with CM 600W without any issues. I would any day suggest VX450 but he would be averse to spending 3.5K on PSU, though i could convince him to take an SMPS for about 2.5K

Seriously anyone outside serious gaming/hardware geeks would say - WTH an SMPS for 3.5K, have u gone insane !!! - ignoring its importance

Absolutely no overclocking by him
Any other better/similar priced option there?