You don't need to save a lot.
if you want to build it now just change the setup a little bit
switch to Celeron/Pentium (G1610/G2010/G2020)
use the cheapest Motherboard you can get (which also support Ivy Bridge processor, since those G series are Ivy based)
and you good to go, save up a little bit more to get HD 7770/7750 if you feel like you need it
I am using Celeron atm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116889
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116889
TBH, I was surprised with the performance, it was supposed to be a NAS when I build it
but end up as main gaming PC, my best decision for 2013.
it draws much less power compared AMD can offer, cheaper, AND perform much BETTER.
it has Intel HD built in, again... I was impressed with it, yes it maybe perform less better but from what I read, it just perform around 10-15% less, which in bigger scene this differences isn't relevant, because both is wasn't designed to play AAA titles.
Both can't handle game such Tomb Raider/Sleeping dogs even at 30fps (with integrated GPU)
you need dedicated GPU for that, and that's when Intel offer are better in this scene, that CPU is still capable to handle it when games need more power from CPU.
at some point, even performance is similar (or just a bit lower) when you compare it with i3 or Athlon X4
unless you push it more (using more high resolution, more AA, etc) this is the time when you need more CPU power, so GPU can process it (known as avoid bottleneck)
although I don't have A4 on desktop (I want to build one but instead I took Celeron), but I've test it on laptop, both capable to run Torchlight II & Dota 2 (and many Online games) at playable FPS (40max, sometimes when battle is intensive it goes down to 20fps).
My point is, APU can't be solution for heavy gaming, specially if you need something to push it later to make better gaming experience (in other word, better GPU)
because why would you pick APU if you going to add GPU? it kills what it purposed in the first place, and yes unfortunately CPU power isn't really that great either
AMD technology hasn't really changed since they release Athlon AM2, A4 series perform just like Athlon 5000+ with HD4350, but with less power consumed, how much less? not that much either really.
oh yeah, I do still have Athlon 4050e + HD4350, if I compare it head to head with A4-4000, it perform quite similar (also A4-4000 only perform 5-10% less than A4-5300 and cheaper)
Just look up for review, I've ask this question few months ago, and I got the answer (and solution).
that's when I realize why people been talking about AMD badly even with their APU releases, it's unfortunate but no one can change the fact that what Intel do and offer is far more superior even in low-end market, the only thing I hate is they change their socket too often.
