intel , plenty of ram , at least an ati 5850 or nvidia same, well known mortherboard, ssd or normal hd not as important.
why not amd...you will need to go into over-clocking(not game friendly)
safe intel yes..more money..yes but less hassle and less things to go wrong.
money issue..safe up and wait...it will benefit you in the long run.
if you spend 700$ and it doesn't work..ouch not a happy camper...spend 850$ and be happy..then its the best 150$ you have ever spend :)
just my opinion and my xp on this stuff
take it or leave it you choice :)