First, my needs. I tend to play APB: Reloaded, GTA IV, Battlefield, and TF2. I don't want anything crazy, but I want a good build that will get the job done for the money. I also record my gameplay with fraps a lot, so I'd like a good amount of HD space.
I wanted a good build on a budget. I liked Syndicate's [url=http://teksyndicate.com/videos/build-best-550-pc-nov-dec-2012] article on a cheap $550 gaming rig[/url].
Question is, is the parts list ALL I need? Do I need a buy a heatsink or sound card or anything else?
ALSO, If I decide to make my own parts list from scratch, where do I start? How do I tell that all my parts will be compatible with each other?
Switch out to a FX4300, save yourself $10 and they perform equal in gaming(2-10fps difference) here is the comparison, games are at the bottom : http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/699?vs=700
For BF3, the GTX660 gets better fps at various resolutions vs the 7870, here you can see the fps differences of both cards at various resolutions in various games: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/548?vs=660
Right now you can get a GTX660 for $199, that is a few more dollars saved right there as well.
Instead of that Rosewill green, opt for a XFX PRO 550, it has more amps on the 12v rail it has a longer warranty(5 years vs rosewill 2 years) and it is the same price. It is the better deal in this case and it is a solid power supply.