Yes, I know, I have a lot of these PC threads. I keep changing my mind. Sorry.
Here is my list for my gaming PC. I am using AMD for both the CPU and the GPU. I am trying to keep the base total, not the overall total, near $600. I already have storage and an OS so no need to bug me about that. Please don't give me entirely new lists, just tell me what to change. If the base total is $630 and the promo codes are $30 worth, then that's perfectly fine. Thanks for the feedback!
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/V3wdt6
EDIT 1: Ok, since I got some feedback on the motherboard, I changed it. As for the 960, I don't want to put this off any longer. Maybe I'll sell the 280 at some point but I've been meaning to do this since September. Right now I'm using this crapped out Mac Mini 2011 with a broken fan. Also, because I didn't mention this, I'm using one 1080p monitor.
EDIT 2: New list. Changed the motherboard because yall said it wasn't optimal and the GPU because prices are dynamic. I can afford a 990FX just until this deal ends so I need to order quickly. Here: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/XKWM23
EDIT 3: I went ahead bought some things before the deals ended. I added the prices I paid for everything as well as the SSD and OS and their prices I paid. Between those 3 remaining items I have about $280. I do want to leave some money leftover for games however, as my Steam library is quite small and tailored to a Mac mini. Would it be wise to get a CPU cooler like a Noctua one? Do I really need the 990FX or will I be fine with a 970 that has the AM3+ socket? I don't need any fancy features in my mobo just one that'll get the job done.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jFPsWZ
EDIT: Everything has been bought. Update list, just for fun: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Tp2W6h
Overall the build seems fine to me, but if you're not in a hurry, I would wait till the end of January as GTX 960 comes out @Jan22nd. When more info about the GPU will be out, check out the benchmarks and see how it performs compared to your r9. On top of that, everybody is in a past-Christmas sale mood and every reseller is like "We got enormous sales, etc!", but wait a lil bit and prices will drop even more.
On the other hand, if you want to get the build asap, go for it.
If its not that good, wait for any new AMD cards, or just OC the hell out of it. Maxwell GPUs so far have been notorious for a good overclock with proper... AHEM *cough* EVGA *cough* coolers and heatsink designs.
On the Contrary, I wouldn't put that motherboard with that 8320. because the power-phase design on the 970 chipset isn't really meant for the 8-Core CPU's cause they pull a metric ass-tonne of power. if you want to get away with an 8-Core on the 970 chipset you may want to use one of the 8-Core E-series CPUs cause of their Lower Thermal Threshold and TDP.
If you wish to change two things, i would advise either
A. Change the Motherboard to a 990FX Chipset MoBo
B. Change the CPU to one of the 8-Core E-Series CPUs.
after that everything will be great and you won't have issues.
A decent 990FX board will likely push up the cost. A change to a GA-970A-UD3P board would be the best solution; a 970 chipset with 8+2 phases specifically to cope with the 8 core FX chips.
If you are dead set on that motherboard then I vote e-series variant of the 8 core like Kat suggests, shouldnt change the build price that much either way.
I have the board you suggested and i hate it with a passion. It gets the job done but thats it. Actually, it doesnt do the job, horrific onboard audio, lack of usb 3 (for front panels on cases, ended up paying $8 for a usb 2 to 3 adapter). Also the sata control on it isnt the best and its already failing me after a years use. Friend of mine also has the board and his too is having issues. A 990fx board really is your best option for an 8 core, even if that pushes up the cost a bit (dont ever skimp out on a mobo, can really fuck you over if you do and my friend found that out the hard way).
the one you had before you edited anything... I'm not a big fan of it but it does the job... if you actually want a good motherboard... go with this Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0
For AM3+, it's not just the socket. The MSI 970A-G43 has really minimal cooling around the power delivery. The power delivery itself on the MSI 970A-G43 is a weak 4+1 analogue phase design. 4 phases for the CPU and 1 for the RAM. AMD's 8 cores draw a lot of power for a CPU, and therefore cheaping out on a board that can't handle the power draw can lead to a lot of consequences.
When the power delivery area gets hot, the board tries to throttle back the CPU in an attempt to reduce or delay any damage that might come from components getting too hot. This is something called "VRM Throttling". CPU downclocks itself to really slow clocks: 1-2ghz, usually. When it does this, anything that you may be doing will obviously perform quite poorly.
If ignored, repeated occurrences of VRM throttling can lead to a dead/burnt-out motherboard, or in extreme cases a fried CPU.
The Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P has a 8+2 digital power phase design, which is made for CPUs with high current draw. It's got heatsinks lining the power delivery area, and can even handle overclocking of a FX-8320.