I already own a GTX 660 and I am going to be putting it into this build. What changes could I make to get it under 500? I want to be able to run most games on high settings with around 40 fps at least. I could just be wishing for something that can't happen.
Also, is a CPU cooler really needed? Or would I be fine running without. I am inept at overclocking so I feel that I would not need it.
Currently have a setup of 1 monitor 1080p, so the GTX 660 can easily handle the workload of any game I suppose.
If you are getting an i5-3570k you should get it at microcenter if there is one near you, they have the best prices. If you have a microcenter near you get the i5 with the Asrock Z77 Extreme4 (great freatures and is completely loaded for only $79!!!) http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.aspx?sku=380550. Its regulary 130 but when you buy the i5 with it, they give you a bundle discount and its only 79 dollars. Also the i5 at microcenter is only $189. Unless you are going to add another GPU later a 700W power supply is not need a 550 or 600 will do just fine. Also a cooler is not needed if you don't want to overclock it will do fine at the stock clocks, but a cooler will get the temps down some.
Good luck
Edit: I know this motherboard is very good because i have it with the same i5. It has been flawless and has ton of features.
I actually do have a microcenter near me! Next week when I am home for spring break I will buy all the parts and make the build. It is my first one ever, I am pretty excited and nervous. Thanks for the help!
to make it cheaper i'd get a cheap case (maybe find some fried desktop on craigslist) thats always a way to save money, also if you're just gaming you dont need that much ram, but faster would be better
Not entirely sure if this is what you were hoping for, but it is well below $500 and I think for just about everything it will still have the functionality you desire. The biggest thing was dropping the power supply wattage. Although it isn't usually a good thing to go running the system at the maximum wattage supported by the power supply, most things like the recommended wattage from Nvidia are being extremely generous, so according to most wattage calculators, this build is only running around 310 Watts. The other major change was dropping the amount of RAM you went with in favor of faster RAM with heat spreaders. I've not really run across any instances that I could blame on my computer running out of RAM, so 8 GB is about the standard for RAM nowadays, and it suffices even for some pretty extreme gaming.
Alternately, I tend to be recommending the NZXT Source 220 a lot. It's a nice case with fair cable management and a ton of mesh and fan mounting points.