Well after learning some hard lessons I'm here with this new parts list.
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/talon04/saved/Vcwypg
Should be a solid performer I think.
CPU: 760k is a place holder assuming AMD gets the 860k out and MSI gets driver support out for it.
CPU cooler: I really like the look and it gets really good reviews.
Motherboard: Great mix of features and should be perfect for my needs.
RAM: I found this kit on ebay from a seller with 100% feed back over 500 sales and for the price I couldn't pass it up, I know I really don't need that speed but since it was the same cost as a 2x4 1600 mhz set I figured why not.
HDD: I will be getting a new SSD at some point but this is being reused from another build.
Case: I actually like this case and its being reused as well. I also plan on buying a USB 3.0 header cable set off ebay and replacing the front USB 2.0's with it as they are broken anyway.
PSU: Solid wattage, and great name brand.
GPU: Not the correct card I'm actually running a HIS 7770 iCooler GHZ edition, I do know this is a weak point but I plan on upgrading in 4-6 months to a R7 or R9 series card.
So did I do better this time? Pics to come when I get the CPU and cooler next week.
It is a pretty decent low budget rig. The only let downs being the HDD and the GPU.
The Caviar Green is pretty slow and not very reliable and the 7770 isn't bad but it isn't great either but should be sufficient for 720p and most 1080p games. Just don't expect to max them.
My current monitors max res is only 1600X900 its a reused HP from my wifes last pc she bought, so I'm not worried. I'll replace the HDD with a 1T Black or Blue then as well.
Yeah the you'll be good for quite a while with the 7770. The when you want to upgrade look at the R9 270. They can be had on sale for as little as $130. They'll max pretty much any game at 1080p.
Just go with the Blue. The only real difference between the two is supposed build quality which is reflected in the longer warranty on the Black. IMO it isn't worth it. Save the $20 and get the Blue
The Evo @139.99 for a 256gb sounds like a pretty solid option for me. I think I might be able to snag one after I get my CPU and cooler when i get paid again.
Go for it. I have one and it is a really solid drive. Great performance and good reliability. Plus I like the Samsung drive controllers much better. Don't like Sandforce very much (the ones on the HyperX 3K and a fair amount of other SSDs). Plus the Samsung software is very good, especially if you are transferring an OS or other programs.
I prefer Windows 8.1 from a performance standpoint and some of the changes, for example the new Task Manager, are quite nice.
Install StartIsBack. Yes it costs $2.99 after the 30 Day free trial but it is well worth it. Running it on all my Windows 8 machines and it is basically Windows 7 now. Never see the Start Screen just have a very nice start menu which is very customizable. Love that I can set it to Windows XP mode and have everything fly out.
Figured I'd post an update. Newegg had the MX100 in 128gb on sale for 64.99 today, so I bought one along with my cpu cooler. With the 860k still a no show I'm seriously leaning toward the 760k at this point as AMD has yet to give us any more info and its starting to get annoying.