Gaming PC for Battlefield 3 and 4, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS10X Performa CPU Cooler ($37.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.60 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($76.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($349.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1067.49

If you are wondering if you'll be able to run ultra on either of these configurations, your answer is yes. You'll tear through Skyrim, and Battlefield 3. However, I've seen some videos of BF 4 and it looks intense. I think that only a NVIDIA GTX 780 or 690/Titan could run it on Ultra, but that is yet to be seen. However, I would recommend The NVIDIA GTX 770. It's a better card than the AMD 7970 and here's why: If you ever plan on using crossfire with the 7970, you will regret it. AMD cards suffer from extreme micro stuttering issues in crossfire and the frame rate suffers as a result. The 770 has virtually no mircro-stuttering when used in SLI and gives better performance.

Points:
I think both builds have nailed the essence of a build at this price so my comments will be minor and BUDGET will also factor in.

1) Either graphics card is fine, but if possible get this card ( Asus GTX770 DCU2). It's just awesome. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24RqCK_Rhes

2) SSD.
The Samsung 840 is a great SSD for the price. If you can manage get it as well, but if you can't afford it AND the GTX770 my advice is stick with an HDD for now and get an SSD later.

3) GAMES on SSD/HDD?
An SSD isn't a huge deal for most games. I did lots of testing. If you do get an SSD and an HDD, put Windows/apps on a 120GB SSD, and Steam/other games on the HDD.

4) BACKUP IMAGE:
It's a good idea to have two drives and periodically create a backup IMAGE of your Windows partition.

5) POWER SUPPLY:
I don't recommend any lower than a quality 650Watt PSU. You can save a few bucks with a 550W but there are goods reasons to get a 650W or even 750W but that's beyond the scope here.
SHOP AROUND and READ REVIEWS for the PSU.

6) DVD drive:
Check the support site for any DVD drive you're considering and don't buy one if the firmware is older than 2012 or it will be more prone to create bad burns. I saw an Asus DVD drive that was 2013 and another one that was only 2009!

7) CPU Cooler:
Make sure it has a PWM fan as that's required for most motherboards to get fan control to work. 12cm fan recommended. My example:
http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=70276&vpn=RR-H612-20PK-R3&manufacture=COOLERMASTER#CustomerReviews

8) HDD:
I recommend a 2TB drive. The price difference is very small compared to 1TB.

9) Windows 8 64-bit OEM

10) START8 ($5 from Stardock; bypass the new Start Screen and Charms.)
*Windows 8 is superior to Windows 7 except for the new interface.

11) CASE FANS:
- one or two low-speed INTAKE FANS at front
- one or two low-speed EXHAUST FANS
(Many PC cases have some. Many people forget the very important front INTAKE when building a gaming PC. Buy a case with one or add one. If possible, get one you can CONTROL but it can be hard to determine if your motherboard uses 3-pin Voltage or 4-pin PWM fans.)

SUMMARY:
Take your time and double-check all the components for compatibility. Read reviews for important parts like the PSU, Graphics card and Motherboard. Don't forget all the little things like a front intake fan (or USB3 on the front of a case).

Finally, don't forget the important MAIN CHIPSET driver etc from the motherboard support site (ignore the CD).

Windows 8 is not garbage. I own it. I also did a lot of research into the new features that make it more secure and reliable. Almost all the complaints are due to the interface. With Start8 it looks and feels almost exactly like Windows 7 but under the hood you get several benefits.

One important feature helps prevent boot-time viruses which are very serious and include KEY-LOGGING software (requires a UEFI BIOS motherboard).

START8 costs $5 and 2 minutes to setup. Not that hard.

Crossfire/SLI:
As mentioned above, micro-stutter is a serious issue. I also agree that the GTX770 is excellent at mitigating this issue. While a 2xGTX770 isn't in your current price category if you a single card and SLI-capable board you at least have the OPTION if in a year or two you decide to get another card.

Looks like a good build! I'm just worried about the case having only one fan, other than that it's great!
PS: I think you can grab windows 7 for $90 at amazon. Also, where do you live? Newegg makes its users pay taxes if they have a distribution center in the state. I'm also curious where you found the 4670k for $229.99. Microcenter has a cheap price but it's store pickup only and the nearest price after that is 249 bucks.

You're in luck then! Since you're near a micro-center you should be able to pick up the items and save tons of cash. This looks like it's going to be a great pc, you should send me some pictures of your build when your done. BTW the deal on the monitor ends today, after that it becomes 149 bucks. If I where you i'd buy it today even if you're not ready to buy the computer. Good luck!

You're in luck then! Since you're near a micro-center you should be able to pick up the items and save tons of cash. This looks like it's going to be a great pc, you should send me some pictures of your build when your done. BTW the deal on the monitor ends today, after that it becomes 149 bucks. If I where you i'd buy it today even if you're not ready to buy the computer. Good luck!

Yes, that will increase airflow.

I was simply offering a cheaper solution. Yes, I know a 7950 would be better but it's not as cheap. If his budget can allow a 7950, I'm all for it. BTW when will some moderator make this thread solved?