Need help with a new build plz.

You are in a very similar boat as me, as I too built my current rig several years ago (though with an i7-950), and 6GB RAM (updated to add 2GB). The main difference is I upgraded my GPU a little over 5 years ago to a 7970, so your graphics are more powerful.

For this reason I feel you should upgrade MB, CPU, and RAM first, then the GPU when the effects of cryptocurrency mining dies down and brings graphics card prices to the norm. It is already getting better. I'm now seeing more graphics cards in stock, and some vendors offering the GPU I want (1070 Ti) for as low as $545 preorder (ShopBLT).

ShopBLT's preorders are already filled though, with the next lot coming Mar, so it will probably take at least until Apr or May to expect more in. The reality is, the 970 is still a pretty decent GPU, that will easily hold you over while waiting, especially at 1080 res.

I know dust and dog hair can get really bad, especially when it gets inside your PC case. I would suggest, cleaning out the case, especially the fins on CPU and GPU heatsinks, and putting dust filters on the intake fans. It improves ventilation and allows you to do full cleanings less often, with only quick filter vacuuming at regular intervals. Placing the PC case on a desk (vs floor) also helps, along with running a room fan that has an ionizer, which makes dust in the air fall to the floor.

The GPU model you're using has nothing to do with the problems you mentioned. You don't really have to be a neat freak always cleaning your PC to keep it under control. It's mostly about preventative maintenance. For instance just setting up your case fans so you have slightly more intake than exhaust flow creates a slight positive pressure inside the case, which resists dust from sucking in through unfiltered crevices. Of course that all goes out the window if you leave the side panel off though.

As for CPU, MB, and RAM, I always prefer Intel CPUs and ASUS MBs. On RAM I'll take any decent brand I can get at a good price, as it's all lifetime warranty and trustworthy. I just got great deals on an Intel i7-8700k CPU, and Corsair Vengenace LPX 2x8GB 3200 RAM. Both were on Newegg's email promo deals, so sign up for those and check them daily. On MB I went with the ASUS Prime Z370-A, which was on a $10 rebate.

ASUS' customer service has gotten WAY better since I last called them too. They have 24/7 phone support, and usually answer pretty quickly. They have cheaper Z370 MBs, like the TUF for only $115 right now, but I got the Prime Z370-A because it has a better audio chip. Also, don't worry about bad reviews too much on MBs, because a lot of them are referring to problems that no longer exist after BIOS updates.