New Build - Looking for Input

[bkoehn]

I've just sold a pair of 8 year old AMD Athlon PCs w/ GTS 8800s, and I'm looking to replace with a modern machine. Moderate gaming, but primarily HTPC function, so Silence is a factor!
Listed is what I've come up with > budget conscious, but somewhat future-proof and high functioning!
I've yet to play with over-clocking, but I'm not sure I want to rule it out if cost is close (i.e. H97 MB)
No problems with rebates, as long as the value is added!!
Prices are newegg unless stated (Dec 18, 2014)

CPU: Intel Core-i5 4690K $220
Heatsink: Scythe Kotetsu $43 (Amazon)
MB: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer $105 ($25MIR)
RAM: G.SKILL RipJaws Z 2x4Gb 2400 $72
PSU: be quiet! BN635 600W Gold $80
Case: Silverstone GD09B $70 MicroCenter local
Optical: Asus BD Burner $40 ($30MIR)
>Total $589<
Graphics: Asus STRIX GTX 970 $350

I already have a pair of Samsung 840 EVO 120Gb SSD that I'll try RAID 0, and a WD storage HDD

I might wait a month or two on the STRIX GTX970 if there is any chance the price drops after the new year?!
I had the hardest time narrowing the MB - I feel the Fatlity is an exceptional value here, with nothing left out!? Any thoughts? Also Considered ASRock Z97 Extreme6/ac $150 ($40MIR)
Alt PSU: Thermaltake TPD-0750M $60 ($10MIR); Is this quiet & good quality??
Not sure I need a BD-R/Burner, but at $40 it could work
Alternative Heatsink: Cooler Master 212 EVO $30 (TigerDirect $5MIR)
Alt Case: Fractal Design R5 - I loved my Antec P182s, and this looks similar with 140mm fans (though not 'HTPC' form factor).

I'd also consider mATX, for a good price but I just couldn't wade through the plethora of Z97 MB options out there!

 

[Wolfey1618]

You might want to up the power supply to at least 700W. I had my GTX 970 running on a 600W and had performance issues. Upgraded to a 1000W and no more problems. If you're looking for a silence, the GTX 970 might not be for you as every single model out so far has coil whine issues. I went for the MSI Gold Edition to be safe and it has noticeable coil wine. Might wanna wait awhile to see if they fix it, or get a different card. Also, 8GB RAM is not really ideal for running multiple programs at the same time, and also 2400MHz is overkill. There is no real noticeable difference between 1866MHz RAM and anything above it. I would recommend you get 16GB of 1866MHz RAM, or at least 12GB. There is a chance in the price dropping for the 900 series in the spring because AMD is going to release their 300 series card. I don't think it will be significant of a drop though because the card is aimed to be really expensive anyway. I have an ASRock Fatal1ty 900FX which is the AMD equivalent of your board. I absolutely love it, no complaints at all. The BIOs on it is nice and easy to use. mATX is a nightmare to build too so I would stay with Mid-tower builds. Hope that helps! Good luck!

 

[bkoehn]

Fantastic!!
Ordered the Fatal1ty MB - further discounted, will be $77 of MIR!
Also took your advice on the 16gb RAM and 700W PSU
also, skipping the aftermarket Heatsink for now. worried about fit in GD09

This is actually my first Intel build - I'd always gone AMD for Cost/Perfomance benefit

CPU: Intel Core-i5 4690K $180 Microcenter
Heatsink: stock
MB: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer $77 ($25MIR)
RAM: G.SKILL Ares 2x8Gb 1600 $120
PSU: OCZ FirePower ModXStream 700W $80
Case: Silverstone GD09B $70 MicroCenter local
>Total $527<
Graphics: Asus STRIX GTX 970 $350

THANKS AGAIN!!