High-end PC and Monitor Build Advice

So, I’m trying to put together a build, and here’s what I’ve managed to scrape together so far:

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K.
GPU: GTX 970 (any specific model?)
SSD: SanDisk Ultra 120GB
HDD: 2x500GB (not counting this in the budget, I’ll just recycle a 500GB from my old rig plus a 500GB external)
Case: Coolermaster CMStacker (already got it, so it's not part of the cost)
RAM: 16GB (which brand?)
CD-drive: Just something basic to have... I think there are some $33 LG ones out there somewhere
Monitor: 24"; 1080p; >=120Hz

As for the PSU and motherboard, honestly, I haven't a clue... just whatever fits the level of the rest of the parts, I guess.
Overclocking: Yeah. As long as it's possible... I don't really need a fancy cooler unless the stock one is garbage, I can always just upgrade later...
SLI: Maybe. (so probably a PSU that won't die if I try that)

Budget: Looking at these parts, I figure the whole thing should stay under $3667.

If you guys think something else would fit better than what I picked, go ahead and let me have it. Just don't touch the RAM. 😁

1 x ASUS ROG Maximus
1 x Intel Core i7-4790K Soc1150
1 x MSI Video Card GTX 970 GAMING GDDR5 4GB/256bit, 1140MHz/7010MHz, PCI-E 3.0 x16, DP, HDMI, 2xDVI, VGA Cooler (Double Slot), Retail
1 x XFX 750W PSU easyRail 80+ Gold(XTR)
1 x Kingston DDR3 1600MHz,C11,16GB (2x 8GB)
1 x SanDisk Ultra 120GB
1 x Coolink Corator DS cooler 115x/2011/AMD
1 x AOC LED 24" G2460FQ, VGA, DVI, HDMI, DP, audio, 144Hz

Total: $3921 Best Buy

+ coffee maker

1 x ASUS ROG Maximus, s1150, ATX, Intel ® Z97 express 2
2 x DDR3 8GB (1x8GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11
1 x Intel 120GB SSD 520, 2.5", SATA III-600, R/W:550/520MB/s
1 x Gigabyte GTX970 WF3 OC 4GB GDDR5, GV-N970WF3OC, 256 bit,
1 x FORTRON 750W Raider Power Supply, RA750, 12cm fan
1 x COOLERMASTER Hyper 412S, socket 1366 / 1156 / 1155 / 775 / FM1
1 x LG GH24NS DVD burner, DVD±RW, 24x DVD±R ,8x DL , 40x CD-R
1 x AOC G2460PQU, LCD LED 24", 16:9, 1920 x 1080 144 Hz
1 x Intel Core i5-4690K Processor (3.50GHz,1MB,6MB,88 W,1150) Box

$3632
craigslist

If you want an i7, that’ll cost you another $200 more.

Plus, these monitors are overpriced as hell.

Honestly, you’re better off grabbing a cheaper monitor—that way, you can jump straight into a Crossfire R9 290 setup right away.

1xDell Monitor

2xAsus R9 290 DirectCU II OC 4GB

1xIntel Core i5-4670K

1xASRock Z97 Pro4

1xCooler Master Hyper 412S

1xCooler Master G750M

2xCorsair Value Select 8 gb, 1600 MHz, 2x4 gb

1xIntel 120GB 530 Series

1xSamsung SH-224DB

Total: $11$45 Free assembly and shipping from Best Buy!
If you sign up for their forum, you can actually snag an extra 3% discount, which would bring the total down to 10.$267

If someone insists on buying a SanDisk Ultra SSD just because some kid is pushing Intel on them... I wouldn't judge anyone else for blowing their budget, but you really shouldn't be so blind to your own choices!

Alexander Moore67 said:If someone is dead set on a Samsung SSD just because some kid told them to, fine. I can't blame people for blowing their budget, but don't act like you're some tech genius for doing it.

It’s slightly slower—not enough to notice in real-world use—and it comes with two extra years of warranty for a better price.😒

Samsung isn't even the top pick among premium SSDs anymore. With newer options like the HyperX 3K or Kingston hitting the market, people are looking elsewhere because they've dealt with those massive speed drops while waiting on firmware updates.