DeskTop

[Broin]

Trying to put together a small desktop gaming package for under 1500.00 .... Any suggestions?

CPU    Intel Core i7-4790k 4.0 GHz Quad Core Processor   
299.00
Motherboard ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
77.95
Memory Team VUlcan 8GB 2x4GB DDR3-1600 Memory
69.98
StorageCrucial MX100 256GB 2.5 Solid State Drive       
98.99
Video Card Gigabyte GeoForce GTX 970 4GB Windforce 3x
349.99
Case  Assa Toledo 301 ATX Mid Tower Case
80.81
Power Supply NZXT HALE82 V2 550W 80 Bronze Cert Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
59.99
Optical Drive Lite-On iHAS 124-14 DVD/CD Writer
16.95
Monitor LG 23MP55HQ-P 60Hz 23.0 Monitor
137.97

[Tbone]

This was my build back in the summer. Obviously things have changed since then (most noticeably new video cards). I also reused my RAM, HDD, and monitor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($184.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H55 57.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ TigerDirect)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97MX-Gaming 5 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($120.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (4 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory  (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  (Purchased For $0.00)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Video Card  (Purchased For $0.00)
Case: Silverstone PS07B MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 750W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $635.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

CPU: For a gaming computer, i7 isn't absolutely necessary. I bought an i5 that's working just fine. If you can afford it, though, an i7 will give you more power for video editing and the such.

MoBo: You need a Z97 motherboard. I remember this being pretty mandatory. I think it has to do with future compatibility. Just remember to keep it micro ATX if you're going small.

Everything else looks pretty good. You could upgrade RAM if you wanted, though 8 gigs should be good. You may want to pick up a cheap HDD for storage and download files if you don't have an external drive. GTX 970 is a good choice. I've been thinking about getting a 144hz 1ms gaming monitor, but the price point for that is around $270. If the Rift comes out anytime soon, the gaming monitor may not matter as much, though. It depends on how much non-Rift gaming we'll be doing.

http://www.tomshardware.com/ is a good site for getting performance per dollar comparisons and figuring out what the best bang for your buck is.