Hey guys, my current system is getting outdated and needs an upgrade.  This will be my first build.  I need a cpu to compliment EVGA GeForce GTX760 SuperClocked w/EVGA ACX Cooler 2GB GDDR5 256bit GPU.  I will need CPU, MOBO, RAM and case.

I plan on reusing SATA-II, optical drive, 650W PSU. I'm not sure if I have a sound card to transfer, I might need it integrated on the MOBO.  I was eyeing the i7-4770 going for 304.98. That would be at the top of the budget for the CPU and another couple hundred for the MOBO/RAM/Case.

My ultimate goal to get a steady 60+ FPS with the upcoming BF4. I do very mild photo/video editing mostly the wife will and I do tons of research and have multiple windows open while I have my favorite music running in the background.

My current CPU is an AnthlonIIx4 620 2.6 GHz so just about any processor will be an improvement.  But I need this build to last me a long while and don't want to feel the need to upgrade in a year or two.  Trust me when I say, It's going to be real difficult to separate 600 bucks for this upgrade so I need to do it right the first time.

Personally I would have a look at amd CPU as you will get more bang for your buck. I have just order the last components for my system and I spent more than $600 on the CPU and mobo without ram or case. For me tho intel are about twice as much as and when it comes to CPUs

Those new I7's are pretty nuts. I've been eyeballing that one. Though get the "K" variant. They are much more overclock-friendly.   I have a 2700k I bought on release week (almost 3 years now, running at 4.4ghz) band it still does quite well with everything I've tossed at it. Those 4770k's would squash it  definitely a bigger jump than with the intermediate I7's. I'm not really up on AMD CPUs these days. I've had a fair number of both Intel and AMD, and I really have no preference other than Intels being a better to OC and tend to be better for encoding and rendering tasks.

I'm sure a 4770k or AMD equivalent would suffice for a few years, so jsut look for a mobo with a second PCI-E VGA slot.
Just about every mobo these days has pretty decent audio built-in, but I'd still suggest a separate audio card. Though this can always be added later.` I've only ever had ASUS, DFI, and Gigabyte mobos. All have been great, and it's always the part I do the most research on. I'd suggest DFI, if they were still around. Their boards were pretty awesome.

8gb RAM is sufficient these days, but I'd tell ya to get 16gb is you're editing. Plus Ram is in a low-price cycle, so why not?

If you want a sweet case at a low price, get a Coolmaster HAF.

I'll take this opportunity to bring up my standard suggestion to turn your old PC into and HTPC and install XBMC on it.

Actually I have been eyeing the FX Series 8350 and 8320.  I hear they OC well, but I don't know how to OC so I might just leave it stock.  

I see the i7-3770 is running for $289 but the 8350 is going for $194 and the 8520 is going for $157.  Decisions, decisions!

I have been looking at ASUS and Gigabyte MOBOs but have never heard of DFI. I'll take a look at them.  I'll probably will go with a ATX my current OEM MOBO is a microATX and its pretty cramped with that 760 in there. I'll look at the Coolmaster HAF.  I can't spend more than 40 bucks on a case.  

I would love to have 16GB of ram but it could get pricy.  The last I looked it was running for $124 for 16GB 1600.  I'll see what I can find.  I need to know which brands to stay away from and do those funky "fins" on the ram are really needed or are they just "ground effects for a honda civic".

I know BF4 can be VRAM heavy. My 760 has just 2 GB.  I'm worried that no matter what CPU I pick I will be bottlenecked by my GPU.  If that is true I need to match cpu with gpu with a little wiggle room for a SLI setup but that will be a long time away from now.

Well, I did it, bit the bullet and dropped $508 after rebates and discounts.  Your text to link here...

Beat. I see you got a cooler, too:) Overclocking is very easy these days. Update yoru mobo BIOS, get some temperature monitoring software, and search for '8350 overclocking'. You'll find a wellspring of information.  The only two thigns taht can make it go sideways is getting either your temps or voltages too high, and one can get a pretty nice OC even without touching RAM or CPU voltage settings (though it's usually best to force your default RAM timings instead os leaving it on Auto - some boards can be funny about this). Do some reading,a dn take baby steps. Always watching your Load temperatures.

Oh I'd suggest a tube of thermal paste, too. The stuff that comes pre-applied on cooler is usually not so hot, though more aftermarket coolers are coming with Arctic Silver on them.  Be sure to get some filters over your fans (pantyhose are a great material, and are very cheap), and keep your case at least a foot off the floor.

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I could sell ya my i5 3570k and ASRock Z77 Extreme4 for 250, the cpu has a mild OC @ 4.4ghz . rock solid stable at low volts(1.25).  You just need an aftermarket cooler, nothing special just better than stock.  Its better than that amd  8350.   And for 50 bucks more ill toss my Corsair Force 3 128gig ssd.

you just need ram and a case then

Aw man, wish you posted that earlier.  That's a great offer. Not sure if I did it right but I posted a link to the product I ordered a couple of posts earlier.  I did get the 8350 and a Gigabyte mobo among others.  Everything is ordered and shipped already.  The money I spent will be a vast improvement from my current setup.  I hope I don't regret it.  Let me know if you guys can open the link from a couple of posts before.

hey mister d i opened the link and it worked, i got the same processor it arrived yesterday and i'm hoping to get my new system up and running tonight. i got the next one up on the motherboard. but otherwise i think  you going to have a nice set-up there. and it is gut wrenching to see how much cheaper you guys get computer part compared to me.

if you need any help when it comes to building etc i would highly recommend watching some youtube and asking some people on ts best of luck and hope it turns up soon

lol no worries.   Well the offer is still around for any BK

Holy cow! My parts arrived already! I've watched some videos and have a decent idea of what to do. Wish me luck.c,,

Good Luck my build did not go so well I am working on my second RMA

Just read the motherboard manaul.