New Build - Where to get started?

[mfenn]

So, it comes with a 8gb RAM. Is this good RAM? I was going to drop 16gb in it. Don't RAM clips need to be paired? Would I just need to buy another of the same 8gm RAM?

Thanks a lot for all of your help!

No, the DIMMs do not need to be paired. You can install a single DIMM and run just fine, albeit with slightly reduced performance. You can of course buy another of the same DIMM to increase your memory capacity and performance.

 

[mfenn]

I would say my remaining budget is around $900

Ouch! You spent $600 where $355 would have been enough. I guess that throws dual-GPU out the window.

At this point, I think that I would go for:

i5 4670K + Z87-G45 Gaming combo $320
Team DDR3 1600 8GB $53
Sapphire 7970 GHz $440 AR
Thermalright TS-140 $50
Total: $863 AR