$600 PC build with a focus to program, database, and, generally, advance my knowledge of computer "security?"

[cayris]

I'm trying to finish my degree in computer science with the goal of exploring pen testing. I have basic knowledge of computers, although above the "average" user, so I'm looking to get close and personal with my hardware components and upgrade as I learn and decide personal preference. Gaming isn't a big issue for me, but as decent video card as possible, without compromising on the more important parts, would be a plus. Since I'm learning this from scratch, I'm looking for a good starting point that allows plenty of room to upgrade later.

 

[Joseph DeGarmo]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($55.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $597.58
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-08 14:01 EDT-0400)