How does this gaming build look?

[Hakito]

My friend is building a gaming PC, and this is what he/we came up with...
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9PGrmG
$1200 counting the monitor (which is needed as well)

He'd like suggestions on what to replace with what! Neither of us know a TON about hardware, I just know a little. Thanks!

Note: He's on a tight budget, nothing specific but I'd estimate anything over $1250 is too high (please keep it lower)

 

[schau314]

Looks modest. Ill help out later today with a couple parts that can lower the cost and keep the quality.

 

[DSzymborski]

I'd rather dial back slightly on the CPU/motherboard to get a 770 in there. Utilizing most of your existing choices.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus H97-PLUS ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($108.99 @ Mac Mall)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($83.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($319.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Azza CSAZ-XT1 W ATX Full Tower Case ($79.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($71.30 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Sony AD-7280S-0B DVD/CD Writer ($36.40 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1189.60
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-31 16:23 EDT-0400)

 

[schau314]

Buy the i5-4670k with a cheaper motherboard, the asus h97 is somewhat of a waste since it is still pricy unless you can overclock with it.
Also does he need a cool case like that. The haf 912 and xfx 550 watt and cost saving yet quality parts if on sale.

 

[DSzymborski]

Buy the i5-4670k with a cheaper motherboard, the asus h97 is somewhat of a waste since it is still pricy unless you can overclock with it.
Also does he need a cool case like that. The haf 912 and xfx 550 watt and cost saving yet quality parts if on sale.

That all works too. Important thing I see is getting to the 770 level, however he does it.

 

[Hakito]

Would all of this fit and work properly in an ATX mid case, or is a full needed? I just recommended full to him to ensure everything would fit and to provide extra space for airflow.

 

[TheMagicalWallaby]

I always recommend going with the WD black and not the blue for gaming.

 

[schau314]

I think the haf 912 is a mid plus case that is close to a full yet a cheap case. no usb 3.0 though.