Noob's first build: Need help! ($1200-ish)

[Nominative]

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/PredicateNominative/saved/#view=yLqtt6

Is this decent? I really don't know so much what I'm doing. I've gotten pieces of info about what parts are good for what I want, and this is what I've decided on. The only part I've purchased yet is the case.
The main problem I have is deciding between an r9 390 and gtx 970. Sounds like they perform very closely, but that 390 has more vram, which might be important in the future. And that the 970 performs more efficiently with less power consumption.

(Last time I posted here, no one could open the link, so I posted the list below as well.)

Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler
Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
G.Skill Ripjaws 4 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2800 Memory
Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB SSC ACX 2.0+ Video Card
Fractal Design Define R5 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case
EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Acer GN246HL 144Hz 24.0" Monitor

 

[why_wolf]

Looks alright to me. Total toss up on the 970 vs. 390. I don't see an OS listed, you have a copy already right?

 

[ComputerSecurityGuy]

Looks decent, but spend a bit more for a WD (Alright, that's a bit of personal preference). The 970 v. 390 usually comes down to brand preference or resolution. The 390 performs better at 1440p and 4K, and the 970 at 1080p.

 

[CV_Taihou]

Are you planning on overclocking at all? If you aren't you can cut back to a cheaper CPU Cooler. That aside it seems like a very solid build.

Regarding the 390 vs 970 debate, it all depends on what sort of monitor you want to use. 1080p they trade blows (albeit with the 970 doing things more efficiently). The moment you step up to 1440p though the 390 jumps out ahead. If you could justify the extra 50 or so dollars over the 970 I'd recommend the 390X. Fantastic card for what you pay IMO

 

[Nominative]

Looks alright to me. Total toss up on the 970 vs. 390. I don't see an OS listed, you have a copy already right?

Yeah, I do

 

[Nominative]

Are you planning on overclocking at all? If you aren't you can cut back to a cheaper CPU Cooler. That aside it seems like a very solid build.

I'm thinking about overclocking the cpu in the future. I'd like to keep my options open

Also, (to show how much of a noob I am) I just now realized SSC means super super clocked. What exactly does that mean, and will how does this differ from a non-overclocked EVGA 970? I'm guessing it will perform better, but will it reduce the card's life expectancy or anything? What are the cons of the SSC?

 

[natcha12]

Same basis as mine almost, a little less expensive though: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/jmdPRB

Vram in its simplest sense is better for hi res displays and multiple displays

The K processor you've chosen, the k variants are clocked higher yes, but those ones are designed for overclocking which I've never done yet and don't suggest someone new to PC's tries.

The board looks great, has good features, but never forget the customer reviews! There's alot of dead on arrivals and BIOS problems on Amazon at least which may change your mind

Aside from these the rest looks awesome, take a peek at mine and take any inspiration you want

 

[logainofhades]

For not much more, you can get a motherboard, that properly supports SLI/CF, a 1440p monitor, with a 390.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($254.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.44 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170XP-SLI ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($125.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws 4 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2800 Memory ($46.97 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($45.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 390 8GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($304.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Acer G257HU smidpx 60Hz 25.0" Monitor ($254.10 @ B&H)
Total: $1232.13
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-20 13:35 EST-0500

 

[CV_Taihou]

Are you planning on overclocking at all? If you aren't you can cut back to a cheaper CPU Cooler. That aside it seems like a very solid build.

I'm thinking about overclocking the cpu in the future. I'd like to keep my options open

Also, (to show how much of a noob I am) I just now realized SSC means super super clocked. What exactly does that mean, and will how does this differ from a non-overclocked EVGA 970? I'm guessing it will perform better, but will it reduce the card's life expectancy or anything? What are the cons of the SSC?

It pretty much just means the card has a higher stock clock than a normal 970. It's nothing I'd worry about to be honest.

I can understand wanting to keep options open on overclocking. You definitely picked one of the good Air coolers as well so there is that.