System look over and questions

[jakjakattack]

Hello all,

I have been looking to get myself a system for a while now and figured this was the time. Here is what I have put together.
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Jakjakattack/saved/d76KHx
I have been pretty price savvy, but I would have liked it under 650$. Since it's over I will probably drop the ssd and ask for it for my birthday. Anyway, what do you guys think of this?
Now for the questions.
1. Can anyone recommend a good 24" monitor sub 150$?
2. Could me and my friend split the price of windows and use the os for both of our (new) systems?
3. Part picker says that I might have to refresh my bios. If I need to, how do I do this?

Thanks,
Jackson

 

[GhislainG]

You don't need the CPU cooler; the Intel cooler is fine for that CPU that can't be overclocked.

 

[TheIcedCanadian]

If you and your friend split the price, still only one computer will (legally) be able to use that OS, as you only bought one license, and you need 1 license per computer.

 

[TheIcedCanadian]

This is cheaper and better:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($99.93 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A78L-M LX PLUS Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.59 @ Directron)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 750W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $638.45
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-22 23:43 EST-0500

 

[jakjakattack]

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Jakjakattack/saved/d76KHx
Here is my revised system using suggestions from you guys.

 

[GhislainG]

I would buy a better 970 motherboard that will allow you to overclock the CPU.