Last year I read a thread here on FTR when givememyleg was building a new computer for gaming. I really enjoyed that thread - - learned alot & got me motivated to get a new setup for myself. Well.... I never got it... 'yet'. (unexpected life expenses).

I've been doing okay with the internet pokerzz lately & am pulling a few bucks off my online roll & am going to use part of that for a new puter setup for myself. I've done a fair bit of research but I still have questions & hope some to get some of your input.

Computer will be used mostly for poker but also a few other things but nothing that will require much (ie. skype, etc.).

I'm looking to spend < $1,000.

I'm a bit undecided about some components but have a general idea.

I realize what I'm getting is overkill for poker but do want to get something that will last me for ~5yrs. I'm also sick of not having anywhere close to enough power/speed/capability with my current setup (3yr. old Laptop 4GB Ram Pentium Dual Core T4200 2.0GHz.). I also am aware that you don't really need that powerful of a system if the main thing you're using it for is poker but I want it to 'zoooooom'.
I play on a bunch of different sites & when playing a session I'll typically have 5 sites running & 8 to 10 tables running. I have PT4 but don't usually have it running because if I do I have to make sacrifices (close some sites down). Even as it is (w/o PT4) I find I'm passing up on games I'd prefer to be playing but don't because I know I'll be lagging (& I can't f'n stand it when puter lags & CPU running close to 100%).


Here's what I'm considering:

Case: FractalDesign 'Define Mini' ($99)
'or' FractalDesign Define R4 ($109)

CPU: i5-3570 or i5-4670
question: is there any benefit to go with the Haswell 4670 over the 3570?
(note: I don't plan on ever overclocking so I'm not going for the 'K' model).

Motherboard
H77 or H87 chipset, AsRock or Asus
Asus P8H77-M LE LGA 1155 ($99)
Asus H87M Plus/CSm ($119)
AsRock H77M Micro ($109) < sale $74

or if a Z77 or Z87
Asus P8Z77-V LK ($139)
AsRock Z77 Extreme3 ($122)
(might need FractalDesign define R4 unless micro board)

HDD
WesternDigital WD Black 1TB 7200 rpm ($89)

SSD
Samsung 840 Evo 120GB ($104)
'or'
Samsung 840 Series MZ 120GB ($84)
'or'
Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB ($139)
'also considering'
Samsung 840 Series MZ 250GB ($154)

question: should I consider bothering with more than 120GB? If not, would it be worth it to go with the 'Pro' or would the 'Evo' or the other one suffice? (I don't really want to skrimp but wondering if I'd even notice a difference with the stuff I'm using computer for?). I read the newer 'Pro' will last longer then the reg. 840 but not sure if this will even matter either?

Ram
8GB 1600 speed
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2x 4GB) 1600 (9-9-9-24) $50

PSU
Seasonic G Series SSR-450RM 450W 80+ Gold ($79)
'or'
Seasonic SSR-360GP 360W 80+ Gold ($59)

ASUS 24X DVD Burner ($19)


Win7 ($99)