Hey guys, so ive been wanting to build my own pc for a while now. This would be my first time build, and am not very knowledgeable in hardware.

Budget: around $1500 i think
More specific use (what games, what programs): D3, LoL, got bunch of steam games i want to play from summer sale when i get time
Planned time until purchase: Whenever (maybe should wait for sales soon?)
Do you need an Operating System?: yes, possibly from different way?
Do you have any specific preferred components?: No, although I want it to look cool ^^
Do you need a sound or wireless card?: No
Do you want stock cooling or do you plan on overclocking?: never overclocked but would like to learn
Do you need a monitor? mouse? keyboard?: No
Zip code/location? (Shipping costs): Edmonton, AB. Canada

So here are two builds ive been sort of toying with. If you guys could let me know what you think, what i can change and why.
Also, I was wondering what the benefits/ differences in the Micro ATX builds vs. ATX buils are.

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/YRw4Jx
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/NvbJTW

let me know any changes and better builds so I can learn

Thank you all for any help.

MicroATX is smaller and more portable or manageable. The motherboards are typically limited in size and sometimes heat dissipation because components are closer together.

Do you need a Blu-Ray burner?

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/wQ9xWZ

Tyvm for the reply, is the gigabyte 970 better than the MSI?

Also no, blu ray is not necessary. Also I think that atx mobo sounds better then. How do you choose different mobos? Just curious so I can learn

Again ty for your time

GTX 970 Comparison:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1516121/gtx-970-comparison-strix-vs-msi-gaming-vs-gigabyte-g1

The Gigabyte G1 performs slightly better than the ASUS Strix and MSI Twin Frozr Gaming, but its not likely noticeable under real-life scenarios at stock settings. The Gigabyte G1 has the best overclocking potential with air cooling. The ASUS Strix has a 0dB mode when its under little to no load so it runs quiet. The MSI is similar to the Gigabyte G1, but does not have a backplate and isn't quite as tall or long so it fits in slightly smaller cases. The MSI is also the most friendly for running an SLI setup using air cooling.

/e
As for picking a MoBo, more advanced selections requires a bit of research and comparison. However, at the basic level you just need one that fits your cpu socket (LGA 1150, AM3+, etc), has enough connectors for what you want to run, and is the right chipset for your needs. For example, the Z## chipset on Intel boards is meant for overclocking with the Z97 being the most recent chipset which will accomodate the next generation CPUs when they are released in Q2 of 2015. Some boards have built in WiFi, some have better quality components and are more suited for moderate to severe overclocking, and more. Then you go down to the manufacturer - MSI and Gigabyte make good gaming boards. ASRock is a decent manufacturer for budget minded people but still wanting performance. ASUS makes great motherboards (some of the best), but that isn't to say that others don't compete.

This post was edited by DeXaFiLaH on Nov 24 2014 09:50pm

ok ty for the info, if there is no real noticeable performance difference i think i wil go with the msi 970 (also leaves the option for sli in the future)

now, for the colour coordination etc i was looking at these boards. What are the differences between them? Why are some better than others?

MSI
Z97-GD65 Gaming

MSI
Z97-GAMING 5

MSI
Z97-GAMING 7

MSI
Z97-G45 Gaming