Budget: $1000
More specific use (what games, what programs): Latest Games high settings
Planned time until purchase: This month
Do you need an Operating System?: no
Do you have any specific preferred components?: no
Do you need a sound or wireless card?: no
Do you want stock cooling or do you plan on overclocking?: no
Do you need a monitor? mouse? keyboard?: no
Zip code/location? (Shipping costs): 66502

I have a 500GB SSD and a 600W power supply that is brand new.

Everything else I need.

what brand and model is the psu?

Corsair CX 600W

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7ZCrgs

This is what I came up with so far.
That build with a 500GB SSD and the Corsair CX600M that I already have.

How can I lower this cost by $200-$300 without risking much performance.

I didn't know that about the gtx 980. Will the 970 still be able to play everything? Even the new stuff? Hopefully on at least medium settings.

Also, I run a lot of programs, not just for gaming, but for developing/coding as well so 16 GB Ram would be preferred