First time builder needs some advice.

[Artra]

Here is my initial parts list.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.79 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.48 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($93.99 @ Adorama)
Case: Cooler Master HAF X Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $839.21
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-23 17:50 EST-0500)

My computer died the day after I ordered a gigabyte 660. It hasn't even arrived yet, so that's the video card I'll use. I can also salvage a cooler master 500 watt power supply and optical drive from my current system.

I know I could come out a lot cheaper using a different case and motherboard, but I choose these because I like certain features in each. I'm posting because this is my first build and I wanted to make sure I'm not forgetting anything or if I'm going to have any compatibility issues with what I've picked.

[n0cturnal]

Looks decent, you could save some money by getting a cheaper motherboard unless there is a specific feature on that board that you really need like perhaps the WiFi.

I would personally go for another case and Windows 8 but that is just preference.

Also do you have a SSD or are you planning to get one?

[glo]

That RAM will likely block your 212. We also need a budget to work with.

[mklovin]

Go with a ASRock motherboard...more bang for your buck.

[Toffie]

Do you really need a 180 $ case?
Change the motherboard to extreme4 unless you need the wifi.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.49 @ Outlet PC)
Case: Cooler Master CM690 II Advanced ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (32-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $609.43
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-23 18:14 EST-0500)

With that you could fit a 256 gb SSD at the same budget with no performance decrease whatsoever.

By the way, if your planning to go for 4x4 in the future then you might wanna go for low-profile ram or else the 2 sticks wont fit.

[Rafax]

What cooler master PSU would that be? Might it be that the psu killed you're pc?