Calling all PC experts!

MyIGN, I need your help. The time has come for me to build my own PC. As a PC gamer and a Computer Science major, it was only a matter of time before this had to happen. I consider it a rite of passage of sorts. The problem is, I have no idea where to start. Actually, that is not completely true; I have done a bit of research with the help of a couple of websites, namely elitegamingcomputers.com and pcpartpicker.com. However, websites can only get me so far. I want people to help me on my quest to build the perfect gaming PC for me. I want people like you.

Before I go on, let me warn you that this post will look messy. A TL;DR version can be found at the end of this post.

Joining the master race at last!

Let me first tell you what kind of PC I am looking to build:

Budget: $1000.00 USD for just the PC. This is flexible, but I would like to stay under one grand if possible. One note about pricing though: prices fluctuate and drop over time, and since I am planning on creating my build in June, it is possible that a $1100 machine today will be less than $1000 in a month.

Power: I just want to play the PC versions of PS4 and XB1 multiplats on medium to high settings without a hitch. In other words, a mid to low-high range gaming PC.

Longevity: I need it to last at least 4 years (to finish college), ideally 5-6, and hopefully 7 or more. I am willing to do minor upgrades along the way if necessary.

Now, on with the parts I have in mind:

Operating System: Windows 8.1 (Free). Part of the perks of being a Computer Science major at a large-scale university is we get free software from Microsoft.

Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-4670K Quad-Core Desktop Processor 3.4 GHZ 6 MB Cache ($222). I was debating between getting either an i5 or an i7 processor, but ultimately decided to go with an i5. My decision is likely not going to change.

Motherboard: Asus Z87-A DDR3 1600 LGA 1150 ($140). I was also considering the Asus Z87 PRO LGA 1150 which is $50 more and but has a bunch of extra features I do not understand (and obviously would put me way over my budget). This is probably the biggest part I need help with.

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8 GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) ($85). Can someone tell me the difference between a 2x4GB and a 1x8GB memory kit? The latter saves me money, but I want to know performance differences.

Storage: Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Single Unit Version Internal Solid State Drive ($154). The only concern I have is that 250GB may not be enough, and I might have to invest in an external hard-drive. Also, the price for this thing fluctuates unreasonably often...

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX760 SuperClocked w/EVGA ACX Cooler 2GB GDDR5 256bit ($260). I originally had a GTX660 on this list, but I eventually decided that if I wanted something that could last and perform well, I should get at least a 7XX.

Power Supply: Corsair Builder Series CX 600 Watt ATX/EPS 80 PLUS ($66). I am debating between 600W and 550W models.

Case: NZXT Phantom 410 Mid Tower USB 3.0 Gaming Case – White ($90). This is probably the only part on this list I am sure to keep, because it is fully-featured, cheap, and sexy – unless, of course, you can convince me otherwise.

Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO ($32). I should note that my case also includes a few fans. Also, someone recommended that I get a thermal compound as well just to be safe, but that is something I can get for just a few bucks.

TOTAL: $1049

Yes, if I were to buy all these parts right now, it would cost me over $1000. My hope is that over time, prices will drop or fluctuate such that I will be able to buy all of these parts within my budget come June.

I'm not lazy, just efficient.

TL;DR Version:

General Info:

• Budget: $1000 for PC only
• Power: on par with PS4/XB1
• Longevity: at least 4 years, ideally 5-6, hopefully >7

Parts:

• OS: Windows 8.1 (Free)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K Quad-Core ($222)
• Motherboard: Asus Z87-A DDR3-1600 LGA 1150 ($140)
• Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) ($85)
• Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB SSD ($154)
• Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX760 OverClocked ($260)
• Power Supply: Corsair Builder Series CX 600W ($66)
• Case: NZXT Phantom 410 White ($90)
• Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO ($32)

Questions:

• What is the best motherboard you would recommend for my build?
• What is the difference, performance-wise, between a 2x4GB memory kit and a 1x8GB memory kit?
• For my power supply unit, should I get a 550W model, or 600W model, or either?

If any of you guys can answer any of my questions and concerns (even if it is just one of them!) I would be very grateful. Please help me keep myself from disaster and build the best gaming rig that fits me!

~Bryce