Leefree,

 

I found that you need at least 12 to 24 hrs to build a system before it's ready for use.  First, test as many components as possible BEFORE closing the case -- the last thing you want to do is install everything only to discover that the motherboard is bad (should take about 2 or so hours).  Next, after installing the operating system, install a few burn-in programs and run them over a 10 to 20-hour period.  If everything is stable, you're ready to install your remaining programs.  You could discard the burn-in programs as well, since it's unlikely that you'll need them again.

 

There are a number of Youtube videos that walk you through building a PC, including the burn-in programs to use.

Ah thanks. I should be able to get by with my 650ti until I can get me a 970, right?

Leefree,

 

I found that you need at least 12 to 24 hrs to build a system before it's ready for use.  First, test as many components as possible BEFORE closing the case -- the last thing you want to do is install everything only to discover that the motherboard is bad (should take about 2 or so hours).  Next, after installing the operating system, install a few burn-in programs and run them over a 10 to 20-hour period.  If everything is stable, you're ready to install your remaining programs.  You could discard the burn-in programs as well, since it's unlikely that you'll need them again.

 

There are a number of Youtube videos that walk you through building a PC, including the burn-in programs to use.

 

Ah good to know. Thanks for the tip

Well its been quite a while since I posted in this thread. I thought I would update you guys. I ended up going the way of intel and I am very happy with results of my PC build. Here are my specs:
 

DIYPC Skyline-07-G Black/Green SECC ATX Full Tower Gaming USB 3.0 Computer Case w/ 7 x 120mm Green fans

 

ASUS Z97-E/USB3.1 LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
 

CORSAIR Hydro Series H50 120mm Quiet Edition Liquid CPU Cooler – Intel Only

 

Rosewill ARC-650, ARC Series 650W Power Supply, 80 PLUS Bronze Certified, Single +12V Rail, Intel 4th Gen CPU Ready, SLI

 

Intel Core i7-4790K Devil’s Canyon Quad-Core 4.0GHz LGA 1150 BX80646I74790K Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4600

 

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-16GXM

 

SAMSUNG DVD WriterSATA Model SH-224FB/BSBE - OEM

 

And unfortunately I couldn't afford to get a higher end graphics card so I'm still using the Nvidia 650 ti, which by the way, I'm getting way better frame rates than I did on my AMD PC. I do plan on buying a GTX 970 4gb as soon as I get back to working and stuff. I've ditched FSX and upgraded to P3D v3 and I'm never going back. The PMDG 777 and Aerosoft Airbus are doing great as well as some of the major scenery addons I have. Orbx is just freakin phenomenal and Active Sky Next is bad &@($*! Thank you guys for your help that chimed in on this thread