@Coseniath Yeah, you're right. But I had selected MSI in my build because at that time it was at $330. In fact, most GTX 970s were at $330, except for the overclocked ones. What do you think of the EVGA version ACX 2.0? I first had my eyes on that but I like the black/red design of the MSI more.

What's the difference between different versions of 970 from the same brand? I mean there are like 5 versions of 970 manufactured by MSI alone, and have different price points. Similarly, I've seen 3 versions of the Gigabyte card and 8 versions of the EVGA card.

Do the cheapest versions work as good as the more expensive ones? Can they be overclocked to the same frequencies? What's the difference?

And, thanks a lot @Coseniath for your effort. I really appreciate it. You're very helpful.
Thanks to @insane_metalist and @PredatorRules as well. I'll check out your links.

Sorry, I must have skipped them somehow. I'll have a look.

EDIT: Both those builds don't include a monitor or keyboard, not to mention they go up to $1100. The thing to note here is that the build 'must include a monitor' and still be around $1000.

@Coseniath Why did you choose a Strix over an MSI when both are around $330? I 've read that although the difference is very small but the Strix is the lowest in performance compared to the Gigabyte or MSI. One more thing, I've noticed that the GPU comparisons almost never have the EVGA, MSI, Gigabyte and ASUS in the same comparison. I want to spend $330 on the 970 but I can't decide between the EVGA ACX 2.0, MSI and Gigabyte.

I don't see many. Coseniath is the only one who proposed two complete builds around $1000. He's the only one who's helped so far. I'd like to see more of such posts. Others are just fooling around.

Ok, I get it. Desktop rules over laptops.

Now can I get suggestions for the custom build?

@FelipeInside: Don't generalize me with "today's generation". It's just because I don't know much about computers.

@PredatorRules: Okay, so 3 years at Ultra 1080p. That's not so bad. But what are my upgrade choices after that?

@Coseniath I'm waiting for Windows 10, so that doesn't need to be considered in the list. Can you edit that and somehow fit in a 4690k and a 970. I couldn't do it myself, that's why I'm asking you guys for help.

@PredatorRules: Will I be able to run most games that come out in the next 5 years on Ultra @1080p? And what should I upgrade to by then? CrossFire or new card? And does CrossFire work between an old and a new card?

Is the R9 290 as future-proof as the GTX 970? You said that it can overclock to match the 970's performance, but can't the 970 be overclocked itself to go even further? And no, I don't plan on going to 4k anytime soon; maybe I will after 5 years, when it becomes common stuff.

My next PC doesn't need to be portable. The point of a laptop is thus ruled out. Now what I need is a list of components I must put in my next "desktop".

@Coseniath That's a good list but I've been thinking of getting a 4690k and a 970 for a long time, that is, to future-proof my PC. That's so I won't have to spend much in the next 5 years; maybe upgrade the graphics, but not much else. I've been working on my own list for the past month, and here's what I got so far:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/zMLCkL

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/zMLCkL/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($232.99 @ Amazon)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Amazon)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($70.69 @ Amazon)

Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($58.80 @ Amazon)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Amazon)

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($386.35 @ Amazon)

Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($70.00)

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($84.52 @ Amazon)

Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($27.87 @ Amazon)

Total: $1021.20

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-15 15:28 EDT-0400

Any way you could modify this list and bring down the cost?

Yeah, Alienware is way too overpriced. You can build a much better PC for the same price.

But judging from your console background, I'd guess you don't want to build yourself a PC and get a pre-built one instead. So I say go for it.