New possible pc

[Yimmeryams]

The case USB port type is only for the USB ports on the case.

So, you will have 6 USB 3.0 ports on your motherboard, regardless of the case.

Then, depending on which case you get, you will have an additional:

912: 2x USB 2.0
932: 2x USB 3.0, 4x USB 2.0

As for having a full tower, it's pretty much just having extra room, and on the two specific cases you linked, the bigger one has more USB ports.

I don't know where you're planning on putting it, but make sure the case will fit. My case won't fit in the pre-built computer space in some desks. Most store=bought are mATX and smaller than a lot of mid-towers, and also weigh less.

Anyway, I'm not really sure if it's worth an extra $90. If it's worth it to you, go for the bigger case.

EDIT: There is a lot of space for extra fans and stuff, I do like that.

[Yimmeryams]

Commenting on the cooler (CNPS9500):

Be careful with it, because some people have said it's very sharp. Also, make sure you grab a tube of Arctic Silver 5 and use that instead of the thermal grease that comes with it. It looks like a good cooler.

EDIT: Second comment, and very important. Make sure the site you get it from comes with the 1156 mounting bracket. The one in your part list does not. Or you can buy the bracket separately, but I haven't looked for it.
Edit2: At least I think it doesn't come with it. I might be wrong.

[Crazyheals]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/aSBb

tuned down the RAM to 8gb, i keep being told i dont need 16, not like i cant always upgrade anyway. Changed the case due to some reddit recommendations and a review of it i read on toms hardware.

[Allepac]

I had the original phantom in one of my last builds. Good case for sure.

The CNPS9500 is very sharp for sure I have cut myself a bunch for being stupid and not paying attention. Was my favorite fan back before Corsair made these new liquid cooling systems. Don't want to throw more options at you but if you don't mind spending another $10 I really like this. So simple to install and works great.
Corsair H40: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... sair%20h40
Corsair H60: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... sair%20h60

[Crazyheals]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/aTwd

with allepacs new cpu cooler, so all my componets will work together and putting this all together/installing OS isn't going to be a fucking bitch?

I think my final two questions are is am i making the best decision for my 680 as far as getting the gigabyte one and same question for my mobo

[Allepac]

It shouldn't be a total bitch. But you just have to be patient and take your time putting it together. When we do it, it takes a while cause we make sure the cabling and everything is done nicely. Will you run into issues... Most likely yes. Little things can always pop up unexpectedly but you will work through them. I have faith you can do it. You're not stupid.

[Yimmeryams]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/aTwd

with allepacs new cpu cooler, so all my componets will work together and putting this all together/installing OS isn't going to be a fucking bitch?

I think my final two questions are is am i making the best decision for my 680 as far as getting the gigabyte one and same question for my mobo

I don't have enough experience with different brands or part types to comment on the quality of Gigabyte over other brands. I don't know if it's the best decision, but it's definitely a good one, and not the worst.

My Gigabyte motherboard works splendidly. I assume that the GPU will perform similarly.

Other experiences I've had:

Palit GPU: works just fine but they supposedly have awful support and don't even deal with the US anymore because of some issue of some sort.

MSI GPU: the actual card works fine, but the fans have broken multiple times (Twin Frozr II design). I currently have the shroud and stock fans off, and I use a homemade cardboard cereal box shroud and some smaller CPU fans strapped on the heatsink with zip ties. I didn't try getting it fixed or RMA'd or anything because I'm lazy, and I have not talked with their customer support. My experience probably is not the norm.

G.Skill RAM: works fine, no issues.

Western Digital HDD: works fine, no issues. I got it before the natural disasters.

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Putting everything together is simple enough to figure out. It's basically just putting things where they fit, and figuring out where you want your cables to go.

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EDIT: That Gigabyte card you have picked out is pretty wicked. It's factory overclocked like awesome and looks like it has a good cooling solution.