I'd go for a kind of hybrid of most systems, as most parts on the top build are not really any more powerful than on the ones below. The only real upgrade on the build above is the SSD, and the 970.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
| Type | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor | $179.49 @ SuperBiiz |
| Motherboard | ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard | $89.99 @ SuperBiiz |
| Memory | G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $55.99 @ Newegg |
| Storage | Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $104.98 @ OutletPC |
| Storage | Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $53.99 @ NCIX US |
| Video Card | Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card | $309.99 @ Amazon |
| Case | Inwin 901 Mini ITX Tower Case | $134.99 @ Newegg |
| Power Supply | Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply | $64.99 @ Amazon |
| Optical Drive | Samsung SN-208FB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer | $19.98 @ Newegg |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) | $92.00 @ B&H |
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts | ||
| Total | $1106.39 | |
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-07 05:02 EST-0500 |
Something like this would be very nice, as it has an actual quad-core processor, SSD, 970 with it's low heat output and power requirements, and a lot nicer PSU.