I live in a dorm that has untraceable power consumption and since I over pay for the low quality of it I'd like to have fun and tinker with Mining
Currently I have a GTX970 with I7 5280k....it hasnt been rebuilt since moving here. COuld I mine when not using it then keep it as my gaming computer when I want it?
If I was to invest in mining what would be a good set up taking into account energy efficiency is irrelevant...infact with winter coming may need the inefficent power plant to warm up my room
Personally, I think in your situation I would start using winminer right now and figure everything else out as I go. You can download it and be mining in about 5 mins. Very easy, you are paid in USD, you can stop the program anytime you want to game.
From there, I would start looking around for used gear. Once you get past 2 cards it gets bulky and cumbersome. Because you need so little as far as cpu goes, you can find a cheap old Athlon or Dual core and just add cards.
You forgot in your calculations on the power supply. For work, the GPU needs a powerful power supply. It is not too little money. Better to know approximately what is the number of the GPU you intend to connect and to take the power supply with the ability to connect the required number of lines. You also need to understand that during the hours with the GPU there is noise from the fans. Your neighbors may resent.