Protips:
If you are going break $1000, I'd get a liquid cooling system! Why? Because you can overclock it to insane speeds!
Get a big case, nice PSU, and quality RAM.
Agree on the LCS. But not a custom LCS, those are for the pro-builders. Dob is just a first time builder. x)
Dob, $1000+ can get you an SLi/CrossFire setup. Maybe SLi 550s or CF 6790s, which are total overkill (in power, heat, and wallet). I suggest your budget be $900 and spend the remaining $$$ on peripherals and such. A new desk or chair or monitor and whatnot. If you're gonna build, here's my recommended components:
CPU: Core i3-2120 = $149.99 (Because in reality, only a handful of games truly support multi-cores)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...077&cm_re=core_i3_2120-_-19-115-077-_-Product
MoBo: ECS P67H2-A3 = $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135279&cm_re=p67-_-13-135-279-_-Product
Video Card: EVGA SuperClock GTX 560 = $189.99 (Gotta love EVGA's warranty)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130661
-OR-
PowerColor Radeon HD 6870 = $188.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131373&cm_re=6870-_-14-131-373-_-Product
RAM: G.SKILL 2GBx2 sticks = $44.99 (4GB should suffice. But if you want to, buy 2 more sticks for 8GB total)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231180
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 LCS = $69.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181015&Tpk=corsair h60
HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB = $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...136533&cm_re=wd_caviar-_-22-136-533-_-Product
-OR-
2x WD Caviar Black 500GB = 2*$59.99 = $119.98 (Set them up in a RAID0 config. Much faster than a single drive)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136795&Tpk=wd caviar black 500
ODD: LG SuperMulti Drive = $18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136216
-OR-
Salvage one from an old PC. Just make sure it's SATA. The mobo has no PATA ports.
PSU: Corsair AX750 80+Gold = $169.99 (May be pricey, but it's much much more efficient so it doesn't hurt your electrical bill. 750W is the lowest in offer, a little overkill I know. Should give PLENTY of headroom for upgrades and OC'ing)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139016
Case: Antec Three Hundred = $59.95 (Good airflow)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
-OR-
If you care about the looks, and want a case that says "I'm built for gaming", take a look here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000007&IsNodeId=1&Description=nzxt&name=Computer Cases&Order=BESTMATCH
OS: W7 Home Premium 64-bit = $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...116986&cm_re=windows_7-_-32-116-986-_-Product
Total = approx. $980+
[OPTIONAL] OCZ Vertex 2 40GB SSD = $104.99 (Trust me, for the price you pay vs time wasted, an SSD is a worthwhile investment. If you plan on buying this, make sure you set this as the boot drive and enable TRIM)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227610
Innovera compressed air duster = $8.99 (You know.)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16848043430&Tpk=compressed air
Some words of advice:
1. Cable management is a must, so as not to interrupt airflow.
2. Double-check your double-check.
3. Buy all components at the same time to test them if they work out of the box.
4. Rid yourself of static electricity or your components go bye-bye.
5. Don't overtighten screws.
6. Take a break once in a while and rest.
7. Build during the day, sleep at night to build another day. (In other words, avoid building at night)
8. Carpets are your enemy
9. Always check manufacturer's website for updates drivers.
10. If possible, don't put the computer on the floor.
11. Don't put that W7 key right away when installing the OS. Make sure you get every component working and updated THEN put in the activation key.
Hope this helps.
~JF