Let me start by saying I am an Intel user (AMD fans may have other suggestions) but I will say ......with LGA 775 out all the socket 478 gear is getting cheaper, PCI Express hardly matches AGP at this point in time let alone excedes it, so we'll forget about that ...... a socket 478 (I875/I865) chipset m/board with a 3 - 3.2 HT cpu, 1 gig ddr 400 ram, a basic video card (FX something but I guess the Radeon fans will have input on this too), DVD rom/burner and a hdd big enough to suit. This may be a tad over $1000 but trimming vid card and hdd (ram/cpu if you're really pushed for $$$), case $100 or so ..... (check psu for wattage) I reckon if you shop around under a grand should be achievable.
You dont say which state so google these:
Umart (charge freight)
Gamedude (charge freight)
Auspcmarket (don't charge freight so prices are slightly higher but service is best)
I've had a few beers so you have to find the links yourself
