tip, it shouldn't cost a grand to get a decent system built, "but" you'll find many out there that will charge you big time like it's alot of extra work or config, BS, dell sells a p4 2-3gightz system for around 600 bucks, not that i recomend dell, mostly (OEM) parts, but you may find a builder who is willing to build you a system for the hardware cost plus say, 200 bucks would be very reasonable, if it takes him a day to build it and install the OS and config the system hardware drivers, the main thing about a computer is the motherboard (imho) and if it's upgradeable, there's ton's of cheap junky motherboards being pushed/offered/sold everyday, i use epox, asus, msi, don't mess with abit anymore, and a few others i can't recall right now but i like epox boards, (extra IDE) i've installed over a hundred i'm sure and only had 2 or 3 come back with issues, the rest of a system is pretty much OEM, CD/flop/cables/case etc etc...
no, not the cpu...
your hard drive is another piece of hardware you should take notice of, (always keep it cool (with fan) it keeps all your data, WD, Maxtor i've used with good success/results, i haven't kept up with the drives as of lately so a search of reviews should help you make a decision there...
it's not that hard but i can under stand where your coming from, it took me a few tries at first...
newegg.com has great service and a large selection of hardware, audio cards also...
peace, good luck...