This is the system I would suggest:
CPU: AMD Phenom II Quad Core 3.0Ghz $177 LINK
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-MA770T $96 LINK
OCZ 2GB DDR3 1333Mhz *2 $124 LINK
Sony DVDRW $31 LINK
Antec P183 $196 LINK
Antec Earthwatts 550W modular $116 LINK
Western Digital 500GB $70 LINK
HD 5850 $355 LINK
Samsung 24" LED Monitor $455 LINK
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit $112 LINK
Subtotal: $1732
Total W/Installing $1832
Plus shipping.
How was that for nailing a budget?
Tease.