[Solved] Looking for a $1K Gaming PC guide.

I just read about the sandy bridge SATA and RAM issues. I am no longer all that interested in building a new system at this time.

Hello, I want to purchase/build a new PC that will be capable of running Crysis 2 well. It's been about 4 years since I've built a machine, and I really dislike the process of having to relearn what's the best for the money these days, and then hunt down compatible parts. I'd like to keep the cost around $1,000. I was hoping someone might be able to link me to an article where someone built a comparable machine relatively recently.


I figured I should add some more details about what I'm looking for, in case someone feels in the mood to post a build right in here.

What I do not need/want
Hard Drive/s
Overclock potential - I don't want to mess with it, so don't include a part just because it has good overclock potential
Visuals/Style - I don't care about LEDs, I don't care about having a see through case
Watercooling
System mobility
Operating system
Monitor/s, speakers, keyboard, mouse

What I'm looking for (flexible)
Quad core would be nice
Tons of ram would be nice
A system case - could pick one up at Microcenter
Good cooling - a nice copper heatsink
Something that will likely tide me over as a good gaming machine for a few years.


My own sad research
Based on looking around, I'm thinking about these parts. If they are good things to go with, or you have alternatives to suggest, please also include what other pieces of the system I should pair with it

Video Card AMD HD 6950 - $276
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] _-14102914

CPU Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz - $328
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 62334&SID=

Best answer selected by magneticllama.