SKYNET 1.0 Gaming PC [1st Build]

Hi everyone!
Good afternoon,

I hope I am placing this thread in the correct section. If it is not, please help me to transfer it to the correct one for better assistance.
First off, I would like to say that I know only know the basics of hardware. The most I know of computers is in the software field. This is the reason why I need the help of Overclock to guide me through this. In the process I would like to learn about most of the process of building a PC, what each part does, and what everything means when purchasing the parts. This way I can hopefully be prepared to help someone else in my place one day.

I want to build a Gamer PC.
I don’t want to go all out because I don’t have too much money and it’s not like I play video games every day. I am doing this for the sake of replacing my Xbox 360, learning how to build a PC on my own, and having a PC that can help me throughout school. I would like for it to play games like Fallout 3, New Vegas, Skyrim, and Battlefield 3 on good graphics and no lag. I’m not a hardcore gamer though so I don’t need something crazy good, just something that will last me some good time and I can upgrade when the time comes. This would be starting from scratch. I will need a monitor big enough to play the games well, a mouse and keyboard, and speakers as well. If I had to throw a budget out there I would say somewhere between $700-$1000. Again, I am not too familiar with prices either. After I get an idea of what works well with each other and where is the money’s worth, I can go and actually understand what I am looking at, as well as figure out realistically where the price range is for what I want.

As far as specifications, I’ll take your word for it. You guys know more than me. I’m not going for looks, just performance.

Thank you for all your help beforehand, I really appreciate it!
I promise to update the thread with pictures as I go through this of the PC itself and answer any questions you may have to help you figure out what the best build will be.

Best regards,
Edited by WOLFCOUNSELOR - 10/15/12 at 11:01am

Thank you sir!

Haha, I hope so. If it wasn't for the fact that I was completely lost with this, I wouldn't bother you guys with it but I really am. I've also started doing research on little things to learn here and there but nothing is better than suggestions from those who know first hand. I have learned that from experience. Any experience is gold, remember that. I know you guys can help me build a bad @ss PC for not too much $$$.

Thank you guys, I will definitely look at all of this as soon as I get home from work.
I just have one more question, if I wanted to go a little cheaper, whats something I can downgrade a bit and won't affect me as much?
Unfortunately I don't have a monitor, mouse, keyboard, or speakers so I will have to spend some money on all the extras as well.
It looks like its almost impossible to build something good for under a grand.