build gaming pc - under $1000

Im looking into buying a gaming pc.i dont want to spend a lot of money($1000 maximum), but i dont need good graphics, i just want to run most games smoothly on medium to low settings. firstly im not sure whether i should build my own or not. ive never built a pc before but ive got a few friends who could help me out with it. basically could you suggest any parts i should consider buying . ive done some research into building a pc but the idea still seems daunting and any help would be greatly appreciated

Of course, you'd be able to max most games... I don't know if that's what you wanted...d-rtyboy