My system cost me less than $1000 two years ago. I just upgraded my videocard to a x1950 pro ($150) and I can max out everything but Crysis. Even so, Crysis plays fine and still looks great on medium. I'm actually quite sick of people giving Crysis so much shit, it still looks better than almost every game on the market even on medium settings. Currently I could build a brand new system for less than $1000 that could max Crysis, no AA and not super high-resolutions, but that's a lot to ask for. Some might scoff at the $1000 price tag, but it's a computer and there is far more you can do with it than just play videogames.
Also, to the topic creator: Do some research before even bothering with PC games.