Want to construct a computer...

[PravusMentis]

Hey, I am in no mood to go out and buy some brand name computer for over a grand. Is it possible to just get a frame for the tower, a motherboard with 1gig or 800mhz PIII processor, 128MB RD RAM, and maybe 20gig for linux? I'll buy a monitor later on.

[Craig McPherson]

As always, Pricewatch is your friend.
http://www.pricewatch.com/

PIII/800MHz CPU and motherboard - $113US
20GB 7200RPM IBM Deskstar 60GXP - $80US
Crucial 256MB PC133 SDRAM - $31US

(Yes, you could get generic-brand RAM for $8 but you'd regret it down the road)

A mid-tower ATX case that's not luxurious but won't give you tetanus would run about $30 or less.