The site buyxg.com build my custom computer over a year ago for $1,500 and I keep seeing peeps with computer specs, that I consider worse than mine, for $2k+.

If I could get an i7 920, 12GB 1600 RAM, SSD, decent video card with lots of VRAM, and all the extras (nice case with big fans, big power supply, etc) for $1,500 a year ago, then you better be sure you're getting bang for your buck at 2k.