Hello im new to this site and to computer gaming i havealways been a console man so i  DONT know anything about computers really but i want to get a good one for gameing. my price range is around 1,000-1,500$ if its like 1,600/1,700 thats close enough for me.  So if u could tell me whats most importent for game play and graphics and stuff or just a set up you would get yourself it would help me out alot. Thank you very much Here's 20,600,000 links that may help your quest:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=how+to+choose+gaming+computer

And a good one to start with:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/games/expert/gamingpcs.mspxThat Microsoft guide is 2 years old!OK well that helped me out allot least i know what im kinda looking for now but i could use aa little more help TRYING to customize this comp for the type of games im going to be playing. The 1st game i plan on geting is Phantasy Star Univers. It should work ok on most comps but it looks to have alot of action and i dont want to get KILLED in the lag. The next games would be Spore and Suprem comander(this ones not coming out for awhile tho), and for those i also dont want lag but i really just want them to look freaking awesome graphics wise.
Ill Post later with my Idea of an Entry LvL PC, My Gaming Rig cost me 1700Euro , and its High Spec,IMO

If your Willing to Pay that much ill Make some Suggestions, dont have time to put into it now , got to catch a Bus Quote

That Microsoft guide is 2 years old!

No i dont have any parts i can use only comp we have/ever had is the one im useing now and its the crapy old family computer.

I think i am narrowing it down though, im looking at the HP Pavilion a1540n at best buy, its graphics card and power sup are kinda low thought i think so i would have to get better ones i dont  know yet though please keep telling me what yall think