What to look for in a new Computer?

Hey everyone, first off I'm new to this site so I am not sure if this thread is in the right Category.

Basically all I want to know is what should I look for in a computer. I want it to be a medium level gaming computer and the price tag would have to be around 1-1.5k

My current Computer is extremely old school and I can't even play games that were made in 2000 without it lagging. Here is my computer specs:

System Model: OptiPlex GX260
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.26GHz
OS: Windows XP
RAM: 512mb
Graphics: Intel(R) 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller

So would anyone be willing to list some things I should look out for when buying a Medium level gaming desktop.

PS. I'm kind of noob at this stuff...

Cheers!

So you're saying that a medium gaming computer will cost about $1000

Would you mind listing some components that would make up a decent gaming desktop please?

I'm saying if you want medium, you can build it in the $600 to $700 range. However, if you're buying a pre-built computer with the same specs prepare to add another $150 to $200.

For decent gaming experience, IMO the two most important components will be the monitor and GPU. You'll want at least a 22" monitor but now for another $30 or $40. I'd get a 23 or 24" monitor.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824236059

ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor = $189

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150361

XFX GX260XADJF GeForce GTX 260 Core Edition Core 216 = $179

(With the heat of perfromance videocards, you will want one with a lifetime warranty)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115037
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz = $167

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131329
ASUS P5QL PRO LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard = $87
(Will easily let you run the e8400 to 3.6 Ghz, 1600 FSB on stock voltage)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835186134
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm = $32

RAM and HD are all about the same to me, add another $130
PSU, case add another $100

Less than $900 for the above.

Since you planned all the way to $1,500 you can go to i7 940 CPU and mobo and a GTX 275 but the extra $600 or 66 percent you spend extra will not give you 60 or 50 or even an additional 30% performance gain in your gaming framerates.