Mario writes, "I'm looking to buy a gaming computer - not build one. Do you have any recommendations on what I should look out for when I'm choosing a gaming computer?"

Choosing a gaming computer is a lot like building a gaming computer - except, in your case, you're going to buy the computer pre-assembled rather than putting it together from scratch. Even in this case, the same rules apply:

• Pay attention to the video card - if you want blazing fast speed, then your video card is top priority (with the CPU close behind). A high end video card will always outperform a cheaper alternative. If you have a specific game in mind, find out which video cards people are running the game on to see which cards you should be looking at (the nVidia GTX series, though pricey, is the performance leader as of this writing).
• CPU speed still matters - everything that the video card doesn't handle is usually handled by the processor, and that means things like AI, sound, and networking. A faster processor is always welcome, but the "new wave" of processor technology is multi-core - the more cores on a processor, the more simultaneous threads it can run, which means you can run other applications (like chat) in the background, while you game.
• More space is great - if you can, try to get as much hard drive space as possible, without compromising the performance of the system. If the system offers a flash hard drive, and you can afford it, buy it. Otherwise, look for as much space as you can afford with the 10,000 (10k) and 7200 RPM hard drives.
• Monitors - whether the system comes with a monitor or not, you need to know what size your monitor is and the native resolution it supports. A 27" widescreen LCD monitor is great, but if it only supports 1024x768, you would be better off gaming on an old CRT monitor. Make sure the monitor you're buying is built for the resolution you plan to game at.
• Make sure your video card can handle the output - This may seem odd, but you have to make sure that your video card can actually perform at an acceptable level when drawing the screen at your monitors native resolution.

Beyond that, everything else is personal choice or a matter of budget concerns. If you can afford something better, go for it. If you like something in a different color, get that instead.

Do you have a question you need answered? E-mail me! lordkat@gmail.com

Click here to check out How to Build a Gaming Computer for Under $1000.

Be safe,

Jason