Expert Advice: Before you Buy a Computer

Sure, you could play videogames on an old, slow computer. You could also try playing tennis with a snowshoe, but if you want decent performance, neither approach is advisable.

Despite the popularity of the Nintendo Wii* and other gaming consoles, the personal computer is still a great platform for games, with millions of devoted players, and lots of new titles coming out each year. But today's graphically complex games call for a wide variety of high-performance hardware. Choosing the right game-friendly PC can be a daunting experience, unless you know what to look for.

Some hardcore gamers build their machines at home, but the legions of us who don't have time for that sort of thing-or just want to choose the right computer for a gaming enthusiast in our lives-generally prefer to order a computer online and have it built just the way we want it.

At that point, the question becomes: "Well, what do I ask for, if I want a machine that works great for videogames?" We can help. If you want a computer that provides a good environment for videogames, take a look at this PC gaming checklist, which covers all the essentials, before you go shopping.

Controllers

Although PC games can be played with a keyboard and mouse, many can be enhanced with specialized gaming controllers. From steering wheels for racing games, to joysticks for flying and shooting games, to high-performance gaming mice, it's all readily available. However, these extras should only be purchased once you know you need them.

Desktop

High-end laptops have the power to handle demanding games, but a desktop with the same specs will usually be cheaper. Desktop PCs tend to stay cooler, and can come with larger displays that make games look even better.

Hard drive

Since lots of the data used by games live on a computer's hard drive, you want a hard drive that 1) holds lots of data, and 2) can access that data fast. Most new computers come with large enough hard drives, but if you're willing to spend a little extra, you might be able to eke out better gaming performance by choosing the one with the highest RPM rating and largest cache.

Internet Connection

If you plan on playing online games, a fast connection is crucial, because even the fastest system performs sluggishly over a slow connection. Some providers offer different levels of service; you may find it necessary to upgrade.

Monitor

There was a time when only deep, desk-filling "CRT" monitors were capable of providing performance suitable for fast-paced videogames, but thanks to strides made in LCD monitor technology, choosing a monitor that's great for gaming no longer means surrendering most of your desk space. Any newish LCD monitor should have a low enough response time to suffice. Other than that, the main thing to keep in mind is that games generally look better on larger monitors.

Processor

A fast processor is key. Look for a high GHz (speed) rating and a multi-core processor. The "multi" means that it actually comprises two or more processors that team up to process data faster. The result? Fast, smooth game graphics. Some manufacturers sell computers with "factory overclocked" processors that are even better for gaming.

RAM (sometimes called "memory")

Computers and the games that run on them store the data they need to access fastest on these chips. You can upgrade RAM yourself, so long as you don't mind popping open your computer's case and inserting a chip. If that's the case, you can always install more later if it's inconvenient for you to include it with the purchase of a new computer. But if you want your computer to be great for gaming, you'll want to pack as many gigabytes of RAM into it as you can, one way or the other.

Sound Card

Videogames are like films; both are visual mediums that use audio to add meaning and nuance to the narrative. Many of the new computers sold today include a sound card built into their main circuit board (called the "motherboard"). Although these have improved over recent years, they mostly don't offer the solid performance of a dedicated sound card. You can add a quality sound card for relatively little. Models with 5.1 channel surround sound are preferable; even if you don't feel like buying surround sound speakers now, you might change your mind later.

Speakers

Most desktop computers ship with some sort of desktop speaker system, but it's often possible to add a higher-end model for a fuller gaming experience. A 2.1 speaker system (the "2.1" stands for 2 small desktop speakers plus a subwoofer) can provide decent sound, but a 5.1- (or even 7.1-) channel surround sound speaker system is even better. Want to hear that ninja creeping up behind you? You'd better have surround sound speakers back there.

Video Card

A high-quality video card designed with gaming in mind is well worth the extra expense. Battling a hillside of warriors is hard enough as it is, without the video jumps, jerks, and slowdowns caused by a subpar video card. When selecting one from an online merchant, it's generally a good idea to choose the best one you can afford. (The same rule applies when making decisions about processor and RAM.)

Windows*

You can find a few games for the Macintosh* operating system, but the vast majority of PC game developers make games for Windows. That said, if you absolutely must have a Mac* and you want to use it as a gaming machine, there is a way: buy a copy of Windows, install it on your Mac (using the Mac operating system's BootCamp feature, which allows it to run Windows), and reboot your computer every time you want to play a game. That's why Windows is widely preferred over Macintosh for gaming.