Munich - The term gaming may sound like fun, but there's more work involved than you would imagine. The most important thing is finding the right computer to meet your gaming requirements.

All computers do not have the same functions and some simply will not cut it for serious gamers. More advanced games require constant hardware upgrades. Shoppers should ask fundamental questions about their hardware. Does the game require a computer that can render virtual worlds and breathtaking graphics? Or will an ordinary PC fit the bill?

"Most people don't need the most up-to-date computer with cutting edge processors and graphics cards," says Michael Wolf of Berlin's Stiftung Warentest, a consumer reports organization.

But serious gamers have different needs. Anyone who wants to keep up with advances in gaming software and ensure that their machine can handle the latest games should take a closer look at their PC's individual components.

Tastes vary and some gamers buy each component separately and set up their computer themselves. Others want high performance, but do not want to put a lot of time and effort into assembling the hardware. Those customers have greater choice when choosing components, but need more time and run the risk of sub-standard work.

Meanwhile, people without a lot of technical skill should have no problem finding what they want. "A fully-loaded PC is recommended," says Daniel Visarius of GameStar, a Munich-based magazine.

Some basic knowledge is needed when buying a pre-made PC. "You have to take a closer look at the contents," says Visarius.

Customers should be particularly careful with the graphics card. Your dream machine may come with a 1,024-megabyte graphics card. But that card might not be able to keep up with a high-quality 512-megabyte model. The version that looks initially weaker may perform "at least five times faster" with games.

Heiko Tomfelde, manager of game publisher Ascaron advises customers overwhelmed by the variety of graphics cards: "A high-end graphics card from the last generation - not the most recent generation - is always the best choice. Buying an older card usually means you'll have a card that supports your game. In general, today's games were developed for these cards."

Furthermore, Tomfelde notes that switching to older generations of cards can often mean cheaper prices, due to rapid developments in cards. Customers can get tips from tests published online and in magazines.

After the graphics card, the computer's processor and its working memory or RAM are the next most important items. Visarius recommends at least two gigabytes of RAM, but four gigabytes never hurts. He also recommends that anyone with money to spare invests in a processor such as the Core 2 Quad Q9300.

Some gaming magazines publish regular data on the benefits of different computing configurations. A 500-euro (714 dollars) combination may include an Athion 64 X2/6000+ processor, two gigabytes of RAM and a Sparkle GF 8800 G5/512 megabyte graphics card. A 1,000-euro version may include a Core 2 Quad Q9300 processor with four gigabytes and a Sapphire Radeon HD 4870/512 MB graphics card.

Again, those who do not want to build their own machine can find these computers with these specifications at most local computer shops, leaving more time for gaming.

Nonetheless, contemporary top-model gaming machines will not always be cutting edge. Visarius says gamers should expect to reach their limits fairly quickly. Even if today's computer can run all current releases at top quality, the next generation of games hits stores six months from now. Some will not work at maximum capacity on older machines and within a year, none will. (dpa)