I am (finally) able to serious consider getting a new PC and would like to hear suggestions from gamers about what systems are good, reliable, and able to run the current crop of PC games coming out.  What are the minimal chip sets, PC models, etc., 

...  and, of course, the graphics cards. 

Unless someone convinces me otherwise, i will probably go to newegg to actually order it. 

Appreciate the wisdom and experience of people on these forums...

edit;  games =  EWOM / FE, Distant Worlds (next one - in development), Witcher 2, ES5 - Skyrim, Sword of the Stars (next one), etc  

Maybe streaming video off the internet.

PC = prefer desktop....

If I were to pay someone to put one together from new parts.. assemble, etc.