It all depends on your system memory (RAM),your graphics chip and your favourite genre. If you have Geforce4 or higher class card with 128MB VRAM and around 256-512 MB RAM you can play mostof today's games.
New to the IBM platform. Running XP. Want suggestions for your favorite games so I don't waste $ buying losers.. Thanks.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic