New to PC Gaming - Racing Sims Advice

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Hi, I have just ordered a new PC and it will be my first desktop after 7 years of laptop ownership - therefore I'm keen to get a couple of good racing sims for it. Up until now I've just stuck with games on the PS2 and am a big fan of Gran Turismo, TOCA and Burnout for fun. The new PC isnt gamer focused, but is a Pentium 4 and hopefully will be ok for some games.

The advice I'm after is what are the best games to opt for? I've seen lots of posts on GT Legends, GTR, etc.. but do I need high spec machinery for this? Also, would it be pointless getting them without a wheel and pedals?

Thanks in advance and looking forward to some PC

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Cheers Lockstock,

The PC is a Dell (nice and cheap!!)

Intel Pentium 4 2.80GHz 1MB Cache
XP Media Centre Edition
512 MB Dual Channel DDR 400MHz (2x256MB DIMM) Memory
160GB 7200rpm Hard Drive (do they make one with V-Tec??? )
17" Flat Panel Monitor

No idea on Graphics Card - any idea what Dells normally come with?

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As far as I can make out, it will have:-

Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900

Was tempted to upgrade to higher memory, but the cost with Dell was prohibitive. All in I got the above for £405 so pretty happy with the deal. I assume I can upgrade fairly easily as and when I want/need to.

Going back to the Steering Wheel point, I don't suppose you know if the Force Feedback Wheel from Gran Turismo on the PS2 will work? It connects via USB and its just collecting dust at the moment...