Is there a "better" modem/router combo used for gaming? Wireless is not needed (or used) Need something for Qwest/Centurylink 1.5mb. (Faster was not available in my area) Current is the m1000,seems real cheap type..

No experience swapping out a dsl modem, only cable. In that case, Motorola SB's are the way to go.
On the router, at this point I'd avoid Cisco/Linksys. Just not happy, and my most recent was a high end WRT 610N. Fine wired, but wireless wasn't reliable. Might as well keep wireless in mind even if you don't need it right now. Pains me to say that about Cisco too. LOL
Not long ago I bought a D-Link DGL 4500. VERY nice router if you enjoy manual set up. NOT because it's claim as a "gaming" router, but just due to a ton of configuration options. Extensive QOS listing, which is why they call it a "gaming" router and a few other options that they did develop well. It's not like any router with decent options can't be configured well for gaming though. The price is now excellent on this thing, I got mine for about $85 by catching it at the right time on Amazon. The current version runs about $250. Unlike the 610N, it's not a simultaneous dual band router, it's either/or 2.4 or 5 GHz. No matter though, it's been rock solid.

If having issues, power cycle the modem & router by unplugging the power for a minute, then give it a shot. Home equipment just isn't all that great in the wider scheme of things. Find the QOS settings in your router, set your gaming rig as the highest priority. It's not magic, but it does help IF you have mixed outbound traffic. If your gaming rig is the only device running though, it won't do anything for you.