With this article, you'll know whether or not you need a discrete video card and if you do, what kind to get. Read on to learn how to choose a video card for your PC.

     Know your needs. If you play a lot of the latest games, you likely need a powerful video card to get the most impressive visuals. If you're sticking with Minesweeper, or if you don't play games, you're probably fine with onboard video.

     Understand the options. All PCs now come with onboard video. This lets you run Windows, browse the Internet, watch movies and play older games without a discrete video card. Having a separate card dedicated to video allows you to view movies in high definition and play new games. There are two main technologies for video cards, AGP and PCI-E. AGP is the older technology, while PCI-E is a newer one, and your PC will only support one of them. Check your computer's manual to find out which kind of graphics card it supports.

      Pick a price range. After you've determined that you want to purchase a video card, you should decide how much you're willing to spend and put it as your price ceiling. Like so many things, it can be easy to spend far too much than you intended on video cards.

      Read reviews. There are dozens of manufacturers of video cards, and they all make a number of cards. The two overarching options are Nvidia and ATI. Nvidia and ATI cards come in endless varieties, and each manufacturer tweaks them to their own specifications. Make sure you pick a good card for your needs.

      Decide on extras. Some cards come with extra large heatsinks to dissipate all the heat they put out, while others are lined with LEDs programmed to light up in colorful patterns. Some extras add performance, while others are purely for aesthetic purposes. Find a card with the extras you're interested in.

      Buy it. Order the card online or buy it from a local computer store. Video cards can be trickier to install than other components, and require you to load software as well. Make sure you follow all the steps in the directions that are package with your card, and get to gaming.

You need the perfect gaming computer, but need a little help in deciding. Look no further, for the answer is here.

    Find a gaming computer seller by searching the internet for something like "gaming computer," or "game computer." Some examples of popular sellers include iBuyPower, CyberPower, and Alienware.

    Decide how much you want to spend, and if it will be worth it. The price of computer components (especially the CPU and video card) fall rapidly after they're released. If getting a good deal is imperative, resist buying the more expensive computers--focus on ones with one or two-year old technology. On the other hand, if you need the highest possible frame rate for the latest game, don't hold back. Spend everything you've got and then some, and enjoy a few days (literally) knowing you couldn't have done better.

    If money isn't an issue, but you still want to get a good deal, then check the minimum requirements as well the recommended requirements for the games you want to play. Always buy a computer that at least meets the recommended requirements, as you would be lucky if the minimum requirements got you past the title screen.

    The last thing you need to consider is the style and color of the case. The case is the visual representation of how great your computer is, so it's critical that you choose a good one, and even more so if your computer is lacking on the inside where it really counts. The last thing you want is a case that's great on the inside, but less-than-perfect on the outside--especially when the decision is in your hands. Choose wisely.