Selecting the right gaming desktop computer can be a tough call. There are so many quality makes and models out there it can be overwhelming. You might be tempted to forgo some fancy options for a cheaper price. This can be risky.

If you go for economy over features, you may end up disappointed a few months down the line if it won’t run the latest game on the market. Here are some important tips that will help you be more comfortable with your selection.

Resolution. It’s critical that the PC you buy will support your LCD’s native resolution. It’s even better if it can support its maximum resolution, too.

So what is native resolution? Native resolution refers to the number of pixels it supports without scaling the image up or down. If your PC doesn’t have a video card that supports native resolution you may sacrifice image quality.

Interface type. Take note that DVI cables will often provide a sharper image than when VGA cables are used. Be sure that the video connectors on the PC match the monitor. Converters are available but they don’t always work. They may also sacrifice image quality.

If you’re a high end gaming enthusiast, you shouldn’t buy a computer with integrated video. Sure, it may save you money but you will sacrifice quality. To get that low price it likely means that other components were not included.

A better option is to buy a PC that has a dedicated video card. Do some research online and read some reviews before making your choice. You should be able to find out if the one you’re considering is powerful enough to play your games with the desired video resolution. A PCI express 2.0 card will give you what you need for serious gaming.

However, if you only play Flash or Facebook games, you can stick with integrated video.