Thinking of buying a gaming monitor? These are some of the characteristics that should be taken into account

o there is almost a week in which we do not have launches within the _gaming_ segment and monitors are the star product. Monitors designed to exploit the characteristics of our videogames to the fullest either on PC or console and with products of all kinds of prices and features for all users.

The problem is that the range in which to choose the monitor that adapts to our needs is such that the task of finding the right one is becoming more and more complicated Not all of us have the same needs or the same budget, factors that ultimately condition our final decision. It is therefore convenient to look at a series of points to hit the right monitor.

Resolution

We have to find a screen with a resolution suitable for what we are looking for, taking into account that more number of pixels is almost certain that we will have to pay a higher price. The most common are QHD monitors with 2,560 x 1,440 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, although we can find 21:9 models with 3,440 x 1,440 pixels .

If those figures are too long for us, we can always choose to get a Full HD of those of a lifetime.Of course, we must bear in mind that those 1,920 x 1,080 pixels may fall short if what we want is to exploit the latest generation games and machines. In this case, it is advisable to look for a screen with UHD resolution.

Refresh Rate

Hercio in Spanish (Hz) comes from the word Hertz, the unit of measurement for frequency in the International System of Units. With this unit we are going to measure the number of times an event is repeated during one second. In the case of a panel, the higher the value, the more images per second the screen will be able to display.

Thus, we find monitors that go as a general rule from 60 Hz, which is the minimum required, although to be able to play at full capacity, your thing is to opt for a model that offers 144 Hz or more, since there are some more exclusive ones that reach 240 Hz.

Response time

Another of the base values ​​when comparing monitors is the response time. Measured in milliseconds, this value tells us how much time elapses since a pixel changes from one color to another You have to find the lowest possible value to avoid the annoying _blur_ effect in the images and that these look blurry, especially noticeable in scenes with fast movements.

Format and display shape

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Whether the screen is curved or flat is something that depends on the taste of each user, although it is convenient to study beforehand the room in which we are going to place it , since a curved monitor requires greater control of external light sources to avoid possible reflections, while it recommends us to play centered to have better image quality.Of course, being close to it, something that usually happens when playing, we will get an impression of greater immersion."

16:9, 21:9… is another value to highlight The aspect ratio of the screen. The ones that are most often seen are those that offer a 16:9 ratio (what we have come to call panoramic monitors), although those with a 21:9 aspect are increasingly abundant. The problem with these is that they are not supported by some games.

Panel Type

There are differences depending on the type of panel used. IZGO, PLS, TN, IPS, VA are the most common and we must choose the most appropriate. Today, the most widespread are LED-type IPS panels, which are characterized by offering a shorter response time and more faithful colors.

Its reduction in final cost and production has displaced other alternatives such as those of the TN or VA type, ideal for games for almost completely eliminate the ghosting effect in fast movements. How in consideration its color and light is worse.

What is convenient is that it is a _gaming_ monitor, designed for use with games and thus appears in the indications. A _gaming_ monitor is not the same as one oriented for other functions such as cinema or graphic design.

Connectivity

We are going to look above all for a good number of HDMI connections, the most widespread type of connector and valid for a large number of devices . A connection that is almost always of type 1.4, an aspect that should be controlled. But HDMI doesn't come alone.

Thus, along with HDMI we can find from a component input, DisplayPort or even DVI so that we can connect other two sources (imagine a Nintendo WII for components, a PC that is a few years old for DVI and a PS4 for HDMI).

In addition USB ports are essential. The more number the better and if among them we find a USB Type-C port we can already be satisfied. The downside is that looking for all the features together on the same monitor is not an easy task.

Image Enhancement Technologies

Whether we use it with a console or with a computer, monitors usually incorporate a series of technologies that are focused on improving the image Well taking care of eye he alth or adapting the displayed image to the one offered by the machine's graphic output. The screens have to adapt to the image that reaches them.

In this last case we include the two best known. This is G-Sync or FreeSync (FreeSync2 is already working), Nvidia and AMD's own technologies that allow the monitor to adapt the displayed image to the frequency of our graph.

In addition, we found improvements to reduce the effects of light from the panel on our eyes. Here the number is huge. Flicker Free, Low Blue Light or Brightness Intelligence are some of them. It is above all about avoiding annoying flickers, reducing the emission of blue light or some measures that our eyes will appreciate.

At this point we already know which monitor we want and we have to see the prices A Full HD monitor focused on games and about 22 inches than a 4K model or a 21:9 model with all kinds of technologies inside. In this case, we must adapt to our pocket, because we find an incredible variety of prices that can exceed 1000 euros or stay at less than 200 euros