The Best Capture Cards
Verified by
Hadleigh V. Lead Product Analyst
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The Elgato Game Capture 4K X is the card that finally moved external capture into the HDMI 2.1 era, and Dexerto's Sayem Ahmed handed it a full 5 out of 5. It records 4K at up to 144Hz and 1080p at 240Hz, passes 4K144 with VRR and HDR10 through to your display, and does all of it over USB-C without opening your PC. PCGamesN's Edward Chester ranks it the best card for 4K work, and Dexerto's key point is that it undercuts the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 while matching its headline specs. The box even includes a premium HDMI 2.1 cable that Dexerto rated a cut above most others. For creators who want modern capture in a portable unit, this is the one that keeps turning up at the top.
What It Won't Do
Only one HDMI 2.1 cable ships in the box, so passthrough needs a second, and Dexerto found real input lag if you play through the software preview window instead of the monitor passthrough.
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S (GC553Pro) is PC Gamer's outright best overall pick, and it earns that on value. It captures 4K at 60fps with HDR and supports VRR with 1440p144 and 1080p240 passthrough, which TechPowerUp measured without noticeable input lag. What makes it the value winner is the gap to the flagships: it lands around $150 or less, well under the $250 Elgato 4K X, because it uses HDMI 2.0 instead of 2.1. For the streamer who records at 4K60 and never touches a 4K144 monitor, that trade removes cost, not capability.
What It Won't Do
The native software has limitations that PC Gamer flags as its weak point, and the HDMI 2.0 port means no 4K144 passthrough for high-end PC monitors.
Who Should Buy Which
Elgato Game Capture 4K X
The external card that finally brings HDMI 2.1 and 4K144 capture in one box, which Dexerto scored a full 5 out of 5.
- Creators who want 4K high-refresh capture without installing a PCIe card
- Streamers on PS5, Xbox Series X or Steam Deck who need HDMI 2.1 passthrough
- Buyers who value Elgato's software and OBS integration
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S (GC553Pro)
PC Gamer's best overall pick, delivering 4K60 capture and VRR passthrough for well under the price of an HDMI 2.1 flagship.
- Streamers who record at 4K60 and want to spend around $150 rather than $250
- People who do not own a 4K144 monitor and would never use HDMI 2.1 passthrough
- Console gamers who want VRR and high-refresh 1440p and 1080p passthrough on a budget