Overview

The Elgato Game Capture 4K X is an external capture card that delivers 4K60 HDR10 capture over a simple USB connection. It's perfect for gamers and streamers who want high-quality recording and streaming from PC or consoles without opening their system. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), it offers ultra-low latency and seamless plug-and-play operation.

Key Features

  • 4K60 HDR10 Capture — Record and stream in stunning HDR with full 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
  • Ultra-Low Latency (<50ms) — Instant Gameview technology ensures near-zero delay between gameplay and captured video.
  • High Refresh Rate Support — Capture 1440p at 120fps or 1080p at 240fps for smooth slow-motion editing or high-FPS streaming.
  • HDR10 Passthrough — Enjoy HDR on your monitor while capturing, with no compromise on visual quality.
  • Plug-and-Play — No drivers required; just connect via USB and start capturing in your favorite software.

Compatibility & System Requirements

  • Supported OS — Windows 10/11 (64-bit), macOS 14 or later
  • Supported Consoles — PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X
  • Supported Software — OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, Twitch Studio, Elgato 4K Capture Utility
  • USB Requirement — USB 3.0 or higher (USB 3.2 Gen 2 recommended for best performance)
  • Note — HDCP must be disabled on consoles for capture. Some titles may not allow HDCP disablement. Also, ensure your PC's USB controller can handle the bandwidth; use a dedicated USB port if possible.

Ideal Use Cases

  • High-Quality PC Streaming — Stream 4K60 content to Twitch or YouTube with minimal latency.
  • Console Game Recording — Capture PS5 or Xbox Series X gameplay in full quality for editing and sharing.
  • Dual-PC Streaming — Offload encoding to a second PC while gaming on your main rig, with perfect synchronization.
  • Esports & Live Commentary — The low latency makes it ideal for real-time commentary and competitive streaming.

Tips & Upgrade Considerations

  • USB Bandwidth Management — Avoid connecting other high-speed USB devices (e.g., external SSDs) to the same USB controller to prevent dropped frames. Use motherboard-backed ports.
  • HDCP Handling — Always disable HDCP on your console before capturing. If a game forces HDCP, you may need an HDMI splitter that strips HDCP.
  • Software Setup — In OBS, add a Video Capture Device source and select "Elgato Game Capture 4K X". Adjust resolution and FPS to match your needs.
  • Future Upgrades — If you need 8K capture or higher bitrates, consider an internal PCIe capture card like the Elgato 4K60 Pro Mk.2, which offers lower latency and higher bandwidth.