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Comparisons / Elgato capture / Cam Link 4K vs Game Capture 4K X

Elgato Cam Link 4K vs Elgato Game Capture 4K X

Elgato Cam Link 4K records up to 4K at 60 fps (latest model 20GAM9903 only, in MJPG); Elgato Game Capture 4K X up to 4K at 144 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply). Elgato Cam Link 4K has no passthrough, so your screen needs its own feed; Elgato Game Capture 4K X passes up to 4K at 144 fps.

From each maker’s own specifications; neither model was tested by this site.

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Elgato Cam Link 4K

Use a camera with clean HDMI output as your webcam.

Check price on Amazon ↗

Elgato Game Capture 4K X

High-refresh HDMI capture on a fast direct USB port.

Check price on Amazon ↗

On the makers’ own sites:

Before you choose

Elgato Cam Link 4K

The catch: There is no HDMI display output. Identify the unit’s revision before planning 4K frame rates, then test clean HDMI and continuous camera power; use a passthrough card for a separate gaming display.

You need:

  • A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer
  • An HDMI cable from your console or camera

Check first:

  • HDCP turned off on the source

Elgato Game Capture 4K X

The catch: Use a 10 Gbps USB port to get every mode. On a 5 Gbps port, pick one of the lower capture modes, or use a faster port, before buying it for high resolution.

You need:

  • A 10 Gbps USB port, straight on the computer
  • A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen

Check first:

  • A USB-C port on your computer
  • HDCP turned off on the source

Everything to check before you buy

Where they differ

SpecsElgato Cam Link 4KElgato Game Capture 4K X
Largest capture mode4K at 60 fps (latest model 20GAM9903 only, in MJPG)4K at 144 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply)
Elgato Cam Link 4K records up to 4K at 60 fps (latest model 20GAM9903 only, in MJPG); Elgato Game Capture 4K X up to 4K at 144 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply).
Passthrough to your screenNone4K at 144 fps
Elgato Cam Link 4K has no passthrough, so your screen needs its own feed; Elgato Game Capture 4K X passes up to 4K at 144 fps.
USB port neededUSB 310 Gbps
Elgato Cam Link 4K needs a USB 3 port for its top modes; Elgato Game Capture 4K X needs a 10 Gbps port for its top modes.
HDMI cable in the boxNoYes
Elgato Game Capture 4K X comes with an HDMI cable; for Elgato Cam Link 4K you add one.
ComputersWindows 10 64-bit+, macOS 13+, iPadOS 17+Windows 10 64-bit+, macOS 11+, iPadOS 17+
Elgato Cam Link 4K works with Windows 10 64-bit+, macOS 13+, iPadOS 17+; Elgato Game Capture 4K X with Windows 10 64-bit+, macOS 11+, iPadOS 17+.

Where they are the same

Connection
USB

Not enough data to compare

We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: HDR. The site leaves these out rather than guess.

What else each needs

Elgato Cam Link 4K

Cam Link 4K
A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer
A free USB port
An HDMI cable from your console or camera
HDCP turned off on the source
Camera Hub optional; UVC-compatible application
  • You need: A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), straight on the computer. A USB 2 port is too slow for it. The maker asks for a direct port rather than a hub. USB-C is a plug shape, not a speed, so check the port itself.
  • Check first: A free USB port. The device plugs in directly; the short extension in the box only moves it away from the port.
  • You need: An HDMI cable from your console or camera. No HDMI cable is listed in the box.
  • Check first: HDCP turned off on the source. It captures unencrypted HDMI only. Consoles have their own HDCP setting; protected films and streaming apps cannot be captured.
  • Optional: Camera Hub optional; UVC-compatible application. The maker’s app adds settings; the device works without it.

Elgato Game Capture 4K X

Game Capture 4K X
A 10 Gbps USB port, straight on the computer
A USB-C port on your computer
A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen
HDCP turned off on the source
  • You need: A 10 Gbps USB port, straight on the computer. Its full modes need 10 Gbps; on a 5 Gbps port the modes are limited. The maker asks for a direct port rather than a hub.
  • Check first: A USB-C port on your computer. The cable in the box has USB-C at both ends. If your computer only has USB-A ports, you need a USB-C to USB-A cable rated for the same speed.
  • You need: A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen. Passthrough sends the game on to your TV or monitor with no delay, and that needs its own cable.
  • Check first: HDCP turned off on the source. It captures unencrypted HDMI only. Consoles have their own HDCP setting; protected films and streaming apps cannot be captured.

Next step

Put either model into the setup builder to check it against your computer and the rest of your gear, or see all 5 side by side in Elgato capture cards compared. Check a camera capture path before you go live.

Full profiles: Elgato Cam Link 4K and Elgato Game Capture 4K X.

Sources