Where they differ
| Specs | Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro | Elgato Game Capture 4K S |
|---|---|---|
| Connection | PCIe card | USB |
| Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro is an internal PCIe card for a Windows desktop; Elgato Game Capture 4K S connects over USB and suits a laptop. | ||
| Passthrough to your screen | 8K at 60 fps | 4K at 60 fps |
| Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro passes up to 8K at 60 fps through to your screen; Elgato Game Capture 4K S passes up to 4K at 60 fps. | ||
| Computers | Windows 10 64-bit+ | Windows 11+, macOS 14.2+, iPadOS 18 USB-C+ |
| Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro works with Windows 10 64-bit+; Elgato Game Capture 4K S with Windows 11+, macOS 14.2+, iPadOS 18 USB-C+. | ||
Where they are the same
- Largest capture mode
- 4K at 60 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply)
- HDMI cable in the box
- Yes
Not enough data to compare
We haven’t confirmed a figure for one or both models on: USB port needed, HDR. The site leaves these out rather than guess.
What else each needs
Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro
Game Capture 4K Pro
A free PCIe x4 slot in a Windows desktop
A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen
HDCP turned off on the source
OBS or Elgato Studio
- You need: A free PCIe x4 slot in a Windows desktop. It is an internal card: PCIe 2.0 x4; x8 or x16 slot acceptable. A laptop or a Mac needs an external USB model instead.
- 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.
- You need: OBS or Elgato Studio. The maker lists this software for the device to work as described.
Elgato Game Capture 4K S
Game Capture 4K S
A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), 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 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 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 Game Capture 4K Pro and Elgato Game Capture 4K S.