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Comparisons / Elgato capture / Game Capture 4K Pro vs Game Capture 4K X

Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro vs Elgato Game Capture 4K X

Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro is an internal PCIe card for a Windows desktop; Elgato Game Capture 4K X connects over USB and suits a laptop. Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro records up to 4K at 60 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply); Elgato Game Capture 4K X up to 4K at 144 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply).

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

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Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro

A capture card that fits inside a Windows desktop.

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 Game Capture 4K Pro

The catch: Use a supported Windows desktop with a suitable PCIe x4 slot. Choose a USB capture device for a Mac or a laptop without an accessible compatible slot.

You need:

  • A free PCIe x4 slot in a Windows desktop
  • A second HDMI cable, from the card to your screen
  • OBS or Elgato Studio

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 Game Capture 4K ProElgato Game Capture 4K X
ConnectionPCIe cardUSB
Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro is an internal PCIe card for a Windows desktop; Elgato Game Capture 4K X connects over USB and suits a laptop.
Largest capture mode4K at 60 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply)4K at 144 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply)
Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro records up to 4K at 60 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply); Elgato Game Capture 4K X up to 4K at 144 fps (maximum SDR; software and format conditions apply).
Passthrough to your screen8K at 60 fps4K at 144 fps
Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro passes up to 8K at 60 fps through to your screen; Elgato Game Capture 4K X passes up to 4K at 144 fps.
ComputersWindows 10 64-bit+Windows 10 64-bit+, macOS 11+, iPadOS 17+
Elgato Game Capture 4K Pro works with Windows 10 64-bit+; Elgato Game Capture 4K X with Windows 10 64-bit+, macOS 11+, iPadOS 17+.

Where they are the same

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 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 Game Capture 4K Pro and Elgato Game Capture 4K X.

Sources