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

Elgato Game Capture 4K S vs Elgato Game Capture 4K X

Elgato Game Capture 4K S 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). Elgato Game Capture 4K S passes up to 4K at 60 fps through to your screen; 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 Game Capture 4K S

An external capture card for console streaming.

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 S

The catch: Select a listed capture mode and a separate listed display mode. If HDR or high refresh is essential, match both exact modes before choosing this card.

You need:

  • A USB 3 port (5 Gbps), 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

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 SElgato Game Capture 4K X
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 S 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 screen4K at 60 fps4K at 144 fps
Elgato Game Capture 4K S passes up to 4K at 60 fps through to your screen; Elgato Game Capture 4K X passes up to 4K at 144 fps.
USB port neededUSB 310 Gbps
Elgato Game Capture 4K S needs a USB 3 port for its top modes; Elgato Game Capture 4K X needs a 10 Gbps port for its top modes.
HDRHDR10 passthrough up to 4K at 60 fps; HDR10 capture up to 1080p60, Windows onlyDepends on the computer and mode
Elgato Game Capture 4K S has HDR10 passthrough up to 4K at 60 fps, HDR10 capture up to 1080p60, Windows only; Elgato Game Capture 4K X has HDR in some modes, depending on the computer.
ComputersWindows 11+, macOS 14.2+, iPadOS 18 USB-C+Windows 10 64-bit+, macOS 11+, iPadOS 17+
Elgato Game Capture 4K S works with Windows 11+, macOS 14.2+, iPadOS 18 USB-C+; Elgato Game Capture 4K X with Windows 10 64-bit+, macOS 11+, iPadOS 17+.

Where they are the same

Connection
USB
HDMI cable in the box
Yes

What else each needs

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.

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 S and Elgato Game Capture 4K X.

Sources