Capture Cards: A Guide for Gamers and Streamers

Capture cards are devices that allow you to record or stream gameplay from your gaming console or PC to a computer. This can be useful for a variety of reasons, such as creating highlight reels, making tutorials, or streaming live on Twitch or YouTube.

There are many different capture cards on the market, but some of the most popular include:

• Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2
• Mirabox USB3.0 4K HDMI
• AVerMedia HDMI Capture Card GC (551G2)
• Elgato HD60 X
• AVerMedia Live Gamer HD (GC570)

When choosing a capture card, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Resolution and frame rate: Capture cards can support a variety of resolutions and frame rates. If you plan on recording or streaming in 4K resolution, you will need a capture card that supports 4K input and output. Similarly, if you plan on streaming at 60 frames per second, you will need a capture card that supports 60fps input and output.
• Connectivity: Capture cards typically connect to your computer via USB or PCIe. USB capture cards are more portable and easier to set up, but they may not offer the same performance as PCIe capture cards.
• Features: Some capture cards come with additional features, such as pass-through support, which allows you to view the video signal on your TV or monitor while recording or streaming.

Here is a more detailed look at the five capture cards listed above:

Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2

The Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 is a high-end capture card that supports 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. It also features pass-through support and a variety of other features, such as HDR support and Instant Gameview, which allows you to preview your recording or stream with a low latency.

Mirabox USB3.0 4K HDMI

The Mirabox USB3.0 4K HDMI is a budget-friendly capture card that supports 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. It is a good option for gamers and streamers who are looking for a basic capture card that can record and stream high-quality video.

AVerMedia HDMI Capture Card GC551G2

The AVerMedia HDMI Capture Card GC551G2 is a mid-range capture card that supports 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. It also features pass-through support and a variety of other features, such as HDR support and RECentral 4, which is a powerful software suite for recording and streaming video.

Elgato HD60 X

The Elgato HD60 X is a good all-around capture card that supports 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. It is a good option for gamers and streamers who are looking for a reliable and affordable capture card.

AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2-PCIe Internal Game Capture Card GC570

The AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2-PCIe Internal Game Capture Card GC570 is a high-performance capture card that supports 1080p resolution at 240 frames per second. It is a good option for gamers and streamers who need the best possible performance for recording and streaming high-speed gameplay.

Conclusion

Once you have chosen a capture card, you will need to install it on your computer and set it up. The specific setup process will vary depending on the capture card you choose, but most capture cards come with easy-to-follow instructions.

Once your capture card is set up, you can start recording or streaming gameplay using a software program such as OBS Studio or XSplit. These software programs allow you to customize your recording and streaming settings, such as the resolution, frame rate, and bitrate.

Capture cards can be a great tool for gamers and streamers of all levels. If you are interested in recording or streaming your gameplay, I recommend considering one of the capture cards listed above.