Elgato 4K X Capture Card
Bottom line: The Elgato 4K X Capture Card ($224.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 12:20 UTC): HDMI 2.1 in/out captures 4K144 or 1080p240, well beyond 4K60 cards; main trade-off: requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port to hit rated throughput.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ HDMI 2.1 in/out captures 4K144 or 1080p240, well beyond 4K60 cards
- ✓ VRR passthrough keeps gameplay tear-free while recording
- ✓ HDR10 capture preserves the game's actual color and contrast
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 external design needs no free PCIe slot
- ✓ Works with OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Restream, Zoom and Teams
Cons
- ✗ Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port to hit rated throughput
- ✗ HDMI 2.1 sources are needed to reach 4K144 passthrough
- ✗ External box adds another cable and desk footprint
- ✗ Overkill if you only stream 1080p60 to Twitch
Manufacturer description
The Elgato 4K X Capture Card is built for creators who refuse to compromise between capture fidelity and playable framerates. Its HDMI 2.1 in/out pipeline captures up to 4K at 144 frames per second, or 1080p at 240fps when you want every frame of a competitive shooter on the recording. VRR passthrough keeps your gameplay display tear-free while you record, and HDR10 support means the footage you capture looks like the game you actually played. USB 3.2 Gen 2 handles the bandwidth with ultra-low latency, so your voice, your gameplay, and your broadcast stay in sync without software gymnastics…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Elgato 4K X Capture Card using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. Elgato's streaming gear lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Elgato 4K X work with PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Yes. The 4K X works with almost any HDMI-compatible device, including PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, PC, Mac, and iPhone 15.
What is the highest capture resolution and framerate?
The 4K X captures up to 4K at 144fps, or up to 1080p at 240fps, over its HDMI 2.1 input.
Will VRR still work on my monitor while I'm capturing?
Yes. The 4K X includes VRR passthrough, so variable refresh rate reaches your display and gameplay stays free of screen tearing while you record.
Does it work with OBS, or do I need Elgato software?
It connects to OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Restream, Zoom, and Teams, and streams to YouTube, Twitch, Discord, and Facebook Gaming.
What kind of USB port does the 4K X need?
It uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 for its ultra-low-latency pipeline. Connect it to a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port on your PC or Mac for full rated performance.
Key Features
- Seamless Broadcasting and Versatile Streaming: Connect effortlessly to any app such as OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Restream, Zoom, Teams, and stream flawlessly on various platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Discord, Facebook Gaming, etc., providing you with unparalleled flexibility and reach.
- Next-gen capture: Unleash the full potential of your content with cutting-edge 4K resolution, delivering crystal-clear visuals at an impressive 144 frames per second.
- HDMI 2.1 in/out: Elevate your recording capabilities with HDMI 2.1 support, allowing you to document high frame rates up to 240fps in glorious 1080p resolution for an unparalleled viewing experience.
- VRR passthrough: Immerse yourself completely in the gaming experience as our Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) passthrough ensures flawlessly smooth gameplay, eliminating screen tearing for an uninterrupted visual feast.
- Ultra-low latency: Stay in the moment with ultra-low latency powered by USB 3.2 Gen 2, ensuring your broadcast and gameplay remain perfectly synchronized, delivering an immersive and responsive streaming experience.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Elgato |
|---|---|
| Platform | Mac OS X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows 10, Xbox Series X |
| AV Output | HDMI |
| Model Name | Game Capture 4K X |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | 20GBH9901 |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch, Mac |
| Built-In Media | Installation Guide |
| Item Dimensions | 0.67 x 4.41 x 2.83 inches |
| Mfr Part Number | 10GBH9901 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Antenna Location | Video Recording |
| Next-gen capture | Unleash the full potential of your content with cutting-edge 4K resolution, delivering crystal-clear visuals at an impressive 144 frames per second. |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Personal Computer, Tablet |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Video Capture Resolution | 1080p |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Video Recording |
| Other Special Features of the Product | 4K144 Capture & Passthrough, HDMI 2.1, VRR Passthrough, Ultra-Low Latency |
| Full listing title | Elgato 4K X Capture Card, HDMI 2.1, 4K144 Ultra-Low Latency | VRR passthrough, HDR10, Up to 1080p240 capture, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Works with OBS and more, For PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC, Mac |
Ready to buy?
Elgato 4K X Capture Card, HDMI 2.1, 4K144 Ultra-Low Latency | VRR passthrough, HDR10, Up to 1080p240 capture, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Works with OBS and more, For PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC, Mac is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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