Capture cards are essential tools for PC gamers who want to record or stream their gameplay. They allow you to capture the video and audio output from your PC and send it to another device, such as a recording computer or streaming platform.
| PRODUCT NAME | BUYING LINK |
|---|---|
| 1. ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card (CU4K30) | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 2. AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA – 4Kp60 HDR Pass-Through | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 3. EVGA XR1 Capture Card, Certified for OBS, USB 3.0 Capture Device | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 4. Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 PCIe Capture Card4K60 HDR10 Capture | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 5. AV.io HD – Grab and Go USB Video Capture | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 6. AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo. Dual HDMI 1080p Video Capture Card | BUY ON AMAZON |
There are many different capture cards on the market, but some of the best for PC gaming include:
1. ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card (CU4K30)
The ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card (CU4K30) is a compact and portable capture card that can record and stream gameplay in 4K resolution at 30fps. It is also compatible with 2K and 1080p resolutions at up to 60fps and 120fps, respectively.
Key features:
- 4K passthrough at 60Hz
- 4K capture at 30fps
- USB 3.2 Type-C plug and play
- Certified OBS Studio compatibility
- Durable alloy outer shell
- Controller and headset connections
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Affordable price
- Easy to use
- High-quality video and audio capture
- Wide range of supported resolutions and frame rates
Cons:
- 4K capture is limited to 30fps
2. AVerMedia GC553 Live Gamer ULTRA – 4K60 HDR Pass-Through
The AVerMedia GC553 Live Gamer ULTRA is a high-end capture card that can record and stream gameplay in 4K resolution at 60fps with HDR support. It is also compatible with 2K and 1080p resolutions at up to 120fps.
Key features:
- 4K60 HDR pass-through
- 4K30 capture
- VRR support for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Windows 11, and macOS 10.13
- Simple plug-and-play design
- Includes CyberLink PowerDirector 15 Product Key Card for editing
Pros:
- High-quality video and audio capture
- Wide range of supported resolutions and frame rates
- VRR support
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Expensive
3. EVGA XR1 Capture Card, Certified for OBS, USB 3.0 Capture Device
The EVGA XR1 Capture Card is a versatile and affordable capture card that can record and stream gameplay in 1080p resolution at 60fps. It also supports 4K passthrough and HDR, making it ideal for gamers who want to play and record games at the highest possible quality.
Key features:
- 1080p60 capture
- 4K passthrough and HDR
- Advanced pass-through mode for 1440p144 HDR
- Built-in audio mixer
- USB 3.0 interface
- Certified for OBS
Pros:
- Affordable price
- High-quality video and audio capture
- Versatile and easy to use
- Compatible with a wide range of devices and software
Cons:
- Limited to 1080p60 capture
4. Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2, Internal Capture Card, Stream and Record 4K60 HDR10
The Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 is a high-end capture card that can record and stream gameplay in 4K resolution at 60fps with HDR support. It is also compatible with 2K and 1080p resolutions at up to 240fps.
Key features:
- 4K60 HDR10 capture and passthrough
- Instant Gameview
- 240Hz passthrough
- Unlimited capture
- Flashback recording
Pros:
- High-quality video and audio capture
- Wide range of supported resolutions and frame rates
- Low latency
- Unlimited recording
- Flashback recording feature
Cons:
- Expensive
5. AV.io HD – Grab and Go USB Video Capture for VGA
The AV.io HD is a portable and affordable capture card that can record and stream video in 1080p resolution at 60fps. It supports VGA, DVI, and HDMI inputs, and it is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Key features:
- 1080p60 capture
- VGA, DVI, and HDMI inputs
- Rugged and portable
- Plug and play
- Supports a variety of aspect ratios
- Compatible with consumer and commercial video encoder software
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Easy to use
- Compatible with a wide range of devices and software
- Rugged and portable
Cons:
- Limited to 1080p60 capture
6. AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo. Dual HDMI 1080p PCIe Video Capture Card
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo is a dual HDMI capture card that can record and stream two video sources simultaneously in 1080p resolution at 60fps. It also supports 4K60 HDR and 1080p240 pass-through, making it ideal for gamers and content creators who want to capture and stream high-quality video.
Key features:
- Dual HDMI input
- 1080p60 capture
- 4K60 HDR and 1080p240 pass-through
- Onboard video processing
- Compatible with most professional streaming software
Pros:
- Can capture and stream two video sources simultaneously in high quality
- Supports 4K60 HDR and 1080p240 pass-through
- Onboard video processing for improved performance
- Compatible with a wide range of streaming software
Cons:
- More expensive than some other capture cards
- Requires a PCIe slot
Final Verdict
The best capture card for PC gaming depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the best possible quality and performance, the Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 is a great option. It can record and stream gameplay in 4K resolution at 60fps with HDR support. It also has a number of other features that make it ideal for professional streamers and content creators, such as instant gameview, 240Hz passthrough, unlimited capture, and flashback recording.
However, if you are on a budget or don’t need all of the features of the Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2, there are a number of other great capture cards available. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo is a good all-around option that can record and stream two video sources simultaneously in 1080p resolution at 60fps. It also supports 4K60 HDR and 1080p240 pass-through.
The EVGA XR1 Capture Card is another good affordable option. It can record and stream gameplay in 1080p resolution at 60fps. It also supports 4K passthrough and HDR, and it has a built-in audio mixer.
The AV.io HD is a good portable and budget-friendly option. It can record and stream video in 1080p resolution at 60fps. It also supports VGA, DVI, and HDMI inputs.
Ultimately, the best capture card for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Consider the resolution and frame rate you want to record and stream, as well as any other features that are important to you. Once you have a good understanding of what you need, you can start shopping for the best capture card for your budget.