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For 1440p60 recording, the Elgato HD60 X is the straightforward fit. If you need to record 1440p at up to 144 fps, look at the external 4K X or the internal 4K Pro, depending on your computer’s connections and whether your signal uses Display Stream Compression (DSC). These are manufacturer-listed maximums; the result in your setup also depends on the source, display, software, and signal format.
Capture frame rate or passthrough refresh rate: which matters?
Start with what you want the recording to contain. Capture is the video the card sends to the computer for recording or streaming. Passthrough is the signal the card sends onward to your monitor or TV. A card may pass a higher-refresh signal to the display than it captures on the computer.
For example, Elgato lists the HD60 X for 1440p capture up to 60 fps and 1440p passthrough up to 120 Hz. That means it can let a compatible display show 1440p120 while the recorded or streamed video is limited to 1440p60. See Elgato’s HD60 X technical specifications and supported resolutions.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf your priority is a smooth high-refresh display while producing a 60-fps stream, that distinction can make the HD60 X suitable. If you want the captured 1440p video itself to exceed 60 fps, consider a model listed for higher-frame-rate capture.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Elgato 1440p capture cards compared
| Model | Connection and video interface | 1440p capture listed | 1440p passthrough listed | Best fit and key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game Capture HD60 X | External; USB 3.0 Type-C and HDMI 2.0 | Up to 60 fps | Up to 120 Hz | 1440p60 capture with high-refresh passthrough; it is not listed for 1440p120 capture. |
| Game Capture 4K X | External; USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and HDMI 2.1 | Up to 144 fps | Up to 240 Hz | External high-refresh capture; verify the host USB capability and the specific input/output combination. |
| Game Capture 4K Pro | Internal PCIe 2.0 x4 and HDMI 2.1 | Up to 144 fps | Up to 240 Hz | Desktop with a compatible available PCIe slot; does not support signals using DSC. |
| Game Capture 4K S | External; Elgato’s comparison lists USB-C 3.0 and HDMI 2.0 | Up to 120 fps, according to Elgato’s comparison | Up to 120 Hz, according to Elgato’s comparison | Potential higher-than-60-fps alternative; confirm the detailed model matrix for your signal before choosing it. |
These are manufacturer-listed maxima, not guarantees for every computer, source, application, or display. Supported input and capture formats depend on the exact signal combination, and software can affect available formats. Elgato’s comparison page lists the 4K S figures, but the detailed specification matrix should be checked before relying on them for a particular setup.
Which model fits your recording goal?
Choose HD60 X for 1440p60 capture
The HD60 X is the relevant option if 60-fps capture is enough and you want passthrough listed up to 1440p120. Its capture limit and display passthrough figure describe different parts of the signal path; the higher passthrough number does not mean the recording is 120 fps.
Rank #2
- Turn Your Camera into a Pro Webcam: Connect your DSLR or mirrorless camera to any computer and go live in stunning quality
- Stunning quality: Stream and record in 1080p60 or even 4K60 for razor-sharp detail (Requires a compatible camera and the latest Cam Link 4K model)
- Connect More Than Just Cameras: Use a camcorder, action cam, or even your iPhone to level up your content
- No Lag, No Delays: Ultra-low latency keeps your video and audio perfectly in sync, just like it should be
- Your iPad, Now a Pro Field Monitor: Preview your shots in real time on an iPad with USB-C
Choose 4K X for external 1440p high-frame-rate capture
Elgato lists the 4K X for 1440p capture up to 144 fps and passthrough up to 240 Hz. It connects externally over USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, so check that the computer has a suitable USB connection and that the desired input/output format appears in the 4K X technical specifications.
Choose 4K Pro for an internal desktop card
The 4K Pro is also listed for 1440p capture up to 144 fps and passthrough up to 240 Hz. It requires a compatible PCIe 2.0 x4 slot, making it a desktop expansion-card choice rather than an external USB option. Its decisive caveat is DSC: Elgato says it cannot capture or pass through signals that use Display Stream Compression. Check the 4K Pro technical specifications if your source/display combination may use DSC.
Rank #3
- 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.
- Unrivaled Gaming Experience: Immerse yourself in pure gameplay at an astounding 8K60 resolution, all while effortlessly capturing the action in stunning 4K60 quality.
- Cutting-Edge Connectivity: Harness the power of HDMI 2.1 in/out to effortlessly record high frame rates, reaching up to an incredible 240fps in pristine 1080p resolution.
- Seamless Visuals: Say goodbye to screen tearing and relish in a flawlessly smooth gaming experience with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) passthrough technology.
- Perfectly Synced Entertainment: Achieve unparalleled synchronization between your broadcast and gameplay, thanks to ultra-low latency that ensures every moment is captured with precision.
Consider 4K S only after checking its exact format support
Elgato’s comparison lists 4K S at up to 1440p120 capture and up to 1440p120 passthrough. Those are comparison-page claims; verify the detailed official resolution matrix for your source, computer, and software before treating them as a fit for a specific signal.
Check the whole signal chain before buying
A capture card cannot create a refresh rate or format that another device in the chain does not support. For 120 Hz output, verify the console or PC output, the capture card, the display, and the intervening connections. Elgato’s 120Hz high-refresh guidance makes the same point for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S: the full signal chain and connected devices need to support 120 Hz.
Rank #4
- Up to 8K60 and 4K144 HDR passthrough over HDMI 2.1
- Captures up to 4K60, 1440p144, or 1080p240 with HDR10
- VRR and ALLM passthrough for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2
- PCIe x4 internal card for Windows desktop PCs
- Works with Elgato Studio, 4K Capture Utility, and OBS; 8K HDMI cable included
- Source: Confirm the console or graphics card can output the intended 1440p resolution, refresh rate, and color/HDR format.
- Card input and passthrough: Check the model’s resolution matrix for the exact input and output combination, not just its headline maximum.
- Computer connection: The 4K X needs a suitable USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connection; the 4K Pro needs an available compatible PCIe 2.0 x4 slot.
- Display and cables: The display and connections must carry the chosen refresh rate and format. The cited product specifications list included cables for HD60 X and 4K X, and an included HDMI cable for 4K Pro, so an extra cable is not automatically required.
- Software: Verify that your capture or streaming application supports the format you intend to use; software can affect the available formats.
HDR, operating systems, and format limitations
HDR passthrough and HDR capture are separate capabilities. A card may pass an HDR signal to a display without capturing HDR video to the computer. The cited HD60 X, 4K X, and 4K Pro specifications limit HDR capture to Windows; check the current model-specific matrix and software requirements for your setup rather than assuming that passthrough means HDR recording is supported on every operating system.
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For the 4K Pro, also determine whether the source signal uses DSC. Elgato’s specification says signals using DSC are not supported for either capture or passthrough, so a compatible PCIe slot alone does not establish compatibility.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
A practical decision path
- Set the capture target: If 1440p60 is sufficient, the HD60 X is listed for that capture rate. If you need higher-frame-rate 1440p capture, compare the 4K X and 4K Pro, both listed up to 144 fps.
- Decide whether high-refresh passthrough is also required: Compare the model’s passthrough figure with the display refresh rate you want. Do not use passthrough as a substitute for the capture frame-rate specification.
- Match the card to the computer: Pick external USB if the host has the required USB capability; pick the 4K Pro only if a compatible PCIe slot is available.
- Check the exact signal format: Confirm resolution, refresh rate, HDR, and input/output combination in the model’s current specifications. Rule out the 4K Pro if the signal requires DSC.
- Confirm every device and application: Ensure the source, card, display, connections, and capture software all support the intended format.
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