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Connect the gaming PC’s HDMI output to the Elgato card’s HDMI In, connect the card to the streaming PC, then add it in OBS as a Video Capture Device. The gaming PC runs the game; the streaming PC runs OBS and encodes the stream. Passthrough to the gaming monitor is optional and depends on the card.
Before you connect anything
Check the exact capture-card model’s supported input modes and the streaming PC’s available connection. The card must support the resolution and refresh rate you intend to send; there is no single setting that applies to every Elgato card. External cards use USB, while internal cards require a compatible PCIe slot. Elgato says USB 2.0 is not sufficient for its external capture cards; its guide specifies USB 3.0, or USB 3.2 Gen 2 for the 4K X. Confirm the model’s current specifications before choosing a port or buying cables. Elgato’s capture-card setup guide
A capture card receives the HDMI signal; it does not encode or compress the stream. OBS and the streaming PC handle encoding. Adding a capture card to a single-PC setup does not, by itself, improve performance. Elgato’s explanation of capture cards
Connect the gaming PC to the streaming PC
External USB capture card
- Connect an HDMI output on the gaming PC to the card’s HDMI In.
- Connect the card to a supported USB port on the streaming PC using the cable specified for that model. Avoid USB 2.0.
- If you want to play on a monitor connected through the card, connect the card’s HDMI Out to that display. This passthrough connection is available only on models that have HDMI Out; follow the model’s wiring guide.
Internal PCIe capture card
- Install the card in a compatible PCIe slot in the streaming PC, following the card’s installation instructions.
- Connect the gaming PC’s HDMI output to the capture card’s HDMI In.
- If the card supports HDMI passthrough and you want to use it, connect HDMI Out to the gaming display.
Elgato documents the external HD60 X and internal 4K Pro as examples of these connection types. Their supported modes and cabling differ, so do not assume one model’s resolution, refresh rate, or connection requirements apply to another. Elgato setup guide
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- 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.
Add the capture card in OBS
- On the streaming PC, open OBS Studio.
- In the Sources panel, select +, then choose Video Capture Device.
- Create or select a source for the Elgato card, then choose the device if OBS does not select it automatically.
- Check the OBS preview. It should show the gaming PC’s HDMI signal. If it does not, work through the checks in the troubleshooting section before changing unrelated OBS settings.
OBS Studio supports Elgato capture cards, but available device settings and labels may vary by card and software version. Elgato’s 4K60 Pro MK.2 OBS guide recommends a 48 kHz sample rate and stereo for that device; treat this as model-specific guidance rather than a universal menu recipe. Elgato’s 4K60 Pro MK.2 OBS guide
Choose how audio reaches OBS
Video and audio need to arrive at the streaming PC. For game audio, check that the gaming PC is sending sound over the HDMI output and that OBS is receiving audio from the capture device. The exact Windows or other operating-system audio selection depends on your setup; verify the signal in OBS rather than assuming the picture means audio is routed too.
Rank #2
- 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.
Controller-connected headsets and party chat can require a separate analog route. Elgato’s Chat Link documentation describes splitting controller audio to the headset and capture device. The headset microphone still goes to the controller, not directly to the capture card. If you need your voice in the PC’s stream, use a separate microphone path. For a PC line-in connection with Chat Link Pro, Elgato specifies Line-In rather than Mic-In. Elgato Chat Link setup Elgato Chat Link Pro guide
Fix a black screen or missing signal
- Check the input port: make sure the gaming PC cable is plugged into HDMI In, not HDMI Out.
- Check protected video: HDCP-protected output can prevent capture. Verify that the source is not sending protected content.
- Check USB bandwidth: use the USB port and cable speed required by the specific card; USB 2.0 is not enough for the supported Elgato external-card setup.
- Try another HDMI cable: use a known-good cable suitable for the video mode. Elgato specifies an HDMI 2.1 cable for high-refresh-rate operation with 4K X.
- Recheck mode compatibility: confirm the card supports the gaming PC’s output resolution and refresh rate. A signal mode outside the card’s supported combinations can result in no usable capture.
These checks address common signal-path causes; exact supported modes and remedies are model-dependent. Consult the current guide for your card: Elgato capture-card setup.
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Rank #3
- 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 a card around your actual setup
| Decision | What to verify |
|---|---|
| External USB or internal PCIe | The streaming PC needs the supported USB connection for an external card or a compatible PCIe slot for an internal card. |
| Input mode | Match the card’s supported resolution and refresh-rate combination to the gaming PC’s output and the stream you intend to produce. |
| Monitor passthrough | Check whether the model has HDMI Out and supports the display mode you want to pass through. |
| Audio routing | Decide whether HDMI carries game audio and whether controller headset or chat audio needs an additional analog route. |
The sources establish no universally best Elgato card or one universal resolution and frame rate for dual-PC streaming. Choose by compatibility with your ports, display mode, passthrough needs, and audio route rather than the model name alone.
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Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【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.
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