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Capture resolution and passthrough are different
A capture card sends the HDMI signal to two destinations: capture software on the computer and, on models with passthrough, a connected display. The modes supported for recording or streaming may be lower than the modes supported for passthrough. A card advertised as passing 4K at 120 or 144 Hz does not necessarily record or stream at that mode.
Compare the exact source mode you want to capture—resolution, refresh rate, HDR, and VRR—with the card’s capture specifications. Check passthrough separately against the monitor or television. The manufacturer figures below are specifications, not independent performance measurements.
Three HDMI capture cards to consider
| Model | Connection | Capture capability | Passthrough and fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgato Game Capture 4K X | External USB | Up to 4K at 144 fps, according to Elgato. | HDMI 2.1 and VRR passthrough. Consider it for a high-refresh HDMI 2.1 setup, but verify the precise resolution, refresh, HDR, and VRR combination you plan to use. Elgato lists OBS and other app support. Elgato product specifications. |
| Elgato Game Capture HD60 X | External USB | HDR capture up to 1080p60. HDR capture is not available at every resolution and frame-rate combination. | HDR 10-bit passthrough up to 4K60. This is not a 4K60 capture card. Elgato lists OBS and other app support. Elgato product specifications. |
| AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575) | Internal PCIe | Up to 4K60, according to the manual and product specifications. | HDMI 2.1; AVerMedia lists passthrough up to 4K144/120. Choose this desktop PCIe path only if your computer has a suitable slot and meets the model’s system requirements. Its manual says protected HDCP signals are not supported for viewing, recording, or streaming. AVerMedia GC575 manual. |
No overall winner or best value can be established from these specifications alone: prices and broad independent performance testing are not established here. Confirm current model details, availability, and exact signal-mode support with the manufacturer before purchase.
The Tool Desk
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How to choose for your source and setup
Start with the signal you actually want to record
Write down the console or camera output you intend to capture: resolution, frame rate, HDR status, and whether VRR is in use. Then check the card’s capture specification for that combination. If you want a 4K60 recording, for example, the GC575 is specified for capture up to 4K60; the HD60 X’s listed HDR capture limit is up to 1080p60, not 4K60. For 4K X, confirm that the desired combination is supported rather than assuming every mode up to its headline maximum works together.
Check the whole HDMI chain
For passthrough, the source, capture-card input and output, display, and cables all need to support the mode you want. Verify resolution and refresh rate alongside HDR and VRR behavior; an HDMI version label alone does not confirm every combination. Also check that the card’s output mode suits the display while its capture mode suits the computer and software.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose external USB or internal PCIe
The Elgato 4K X and HD60 X are external USB devices; the AVerMedia GC575 installs in a desktop PCIe slot. USB is the external route, while PCIe requires a compatible slot and room in the host system. In either case, check the manufacturer’s host-interface, bandwidth, operating-system, and system requirements, and use the required cables and connectors.
Confirm software support
A card must work with the recording or streaming application you plan to use, as well as with the host computer. Elgato lists OBS compatibility for both 4K X and HD60 X. Check the manufacturer’s current compatibility and setup information for your chosen card and software version; do not assume that every capture application supports every device.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
HDCP and other capture limits
HDCP-protected video may be blocked from capture. AVerMedia’s GC575 manual explicitly says the card does not support viewing, recording, or streaming protected signals. Do not treat a capture card as a way around content protection. If a source displays a protected signal, capture may not work even when the card and cables otherwise support the requested resolution.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
A capture card is for getting an HDMI source into recording or streaming software. If your goal is instead to keep uploaded, pre-recorded videos live on a YouTube channel, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos; it does not stream a camera feed.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Nothing has to stay on at home; the stream runs in the cloud.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
