AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1
AVerMedia

AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1

An HDMI 2.1 USB-C capture box with 4K144 passthrough and 4K capture, held back by rough software and firmware.

  • USB-C
  • 2160p144 (Windows), 2160p60 (macOS)
  • 2160p144 HDR/VRR
  • HDR capture

PCPR score

7.8

Good

Best price we’ve seen

$300MSRP

List price from the maker. Street prices may be higher.

Buy from the makerOfficial page

R1

The short version

The Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2) is AVerMedia's USB-C external capture card with HDMI 2.1 input and passthrough up to 2160p144 with HDR and VRR, and capture up to 2160p144 on Windows or 2160p60 on macOS. Windows Central liked the hardware but found the software awkward and the firmware unfinished, and PC Gamer scored it 83 for its easy setup and compact build while noting the cost. It suits PC and console streamers who want high-refresh passthrough and can tolerate maturing software.

Pros

  • HDMI 2.1 passthrough up to 2160p144 with HDR and VRR
  • Capture up to 2160p144 on Windows
  • Compact and lightweight USB-C box
  • Easy setup that is not tied to one streaming app, per PC Gamer

Cons

  • Windows Central found AVerMedia's software awkward to install
  • Firmware was not finished at review
  • Expensive, per Windows Central and PC Gamer
  • HDR capture is not available on macOS

Best for

  • PC and console streamers who want HDMI 2.1 passthrough
  • Competitive players who need high-refresh passthrough

J3

Full specifications

Connectivity

Interface
USB-C

Performance

Max capture
2160p144 (Windows), 2160p60 (macOS)
Max passthrough
2160p144 HDR/VRR

Features

HDR capture
Yes
VRR passthrough
Yes

Ports & I/O

HDMI input
2.1

Compatibility notes

  • Needs USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C for full performance, per AVerMedia.
  • HDMI 2.1 input and passthrough; HDR capture is not available on macOS.

P1

Where to buy

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AV1

Video reviews

No verified video reviews yet

We only list videos we’ve confirmed are about this product. You can search YouTube for reviews in the meantime.

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AV2

What reviewers and owners say

  • Windows Central

    Mixed

    Impressed by the build and capture results on consoles and PC, but found the software install untidy and the firmware unfinished at the time.

    Review

    Read the source

  • PC Gamer

    Positive

    Gives it 83 for straightforward setup, HDMI 2.1 passthrough and 4K60 recording in a light box usable with any streaming app, while criticizing the price and immature firmware.

    83/100 · Review

    Read the source

Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.

R9

Common questions

Can the Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 capture at 4K144?

AVerMedia lists 2160p144 capture on Windows and 2160p60 on macOS; check its compatibility list for your exact system.

Does it support VRR passthrough?

Yes. AVerMedia lists HDR and VRR passthrough at up to 2160p144.

Is the software any good?

Windows Central found the software awkward and firmware unfinished, while PC Gamer says the card works with any streaming app.

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