Elgato 4K X
Elgato

Elgato 4K X

A capable USB-C external capture card with 4K144 recording and passthrough, VRR and HDR10 in a small box.

  • USB-C
  • 4K144 (HDR10 capture Windows only)
  • 4K144
  • HDR capture

PCPR score

8.6

Excellent

Best price we’ve seen

$250Nov 9

Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.

See it at Best BuyOfficial page

R1

The short version

The Game Capture 4K X is Elgato's flagship USB-C external capture card, recording and passing through up to 4K144 over HDMI 2.1 with VRR and HDR10 support (HDR capture is Windows-only). Windows Central calls it the most capable external card it has tested, praising easy setup and lag-free passthrough, with an occasional need to re-plug it as the only issue. It suits console and PC streamers who need high-frame-rate capture without a PCIe slot. Elgato specifies a 10 Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 connection.

Pros

  • Up to 4K144 capture and passthrough over HDMI 2.1
  • VRR and HDR10 support
  • Plug-and-play, with HDMI 2.1 and USB-C cables included, per Elgato
  • Lag-free passthrough, per Windows Central

Cons

  • HDR capture is Windows-only, per Elgato
  • Occasionally needed re-plugging to pick up a signal, Windows Central notes

Best for

  • PS5, Xbox Series X and PC streamers who need 4K or high-frame-rate capture
  • Laptop users without a PCIe slot

J3

Full specifications

Connectivity

Interface
USB-C

Performance

Max capture
4K144 (HDR10 capture Windows only)
Max passthrough
4K144

Features

HDR capture
Yes
VRR passthrough
Yes

Ports & I/O

HDMI input
2.1

Compatibility notes

  • Needs a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) port for full bandwidth; capture is Windows, Mac and iPad.
  • HDMI 2.1 input and passthrough output; HDCP-protected content is not supported (unencrypted input).

P1

Where to buy

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AV1

Video reviews

No verified video reviews yet

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AV2

What reviewers and owners say

  • Windows Central

    Positive

    Ranks it at the top of external capture options for 4K144 recording with lag-free passthrough, VRR and HDR10, noting only that it sometimes needs re-plugging to detect a signal.

    Review

    Read the source

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

R9

Common questions

Does the Elgato 4K X work with a Mac?

Yes. Elgato lists Windows, Mac and iPad support, though HDR capture is Windows-only.

What USB port does the 4K X need?

Elgato specifies USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 at 10 Gbps for full bandwidth; a slower port may limit capture modes.

Does it add latency to my gaming?

Windows Central reports lag-free passthrough, so play is not affected while the card captures.

J9Alternatives

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