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AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2: Comparison
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2: the host interface difference
Host interface is the dividing line, AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 against Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 USB 3.0.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 vs Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2: which one fits your build
Take the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 for competitive high-refresh gamers who want a tear-free 4K144 monitor feed while recording a true 4K60 archive copy in the background. The same goes for buyers who've done their homework on the capture-vs-passthrough distinction and specifically want an external, USB-based 4K60 capture solution. Avoid it for shoppers reading only the headline spec sheet, the marketed 4K144/4K120 numbers describe passthrough, not what gets recorded. The Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 is the one to take for multi-camera event, church, and corporate production setups. It also earns its place with anyone who needs a capture device that works identically across many different software platforms without driver installs. It is the wrong buy for solo streamers who want a companion app with overlays and scene switching built in. Our rating of the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 (8/10): A genuinely strong 4K60-capture, 4K144-passthrough card let down only by marketing copy that leads with the passthrough number, read the fine print, and it holds up well against pricier internal alternatives. Our rating of the Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 (8/10): A production-grade capture box that works identically in every piece of software, with no drivers to chase.
Frequently asked questions
Do the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 and Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 differ on max capture frame rate?
Yes. Max Capture Frame Rate reads 60 fps at 4K , this, not the marketed... on the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 versus Up to 120 fps on the Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- AVerMedia
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2
- Magewell
Model Number
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- GC553G2
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2
- USB Capture HDMI Gen 2
Host Interface
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2
- USB 3.0
Max Capture Frame Rate
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 60 fps at 4K (2160p), this, not the marketed 4K144/4K120 figures, is the real number that gets written to disk
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2
- Up to 120 fps
HDMI Version
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- HDMI 2.1 input/output
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2
- HDMI 1.4a
Dimensions
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
- 120 x 70 x 27.6 mm
- Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2
- 92.2 x 40.2 x 12.3 mm
Which one should you pick?
Choose AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 | Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely strong 4K60-capture, 4K144-passthrough card let down only by marketing copy that leads with the passthrough number, read the fine print, and it holds up well against pricier internal alternatives.
Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A production-grade capture box that works identically in every piece of software, with no drivers to chase.