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Elgato 4K S vs Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2: Comparison
What is the difference between 4K S and Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2?
The first real difference is form factor: 4K S External USB against Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 Internal PCIe. They differ on connection type too, USB-C on the 4K S versus PCIe x4 on the Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2. There is a split on max recording resolution as well, 4K60 on the 4K S versus 4K60 HDR10 on the Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2. Passthrough resolution is not the same on both, 4K60, 1440p120, 1440p144, 1080p240 on the 4K S versus 4K60 HDR10 on the Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2.
Which should you buy, 4K S or Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2?
The 4K S is the one to take for buyers on a 1440p high-refresh monitor specifically. The same goes for laptop and iPad streamers wanting genuine 4K60 capture without an internal PCIe card. Avoid it for desktop-only setups where an internal PCIe card's lower latency and higher bandwidth ceiling would be preferable. The Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 suits desktop builders with older motherboards needing PCIe Gen 3 compatibility and anyone who doesn't need VRR passthrough or multi-app capture specifically, though it is not built for laptop users, this is a desktop-only internal PCIe card. It is equally the pick for budget buyers who find this discounted now that 4K X and 4K Pro have replaced it. It is not the one for VRR passthrough for variable refresh rate displays, get the 4K X instead. Our rating of the 4K S (9/10): the most portable way to get genuine 4K60 capture, ideal for laptop and iPad streamers, especially on a 1440p high-refresh monitor. Our rating of the Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 (7/10): still a genuinely strong 4K60 HDR10 card if found discounted, though the 4K X and 4K Pro have since taken its place for good reasons.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Elgato 4K S
- External USB
- Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
- Internal PCIe
Brand
- Elgato 4K S
- Elgato
- Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
- Elgato
Model Number
- Elgato 4K S
- 4K S
- Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
- Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
Connection Type
- Elgato 4K S
- USB-C
- Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
- PCIe x4
Max Recording Resolution
- Elgato 4K S
- 4K60
- Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
- 4K60 HDR10
Passthrough Resolution
- Elgato 4K S
- 4K60, 1440p120, 1440p144, 1080p240
- Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
- 4K60 HDR10
Which one should you pick?
Choose Elgato 4K S if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Elgato 4K S | Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy |
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
Elgato 4K S
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The most portable way to get genuine 4K60 capture, ideal for laptop and iPad streamers, especially on a 1440p high-refresh monitor.
Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro MK.2
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Still a genuinely strong 4K60 HDR10 card if found discounted, though the 4K X and 4K Pro have since taken its place for good reasons.