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Elgato 4K X vs EVGA XR1 Lite: Comparison

What is the difference between Elgato 4K X and EVGA XR1 Lite?

The first real difference is connection type: Elgato 4K X PCIe Gen 4 x4 against EVGA XR1 Lite PCIe x4. Passthrough resolution is not the same on both, 4K144 on the Elgato 4K X versus 4K60 on the EVGA XR1 Lite. Hdr support is not the same on both, Yes on the Elgato 4K X versus No on the EVGA XR1 Lite.

Which should you buy, Elgato 4K X or EVGA XR1 Lite?

The Elgato 4K X is the one to take for PCIe desktop builds with an available x4 slot. The same goes for creators who upload native high-frame-rate 4K to YouTube and need true 4K144/4K120 SDR capture, not just passthrough. Avoid it for laptop users, requires an open PCIe slot, not compatible with laptops. The EVGA XR1 Lite suits small-form-factor builders who need a low-profile capture card, though it is not the pick for 4K60 recording specifically, this card tops out at 1440p60 capture and laptop users, this is a desktop-only internal PCIe card. It is equally the pick for streamers already running a separate audio interface who don't need onboard mic mixing. It is not the one for anyone wanting onboard microphone input and hardware mixing, get the full XR1 instead. Our rating of the Elgato 4K X (9/10): the right step up for creators who need genuine high-frame-rate 4K SDR capture (4K144/4K120) and VRR handling, provided you have a desktop with an open PCIe x4 slot, and you accept the 4K60 ceiling when capturing in HDR. Our rating of the EVGA XR1 Lite (7/10): A smart way to get onto EVGA's XR1 platform for less, as long as you don't need the full card's onboard mic mixing.

Where the two are identical

Everything else lines up. Form factor read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.

Read the full breakdown: 4K Capture Cards: Passthrough Spec vs Actual Capture Resolution

Elgato 4K X (Internal PCIe Gen 4 x4 / 4K144 & 4K120 SDR Capture, 4K60 HDR Capture / 4K144 Passthrough / VRR Capture / HDR Support)
Elgato
Elgato 4K X
EVGA XR1 Lite (Internal PCIe / 1440p60 Capture / 4K60 Passthrough / Low-Profile Card)
EVGA
EVGA XR1 Lite

Specs and benchmarks

  • Form Factor

    Elgato 4K X
    Internal PCIe
    EVGA XR1 Lite
    Internal PCIe

  • Brand

    Elgato 4K X
    Elgato
    EVGA XR1 Lite
    EVGA

  • Model Number

    Elgato 4K X
    4K X
    EVGA XR1 Lite
    XR1 Lite

  • Connection Type

    Elgato 4K X
    PCIe Gen 4 x4
    EVGA XR1 Lite
    PCIe x4

  • Passthrough Resolution

    Elgato 4K X
    4K144
    EVGA XR1 Lite
    4K60

  • HDR Support

    Elgato 4K X
    Yes
    EVGA XR1 Lite
    No

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Elgato 4K X if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Choose EVGA XR1 Lite if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerElgato 4K XEVGA XR1 Lite
    AmazonView on Amazon
    NeweggView on Newegg

    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 X

    9 / 10 Expert Rating

    The right step up for creators who need genuine high-frame-rate 4K SDR capture (4K144/4K120) and VRR handling, provided you have a desktop with an open PCIe x4 slot, and you accept the 4K60 ceiling when capturing in HDR.

    EVGA XR1 Lite

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    A smart way to get onto EVGA's XR1 platform for less, as long as you don't need the full card's onboard mic mixing.

    More comparisons in Capture Cards