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Elgato 4K X vs Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus: Comparison
Elgato 4K X vs Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus connection type compared
Connection type is the dividing line, Elgato 4K X PCIe Gen 4 x4 against Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus PCIe x4. They differ on passthrough resolution too, 4K144 on the Elgato 4K X versus 4K60 on the Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus. They differ on hdr support too, Yes on the Elgato 4K X versus No on the Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus.
Elgato 4K X vs Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus: which one fits your build
The Elgato 4K X is the one to take for PCIe desktop builds with an available x4 slot. It is equally the pick for creators who upload native high-frame-rate 4K to YouTube and need true 4K144/4K120 SDR capture, not just passthrough. It is not the one for laptop users, requires an open PCIe slot, not compatible with laptops. Buy the Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus for broadcast and multi-camera production studios needing hardware sync and facilities already standardized on Magewell's Pro Capture SDK and ecosystem, though it is the wrong buy for laptop users, this is a desktop-only internal PCIe card and anyone not doing multi-camera or broadcast-grade production work. The same goes for anyone needing sustained 4K60 capture bandwidth beyond what USB can reliably deliver. Avoid it for home streamers or gamers, this is priced well beyond consumer capture needs. 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 Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus (8/10): professional-grade internal capture built for broadcast production, overkill and overpriced for anyone outside that world.
What Elgato 4K X and Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: form factor are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Elgato 4K X
- Internal PCIe
- Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- Internal PCIe
Brand
- Elgato 4K X
- Elgato
- Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- Magewell
Model Number
- Elgato 4K X
- 4K X
- Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
Connection Type
- Elgato 4K X
- PCIe Gen 4 x4
- Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- PCIe x4
Passthrough Resolution
- Elgato 4K X
- 4K144
- Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- 4K60
HDR Support
- Elgato 4K X
- Yes
- Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
- 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 Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Elgato 4K X | Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
Magewell Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus
8 / 10 Expert Rating
Professional-grade internal capture built for broadcast production, overkill and overpriced for anyone outside that world.