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Elgato Game Capture Neo vs Hauppauge HD PVR 2: Comparison
What is the difference between Elgato Game Capture Neo and Hauppauge HD PVR 2?
They are built to different briefs, and connection type shows it, Elgato Game Capture Neo USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1 against Hauppauge HD PVR 2 USB 2.0. Max recording resolution is not the same on both, 1080p60 on the Elgato Game Capture Neo versus 1080i60 / 720p60 on the Hauppauge HD PVR 2.
Who each one is for
The Elgato Game Capture Neo suits budget buyers who don't need 4K passthrough at all and anyone upgrading from an older, unsupported Elgato capture card, though it is the wrong buy for anyone wanting AVerMedia's RECentral software instead of Elgato's ecosystem. It also earns its place with 1080p streamers wanting Elgato's software ecosystem at the lowest entry price. Avoid it for 4K or HDR display owners, the HD60 X's passthrough is worth the extra cost. The Hauppauge HD PVR 2 is the one to take for recording last-gen consoles or set-top boxes without a PC running and archiving component or HDMI sources to a USB drive directly, though it is not the pick for anyone wanting clean progressive 1080p60 recording and 4K or HDR capture of any kind. It is the wrong buy for PC-connected streaming setups, where a USB webcam-class capture card is simpler. Our rating of the Elgato Game Capture Neo (6/10): the cheapest legitimate entry into Elgato's ecosystem, reasonable only if you're certain you'll never need 4K passthrough. Our rating of the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 (5/10): A niche standalone recorder for HDMI/component sources without a PC. Interlaced-only 1080i recording and USB 2.0 make it feel dated next to the GC513.
What Elgato Game Capture Neo and Hauppauge HD PVR 2 have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: latency, form factor, passthrough resolution and hdr support are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Elgato Game Capture Neo
- External USB
- Hauppauge HD PVR 2
- External USB
Brand
- Elgato Game Capture Neo
- Elgato
- Hauppauge HD PVR 2
- Hauppauge
Model Number
- Elgato Game Capture Neo
- Game Capture Neo
- Hauppauge HD PVR 2
- HD PVR 2 (Model 1512)
Connection Type
- Elgato Game Capture Neo
- USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1
- Hauppauge HD PVR 2
- USB 2.0
Max Recording Resolution
- Elgato Game Capture Neo
- 1080p60
- Hauppauge HD PVR 2
- 1080i60 / 720p60
Passthrough Resolution
- Elgato Game Capture Neo
- 1080p60
- Hauppauge HD PVR 2
- 1080p60
HDR Support
- Elgato Game Capture Neo
- No
- Hauppauge HD PVR 2
- No
Latency
- Elgato Game Capture Neo
- 30 ms
- Hauppauge HD PVR 2
- 30 ms
Which one should you pick?
Choose Elgato Game Capture Neo if you want the lower latency (30 ms vs 30 ms).
Choose Hauppauge HD PVR 2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Elgato Game Capture Neo | Hauppauge HD PVR 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Game Capture Neo
6 / 10 Expert Rating
The cheapest legitimate entry into Elgato's ecosystem, reasonable only if you're certain you'll never need 4K passthrough.
Hauppauge HD PVR 2
5 / 10 Expert Rating
A niche standalone recorder for HDMI/component sources without a PC.