HDMI 2.1 Capture Cards: From 4K@144Hz to 8K — The Current Landscape

HDMI 2.1 has been the defining technology in the capture card industry this year. With its 48 Gbps bandwidth — nearly three times HDMI 2.0’s capacity — it has unlocked capabilities that content creators have been waiting for. Let’s survey the current landscape of HDMI 2.1 capture cards as we approach the end of 2024.

Consumer-Grade HDMI 2.1 Cards

Elgato 4K Pro (Internal PCIe)

The Elgato 4K Pro remains the flagship consumer HDMI 2.1 capture card. Its PCIe 3.0 x4 interface combined with HDMI 2.1 input delivers the most comprehensive feature set available:

• 8K@60fps HDR passthrough
• 4K@60fps HDR recording
• 4K@144Hz and 1080p@240Hz passthrough
• Multi-application support (capture + stream + video call simultaneously)

Elgato 4K X (External USB)

The external counterpart brings HDMI 2.1 to a portable form factor. While it can’t match the internal card’s maximum capabilities, it still delivers impressive 4K@144Hz recording and plug-and-play simplicity.

AVerMedia GC575 Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (Internal PCIe)

AVerMedia’s answer to the Elgato 4K Pro targets the gaming market specifically, delivering 4K HDR at 60fps capture with ultra-low latency and support for up to 240fps at 1080p. Its 4K@144fps and 4K@120fps passthrough makes it ideal for high-refresh-rate gaming setups.

AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (External USB)

A compact external option with HDMI 2.1 passthrough at 4K@144Hz, capturing smooth 4K@60fps footage with HDR and VRR support.

Professional 8K Solutions

YUAN SC750N1-L

TechPowerUp reported that YUAN High-Tech has brought 8K@60fps capture to a PCIe form factor with the SC750N1-L. This PCIe 3.0 x8 card features HDMI 2.1 input and output, providing the ability to record 8K video at 60fps — putting professional-grade capabilities within reach of advanced content creators and broadcast facilities.

Blackmagic Design DeckLink 8K Pro G2

The DeckLink 8K Pro G2 is a professional PCIe capture and playback card featuring four bidirectional 12G-SDI connections plus HDMI 2.1 input and output. Operating at up to 8K@60fps, it’s designed for high-end broadcast and post-production workflows.

What HDMI 2.1 Enables

The Current Gap

Despite the advances, there’s still a notable gap in the market. While HDMI 2.1 capture cards handle 4K@60fps and even 8K passthrough well, several limitations persist:

• Dolby Vision capture remains unavailable on consumer cards
• 8K recording (not just passthrough) is still limited to professional equipment
• Price premium for HDMI 2.1 cards remains significant over HDMI 2.0 options
• Software ecosystem is still catching up to fully leverage HDMI 2.1 capture capabilities

Buying Advice for Late 2024

• If you need 4K@60fps capture now, the Elgato 4K Pro (internal) or AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (external) are the best options
• If 1080p@60fps is sufficient, save money with an HDMI 2.0 card like the Elgato HD60 X
• If you need 8K, consider the YUAN SC750N1-L or Blackmagic DeckLink 8K Pro G2
• If portability matters, the Elgato 4K X or AVerMedia Ultra 2.1 are your best external choices

Sources:

• TechPowerUp - YUAN 8K60 Capture Devices
• Blackmagic Design - DeckLink
• Windows Central - New Elgato HDMI 2.1 Capture Cards