After what seems like an eternity of teasing, Elgato has finally given up the info on their 4K capture card. While we already knew of its existence, that’s basically all we knew. That is until today and the floodgates have been opened. So, let’s take a look at what we know about the card.
Are you ready?
You demand a cutting-edge capture solution – 4K60 Pro delivers.
Learn more: https://t.co/liOHz71NjP pic.twitter.com/6NsTioscmK
— Elgato (@elgato) November 2, 2017
While it isn’t the first 4K capture card, it is the first one to be marketed for gaming. As such, it will support all existing consoles and the upcoming Xbox One X. The card features a 4K pass-through, meaning that you’ll connect your consoles (or PC) to the 4K6 Pro and then another from the card to your TV or monitor. You’ll be able to record and capture footage from 1080p, 1440p and 2160p (4K).
Similar to the HD60 Pro, the 4K60 Pro is a PCIe card, so you’ll need to pop this baby into your PC. So make sure you have room for it. However, unlike the HD60 Pro, it will not include an onboard h.264 encoder. Meaning your PC’s processor or GPU (Nvidia/AMD) will handle the encoding load. A maximum of 140Mbps will be supported for videos, which is 2x the amount of the HD60 Pro.
Now, what about streaming? Well, you won’t be able to stream at 4K. It only supports up to 1080p for streaming and flashback recording.
The CPU requirements are also pretty steep. Which makes sense, as it is a 4K capture device. Elgato is requiring either a 6th generation i7/AMD Ryzen 7 or above processor. Folks, don’t ignore this. Trying to use this on an underpowered PC will only result in poor results – trust me, I’ve seen this handle too many times. That said, if you have a Ryzen 5 1600, you should be ok. That processor spanks an i7-7700K, it should be ok.
Now, the downside is that this is an HDMI-only device. It doesn’t support DisplayPort, nor G-Sync since it only supports HDMI. There’s also no HDR support, nor is it planned.
So, when can you get your hands on this? Well, pre-orders are being taken now, but the 4K60 Pro won’t be released/shipped until November 21st, 2017. So if you were picking up an Xbox One X and was worried about not have enough money. You have some time to save up. The price? Here comes the sticker shock – $399.95! Yes, it’s pricey but from what I’ve heard, it’s worth it.
There you go. Everything you need to know about the upcoming Elgato 4K60 Pro capture card. Are you picking up one? We’d love to know in the comments.
Editor’s Note: I’ve been waiting for this beast for a while. However, after my purchase of the Xbox One X, my funds will be depleted and I doubt I’ll be picking up one. I’d love to test it out and review, so maybe next year. Unless Elgato would love to help us out with a loaner ;). That said, I really want this card.
For more info on the Elgato 4K 60 Pro, head on over to the official website page.
