To stream from two PCs with an Elgato capture card, send the gaming PC’s HDMI output to the card’s HDMI In, connect the card to the streaming PC, then add it in OBS as a Video Capture Device. OBS runs on the streaming PC, which also encodes and sends the stream. If your card supports passthrough, connect HDMI Out to your gaming display so you can play on it.
Before you connect anything
Check the exact card model against the video mode you want to send: resolution, refresh rate and any passthrough requirement. Elgato’s setup guide covers external USB models and the internal 4K Pro PCIe route; supported modes vary by card. An external card needs a suitable USB connection. Elgato says USB 2.0 does not provide enough bandwidth, and specifies USB 3.0 or faster for its standard external setup, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 for 4K X. Confirm the current specifications for your model before choosing a port or cable: Elgato’s capture-card setup guide.
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A capture card receives the HDMI signal; it does not encode or compress your stream. Encoding happens on the streaming PC through OBS and its selected encoder. For a single-PC setup, Elgato says OBS can capture the game directly, and simply adding a capture card does not improve performance: Elgato: Do You Need a Capture Card to Stream or Record?
Connect the gaming PC, capture card and display
External USB card
- Connect an HDMI output on the gaming PC to the capture card’s HDMI In.
- Connect the card to the streaming PC using the model’s supported USB cable and a sufficiently fast USB port. Avoid a USB 2.0 port.
- If you want to play through passthrough and your model supports it, connect the card’s HDMI Out to the gaming display. Elgato describes HDMI Out as sending the signal to a display so you can play normally. Check the model’s supported passthrough modes and cable requirements.
Internal PCIe card
- Install the card in a compatible PCIe slot in the streaming PC, following the model’s installation instructions.
- Connect the gaming PC’s HDMI output to the card’s HDMI In.
- If your model has HDMI Out and you need passthrough, connect that output to the gaming display.
Exact ports, cabling and supported modes differ across models. For example, Elgato’s OBS guide discusses the internal 4K60 Pro MK.2, while its setup documentation includes external cards such as HD60 X. Neither example establishes a universal best card or a universal resolution and frame rate: choose based on your computers’ available ports and the input and passthrough modes you need. See Elgato’s OBS Studio setup guide and the card’s current specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- Seamless Broadcasting and Versatile Streaming: Connect effortlessly to any app such as OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Restream, Zoom, Teams, and stream flawlessly on various platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Discord, Facebook Gaming, etc., providing you with unparalleled flexibility and reach.
- Next-gen capture: Unleash the full potential of your content with cutting-edge 4K resolution, delivering crystal-clear visuals at an impressive 144 frames per second.
- HDMI 2.1 in/out: Elevate your recording capabilities with HDMI 2.1 support, allowing you to document high frame rates up to 240fps in glorious 1080p resolution for an unparalleled viewing experience.
- VRR passthrough: Immerse yourself completely in the gaming experience as our Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) passthrough ensures flawlessly smooth gameplay, eliminating screen tearing for an uninterrupted visual feast.
- Ultra-low latency: Stay in the moment with ultra-low latency powered by USB 3.2 Gen 2, ensuring your broadcast and gameplay remain perfectly synchronized, delivering an immersive and responsive streaming experience.
Add the capture card in OBS
- On the streaming PC, open OBS Studio.
- In the Sources panel, select + and choose Video Capture Device.
- Create a source or select the existing Elgato device from the device list. If needed, choose a supported resolution and frame rate in the source properties.
- Check the OBS preview. It should show the gaming PC’s video. Arrange or resize the source in the scene as needed.
- Check the audio mixer while game audio is playing. Confirm that audio from the capture device is reaching OBS, then make a short recording or private test stream to verify picture and sound before going live.
Audio controls vary by card and software version. For its 4K60 Pro MK.2 OBS guidance, Elgato recommends a 48 kHz sample rate and stereo; treat that as model-specific advice, not a universal menu setting for every capture card. Consult the Elgato OBS guide for the relevant device.
Route game, headset and chat audio separately
For ordinary PC game audio, make sure the gaming PC sends audio over the HDMI output feeding the card, then verify that OBS receives the capture device’s audio. The exact operating-system output selection and OBS controls depend on the PC, card and software configuration.
Rank #2
- Seamless Broadcasting and Versatile Streaming: Connect effortlessly to any app such as OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch Studio, Restream, Zoom, Teams, and stream flawlessly on various platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Discord, Facebook Gaming, etc., providing you with unparalleled flexibility and reach.
- Unrivaled Gaming Experience: Immerse yourself in pure gameplay at an astounding 8K60 resolution, all while effortlessly capturing the action in stunning 4K60 quality.
- Cutting-Edge Connectivity: Harness the power of HDMI 2.1 in/out to effortlessly record high frame rates, reaching up to an incredible 240fps in pristine 1080p resolution.
- Seamless Visuals: Say goodbye to screen tearing and relish in a flawlessly smooth gaming experience with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) passthrough technology.
- Perfectly Synced Entertainment: Achieve unparalleled synchronization between your broadcast and gameplay, thanks to ultra-low latency that ensures every moment is captured with precision.
Controller-connected headsets introduce a separate path. Elgato’s optional Chat Link setup splits controller audio to the headset and capture device, but the headset microphone goes to the controller; it does not go directly to the capture card. To capture your voice in the PC workflow Elgato describes, use a separate microphone path. If connecting Chat Link Pro to a PC line-in, Elgato says to use Line-In, not Mic-In. These details apply to the relevant controller/headset setup, not every PC audio arrangement. See Elgato’s Chat Link manual and Chat Link Pro manual.
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Fix a black preview or missing signal
- Check the HDMI input. The gaming PC must feed the card’s HDMI In, not HDMI Out.
- Check for HDCP. A protected HDMI source may not be capturable. Confirm that the source is not sending HDCP-protected video.
- Check USB bandwidth. Connect an external card to a supported USB port; Elgato says USB 2.0 is insufficient for its setup. For 4K X, follow its USB 3.2 Gen 2 requirement.
- Try a known-good HDMI cable. Match the cable to the target video mode. Elgato specifically requires an HDMI 2.1 cable for 4K X high-refresh-rate operation.
- Recheck the selected mode. Make sure the gaming PC’s output resolution and refresh rate are supported by the card. If unsure, test a lower supported mode and consult the model’s specifications.
- Confirm the OBS source. In Video Capture Device properties, select the correct Elgato device. Close other applications that may be using it, then reopen OBS or reconnect the card if it still does not appear.
For model-specific ports and supported signal modes, use Elgato’s setup guide rather than assuming all Elgato cards accept the same input.
Rank #3
- Turn Your Camera into a Pro Webcam: Connect your DSLR or mirrorless camera to any computer and go live in stunning quality
- Stunning quality: Stream and record in 1080p60 or even 4K60 for razor-sharp detail (Requires a compatible camera and the latest Cam Link 4K model)
- Connect More Than Just Cameras: Use a camcorder, action cam, or even your iPhone to level up your content
- No Lag, No Delays: Ultra-low latency keeps your video and audio perfectly in sync, just like it should be
- Your iPad, Now a Pro Field Monitor: Preview your shots in real time on an iPad with USB-C
Or let it run in the cloud
The dual-PC capture-card method is for sending a live gaming-PC feed into OBS. If your goal instead is to keep a YouTube channel live using uploaded videos, StreamNeo runs that video from the cloud: upload a recording or make a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free day on StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
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