Description
The AVerMedia GC553G2 Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 represents a significant leap in external capture technology, being the first in its class to fully embrace the HDMI 2.1 standard. By supporting 4K144 pass-through and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), this device ensures that competitive gamers can enjoy ultra-smooth, tear-free visuals on their monitors while simultaneously capturing high-bitrate footage. The integration of USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C provides a 10Gbps data pipeline, facilitating low-latency 4K144 video capture on Windows systems and 4K60 on macOS.
This product is for:
This capture card is engineered for five distinct user profiles:
- Next-Gen Console Streamers: PS5 and Xbox Series X/S owners who require HDMI 2.1 for 4K120 or 4K144 output with VRR.
- Competitive PC Gamers: Players using high-refresh-rate monitors (up to 360Hz at 1080p) who need a capture solution that doesn't throttle their local display performance.
- Professional Content Creators: Users demanding 4K144 capture capabilities for high-fidelity YouTube uploads and archival.
- Remote Broadcasters: Mobile streamers utilizing iPadOS 17 or laptops who need a compact, plug-and-play UVC-compliant device.
- Collaborative Gamers: Users who rely on integrated party chat features to mix game audio and team communication via 3.5mm jacks.
Detailed specifications:
Technical Specifications and Connectivity:
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps), UVC Protocol.
- Input/Output: HDMI 2.1.
- Max Pass-Through Resolution: 2160p144 HDR/VRR, 1440p240 HDR/VRR, 1080p360 HDR/VRR.
- Max Capture Resolution: 2160p144 (Windows), 2160p60 (macOS).
- Audio Ports: 4-pole 3.5mm Headset jack, 4-pole 3.5mm Gamepad jack.
- Dimensions: 120 x 70 x 27.6 mm; Weight: 115g.
- Capture Formats: YUY2, NV12, RGB24, P010 (HDR), MJPEG.
The user experience is centered on simplicity and customization. As a UVC-compliant device, the GC553G2 is driver-free, allowing for immediate recognition by OBS, XSplit, and AVerMedia’s own Streaming Center software. The physical design includes a customizable RGB lighting strip that can be synchronized with gaming setups. For console players, the dedicated 3.5mm ports simplify the often-complex task of capturing party chat audio, allowing direct connection from the controller and headset to the capture box.
Compared to previous generation HDMI 2.0 capture cards, the GC553G2 eliminates the "refresh rate tax." Traditional cards often forced users to downscale their gaming monitor to 60Hz or disable VRR to capture footage. The Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 maintains the native 144Hz fluidity of modern displays. Furthermore, while many external cards struggle with thermal throttling, the GC553G2’s compact housing is optimized for the high bandwidth of 4K144 signals without significant heat buildup.
Q&A:
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Does this card support VRR on PS5 and Xbox Series X? Yes, it supports Variable Refresh Rate pass-through to prevent screen tearing on compatible HDMI 2.1 displays.
- What are the hardware requirements for 4K144 capture? For Windows, an Intel Core i5-12XXX and NVIDIA RTX 3060 or higher are recommended to handle the MJPEG 4K144 stream.
- Can I use this with a MacBook? Yes, it supports macOS 13/14 with 4K60 capture, though HDR capture is currently limited to Windows environments.
- Do I need specific cables? To achieve 4K144, you must use the included HDMI 2.1 and USB-C 10Gbps cables or certified equivalents.
- What happens if my monitor uses DSC (Display Stream Compression)? If your monitor has built-in DSC, the maximum supported pass-through may be limited to 4K120 depending on the specific display architecture.
