Recording games requires the correct hardware and software. As a streamer or content creator, you need a decent processor and graphics card to process the video. You also need a capture card to record a game console. For the more experienced content creators, an internal capture card is still the best option.
Elgato is one of the largest brands for both internal and external capture cards. The Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro is an internal capture card designed to be installed inside a desktop computer in an effort to eliminate latency and further improve the quality of the video footage.
Internal capture card
The Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro needs to be connected to the motherboard inside you desktop computer and requires an empty PCIe x1 slot. Plug the card in the motherboard and you are ready to record your gameplay sessions.
Even if you are new to computer hardware and expansion cards, the installation process is rather straightforward. The internal capture card is compatible with most motherboards, but you need to check whether or not your motherboard has an empty PCIe x1 slot.
Download drivers and software
After you have installed the capture card inside your desktop computer, you download and install the required drivers and software. You will have to download them from their website.
Connect your console to the capture card
The Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro features both a video input to record an external source and a video output to connect the capture card to your monitor or television. Plug in your input and output feeds with two separate HDMI cables, one cable is provided with your capture card.
A modern and clean design
A modern black design ensures that the Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro is a sight to behold and steals the show inside your desktop computer. There is no heatsink or fan inside the capture card, but I have never had issues with heat dissipation. The card remains relatively cool, even after hours of recording.
Recording and streaming software
The Elgato Game Capture software is self-explanatory. In the top left, you find a video feed that shows the live gameplay footage from the console connected through the video input. The recording controls are located below the live feed. In a separate menu on the right side, you find more advanced settings to further adjust the recording quality and audio levels.
The Elgato Game Capture software is good, but not as dynamic as other streaming software. If you want more customisation options, you better download tools such as Open Broadcaster Software Studio.
Built-in h.264 encoder
However, you will need to use the Elgato Game Capture software in order to utilise the h.264 encoder on the internal capture card. This feature allows you to record a master copy of your gameplay with a minimal performance impact.
This h.264 encoder on the capture card makes it possible to stream your gameplay session while recording a local video file in higher quality.
Gameplay footage
As far as video quality goes, the footage recorded with the Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro looks detailed and sharp. There are multiple capture options available to adjust the quality of the gameplay footage.
Videos recorded in 720p look good, but definitely not as good as the best the internal capture card is able to deliver. A gameplay video recorded in the highest quality settings at 1080p is free of compression artefacts and looks a lot sharper with less blur.
Of course, recording your gameplay sessions in the highest quality requires more storage space. You will have to experiment with the settings to find the right balance for your needs.
Verdict
The Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro is a small internal capture card that records your gameplay sessions in high quality at a decent resolution. While recording, there is almost no loss of quality or noticeable latency.
Broadcasters and content creators who stream multiple days a week or record lots of gameplay videos are going to experience a lot of benefits with this capture card. Recording and streaming is near effortless and the video quality is excellent for a premium price.
Product information
Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro
A perfect capture card for the more experience content creators with at least a basic knowledge of computer hardware.
Retail price: 199,95 euros
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Disclaimer. This post contains copyrighted images from the Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro, an internal capture card developed and produced by Elgato. The fair use of copyrighted works for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting or research is not considered as an infringement of copyright.
This remains one of the most affordable internal capture cards. Have been using it for years and the support is impressive.
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