AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 4K144 HDMI 2.1 USB Capture Card, GC553G2

High-refresh gaming setups require video gear that keeps up, and this HDMI 2.1 USB capture card handles fast frame rates without forcing players to compromise their monitor feed. Built for players running modern consoles or multi-PC streaming rigs, the device routes video signals up to 4K resolution at high refresh rates directly through to your screen while digitizing the gameplay over a fast 10Gbps connection.

The passthrough capabilities form the centerpiece of this hardware. With HDMI 2.1 support, you can send uncompromised video to a display at up to 4K144 with HDR and VRR enabled. Players focusing on competitive framerates can also push 1440p at up to 240 frames per second or 1080p at 360 frames per second. On supported Windows systems, the unit records MJPEG video at up to 4K144 using the AVerMedia Streaming Center software, retaining high fidelity for demanding games.

Connectivity extends beyond a single operating system. Using a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface, the card links to Windows PCs, Mac computers, or an iPad. It captures feed from PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and gaming PCs. Audio routing is equally practical, thanks to dual 3.5 mm four-pole ports that capture gamepad audio and party chat alongside your game footage, paired with 5.1-channel audio support on compatible Windows setups. It also fits into standard broadcast workflows via an OBS Studio plugin, while onboard RGB lighting responds to Windows Dynamic Lighting controls.

There are platform-specific boundaries to plan around. While Windows users get access to 4K144 recording and HDR capture, macOS users are limited to 4K60 capture and do not have HDR capture support. In addition, if your monitor uses Display Stream Compression (DSC), the 4K passthrough rate might cap at 4K120 instead of the maximum 4K144. High-end capture also requires a supported Windows machine with adequate hardware backing the Streaming Center software.

Verdict: This capture card is an excellent investment for Windows streamers and console players who want 4K144 passthrough with variable refresh rates and high-speed local recording. Mac users or owners of DSC monitors should consider the specific framerate ceilings before setting up their workstation.

A great fit if you:

• Play on a PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or gaming PC and want HDMI 2.1 passthrough with VRR and HDR at up to 4K144.
• Stream or record on a capable Windows PC using OBS Studio or AVerMedia Streaming Center software.
• Need dedicated 3.5 mm audio connections to pull party chat and headset audio straight into your live broadcast.
• Run high-framerate competitive monitors running at 1440p240 or 1080p360 and want zero disruption to your monitor feed.

Consider something else if you:

• Rely primarily on a Mac for production and need capture speeds beyond 4K60 or native HDR capture capability.
• Use a monitor that relies on DSC and strictly require 4K144 passthrough rather than a 4K120 connection.
• Only capture standard 1080p60 gameplay and would prefer a simpler entry-level capture device without HDMI 2.1 hardware.

Confirm on the listing:

• Check whether your computer has an available USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port capable of 10Gbps data transfer.
• Verify if your display uses Display Stream Compression (DSC), which may limit 4K passthrough to 4K120.
• Check what cables come in the box so you have the required HDMI 2.1 and USB-C cords ready for installation.
• Review the specific hardware requirements for running AVerMedia Streaming Center for 4K144 MJPEG capture on Windows.

How to compare your options: Video capture options vary primarily by their HDMI generation, maximum passthrough resolutions, and computer operating system features. When comparing devices, look closely at whether the capture framerates match the passthrough rates, as many cards pass through higher signals than they can record. Ensure the audio inputs line up with your communication gear, especially if party chat capture is a mandatory part of your production routine.

Connect the capture unit to a verified 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port on your host machine to ensure there is sufficient bandwidth for high-resolution video streams. If your computer features multiple USB ports, consult your motherboard or laptop documentation to locate the correct high-speed interface.

For recording on Windows, install the AVerMedia Streaming Center software or configure OBS Studio with the dedicated AVerMedia plugin to activate high-framerate video options. Verify that your display settings match your desired passthrough resolution, keeping in mind that enabling VRR and HDR depends on proper configuration within your console or operating system menus.

When capturing console party chat, plug your four-pole headset and controller leads securely into the dual 3.5 mm jacks. If using RGB synchronization, enable Windows Dynamic Lighting in your system settings to control the unit lighting alongside your other desktop peripherals.

Can this device capture 4K video at 144 frames per second on a Mac?
No, macOS capture tops out at 4K60. High-speed 4K144 capture and HDR recording are only supported on Windows PCs using the AVerMedia Streaming Center software.

Does this capture card work with the Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, the USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection and HDMI interface are listed as compatible for capturing gameplay from the Nintendo Switch 2, as well as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC systems.

Why is my 4K passthrough running at 120Hz instead of 144Hz?
Monitors that utilize Display Stream Compression (DSC) can limit the maximum 4K passthrough speed to 4K120 on this unit. Non-DSC setups can achieve up to 4K144 with HDR and VRR.

Can I record party chat directly from my gaming headset?
Yes, the hardware includes dual 3.5 mm four-pole ports designed specifically to capture audio from your headset and gamepad simultaneously.

Does this capture card support surround sound audio?
Yes, it supports 5.1-channel audio workflows on compatible Windows systems.