TUF Gaming Capture Box CU4K30: Capture Box Premiere can record 4K30 or FHD120

With the TUF Gaming Capture Box CU4K30, Asus introduces an external capture box that is connected to the PC via HDMI and content is either in UHD resolution with 60 Hz, WQHD with 144 Hz or Full HD resolution with up to 240 Hz including an HDR signal. Recordings are only possible up to 2160p30 or 1080p120.

Stream with 4K60, record with 4K30

The box offers an HDMI 2.0 input and output, a problem-free pass-through of the signal including low latencies should be guaranteed. In addition to an audio input via a 3.5 mm jack connection, the external capture box also uses RGB lighting, which is supposed to appeal to players with predefined modes and compatibility with the Aura Sync ecosystem. The light bar also serves as a function indicator that can show the status of the device.

< p class = "p text-width"> One USB type C serves not only the recording function but also the power supply – an adapter cable (type C to type A) and a power supply unit (USB type A) are included in the scope of delivery. The TUF Gaming Capture Box CU4K30 weighs only 173 grams with its aluminum housing and measures 105 × 80 × 21 mm (W × D × H).

The USB connection limits the recording process

The video formats 2160p60 HDR, 1440p144 HDR and 1080p240 HDR can be used for pass-through – 120 Hertz in UHD are only supported with HDMI 2.1. When recording on a PC connected via USB, a maximum of 2160p30 HDR, 1440p60 HDR and 1080p120 HDR are possible. The limiting factor here is the USB connection according to USB 3.2 Gen 1 with 5 Gbit/s. According to Asus, the data is forwarded “uncompressed” to the receiving PC, so the encoding takes place on the PC.

Asus recommends an Intel Core i7-6xxx or a Ryzen 7 1xxx called in conjunction with an Nvidia GeForce GTX1060 or Radeon RX570. This requires 16 GB of RAM, which runs in dual-channel mode.

At what price Asus is bringing the TUF Gaming Capture Box CU4K30 onto the market in this country is currently not known. A date for the start of sales has not yet been officially announced either.

The competition can also use 4K60 thanks to the encoder

Among other things, competition comes from the pioneer Elgato, who has an internal capture card for the PCIe slot in its range for around 250 euros with the Elgato 4K60 Pro Mk.2. The Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S + (test) offers the recording of 4K60 HDR without a PC, but can be connected to one via USB 3.0 if desired. Because the encoding takes place on the box itself, recordings with 4K60 are possible despite USB 3.2 Gen 1 alias USB 3.0. The external box costs 400 euros. But also Razer with the Razer Ripsaw HD or AVerMedia with the Live Gamer BOLT offer alternatives for streaming and recording games from different sources.