AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553: A Compact and Powerful Capture Card
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553 marks the return of a familiar name in capture cards. While AVerMedia may have been less prominent in recent years, their legacy of quality video capture hardware, dating back over 15 years, resonates with tech enthusiasts. This review explores the GC553’s features, performance, and ease of use, demonstrating why it’s a compelling option for streamers and content creators.
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553 capture card
Simple Setup and Compact Design
The Live Gamer Ultra GC553 arrives in compact packaging, reflecting the device’s small footprint. The black and red design is visually appealing, aligning with AVerMedia’s gamer-focused branding. Inside, the capture card itself is remarkably small, comparable to a pack of cigarettes, making it highly portable. Included are an HDMI 2.0b cable, a USB Type-C cable (USB 3.1 standard), and a code for Cyberlink Power Director 15 editing software. For streaming, AVerMedia’s RECentral 4 software offers a comprehensive suite of features compatible with popular streaming platforms.
The packaging of the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553
The GC553’s design is sleek and robust, with a durable metal chassis and a textured red grill. This grill protects the internal cooling fan, which draws air in from the top and expels it through vents on the sides, ensuring efficient heat dissipation for the internal components.
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553 and included cables.
Plug-and-Play Functionality
Connectivity is straightforward. One end houses HDMI In and Out ports, while the other features a USB Type-C port (USB 3.1) for connecting to your computer. Power is also delivered via this USB connection, eliminating the need for an external power adapter.
Close-up of the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553's HDMI ports
Close-up of the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553's USB-C port
Setup is remarkably simple. Connect the GC553 to your source device via HDMI In, to your display via HDMI Out, and to your computer via USB. Windows recognizes the device as a video input source without requiring additional drivers, allowing for immediate use with various software.
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553's metal casing and red grill
Performance and Testing
Testing with a PlayStation 4, the GC553 captured gameplay smoothly at 1080p 60fps. While 4K passthrough is supported, capturing 4K content is limited to 30fps. The GC553 also works seamlessly with mobile devices, offering a convenient solution for mobile game streaming.
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553 connected to a gaming setup
Example of mobile gaming setup using the AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553
Conclusion
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra GC553 is a powerful and user-friendly capture card. Its compact design, plug-and-play functionality, and robust performance make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced streamers. While AVerMedia faces increased competition in the capture card market, the GC553 offers a compelling combination of features and ease of use that makes it a strong contender.
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