EVGA XR1 Capture Device Review: 4K Passthrough and OBS Certified

EVGA XR1 Capture Device Review: 4K Passthrough and OBS Certified

Table of Contents

Introduction

The EVGA XR1 Capture Device is a promising entry in the game capture market, touting 4K passthrough and seamless integration with OBS. I’ve been using the XR1 for several weeks now, capturing gameplay from various sources and testing its limits. In this review, I’ll dive into its key features, performance, and overall usability to help you decide if it’s the right capture device for you.

Key Features

The EVGA XR1 packs a punch with its features:

  • 4K Passthrough at 60FPS: This allows you to play games at 4K resolution while simultaneously capturing footage in 1080p at 60FPS. This is a huge advantage for gamers who want the best visual experience without sacrificing recording quality.
  • OBS Certified: The XR1 is officially certified by OBS Studio, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility.
  • USB 3.0 Connectivity: Provides fast and reliable data transfer for high-quality capture.
  • Advanced Audio Mixer: The XR1 features an audio mixer that lets you adjust the volume of your game, microphone, and other audio sources independently. This is a boon for content creators who want to fine-tune their audio for streaming or recording.
  • ARGB Lighting: Adds a touch of style to your setup with customizable RGB lighting.

Performance and Usage

The EVGA XR1 delivered consistently solid performance during my testing. 4K passthrough worked flawlessly, with no noticeable lag or stuttering in demanding games. The 1080p recording quality was excellent, capturing every detail with minimal compression artifacts. I also appreciated the ease of setup and use. The XR1 was instantly recognized by my PC and worked seamlessly with OBS Studio. The audio mixer was intuitive and allowed me to fine-tune the audio levels for different sources. The ARGB lighting, while not a game-changer, was a nice addition for those who care about aesthetics.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • 4K passthrough at 60FPS
  • OBS Certified
  • Excellent 1080p recording quality
  • Easy setup and use
  • Advanced audio mixer
  • ARGB lighting

Cons:

  • No HDMI input for capturing from older consoles or devices
  • Limited recording resolution options (1080p and 720p)

Final Verdict

The EVGA XR1 is a solid capture device that delivers on its promises. Its 4K passthrough, OBS certification, and high-quality recording make it an ideal choice for gamers and content creators who want to capture their gameplay in stunning detail. However, the lack of HDMI input and limited recording resolution options might be drawbacks for some. Overall, I highly recommend the EVGA XR1 for its performance, ease of use, and valuable features.