What’s the difference between the AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme and Live Gamer Extreme 2?

The Live Gamer Extreme and Live Gamer Extreme 2 are two external videogame capture cards made by AVerMedia. So, what are the main differences between these devices?

You can find out in this comparison guide.

Quick Summary

When compared to the AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2 supports 4K pass-through as you will be able to play games at 4K and 60 frames per second. The Live Gamer Extreme 2 also comes with the CyberLink PowerDirector 15 video editing software.

On the other hand, the Live Gamer Extreme is the only one of the two to support component input and output. The original version also supports the 3.5 mm jack for audio input.

If you want to play PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, PS5, Xbox Series S and/or Xbox Series X videogames in 4K while recording in 1080p, then you should pick up the Live Gamer Extreme 2.

If you don’t mind playing in 1080p and/or want to capture game consoles that use the component input, then you might want to pick up the Live Gamer Extreme instead.

Live Gamer Extreme vs. Gamer Extreme 2 Comparison Chart

You can find Seeking Tech’s comparison table for both products below.

What’s in the Box

In addition to the main capture card unit, both products include a HDMI cable, USB cable, backup screw, exclusive cover and quick start guide. The Live Gamer Extreme also comes with a component cable, 3.5 mm audio cable and PS3 cable. The Live Gamer Extreme 2 also includes a CyberLink PowerDirector 15 product key card.

You can find a full breakdown of what’s included in each box below:

AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme:

• Live Gamer Extreme (GC550)
• HDMI cable
• Component cable
• USB 3.0 cable
• 3.5 mm audio cable
• PS3 cable
• Exclusive cover
• Backup screw
• Quick start guide

AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2:

• Live Gamer Extreme 2 (GC551)
• HDMI cable
• USB 3.1 Type-C to Type-A cable
• Backup screw
• Exclusive cover
• Quick start guide
• CyberLink PowerDirector 15 product key card

Dimension

The two AVerMedia external game capture cards are the same in terms of physical size with measurements of 145.3 mm x 97.2 mm x 29.0 mm (or 5.72 in x 3.82 in x 1.14 in).

Weight

The devices are also identical when you measured the weight, which is 182 grams (or 6.42 ounces).

Interface

Both versions of the Live Gamer Extreme use the USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen1 interface.

Video Input

For video input, you can use either HDMI or component with the first-generation Live Gamer Extreme. You are limited to only HDMI video input for the second-generation.

Supported Video Input Resolutions

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2 is the only game capture card in this versus guide to support 2160p, otherwise known as 4K. You can find the lists of supported video input resolutions below:

AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme:

• 1080p
• 1080i
• 720p
• 576p
• 576i
• 480p
• 480i

AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2:

• 2160p
• 1080p
• 1080i
• 720p
• 576p
• 480p
• 480i

Video Output

The 1st Gen Live Gamer Extreme also supports HDMI and component when it comes to video output. The 2nd Gen Live Gamer Extreme only supports HDMI for video output.

Audio Input

For audio input, you can choose between HDMI, RCA L-R or 3 Pole 3.5 mm jack with the original Live Gamer Extreme. You are limited to only HDMI with the second iteration of the Live Gamer Extreme.

Audio Output

When it comes to audio output, you can use the HDMI or RCA L-R ports with the Live Gamer Extreme. For the Live Gamer Extreme 2, you can only use HDMI.

Maximum Pass-Through Resolution

You can play and stream/record games at the same time at up to 1080p and 60 frames per second on the Live Gamer Extreme. The maximum pass-through for the Live Gamer Extreme 2 is 4K and 60 frames per second, which means that you can play games at 4K and 60 frames per second (although HDR is not supported) while capturing footage.

Maximum Record Resolution

The maximum recording resolution for both of the game capture cards in this versus guide is up to 1080p and 60 frames per second.

Record Format

The Live Gamer Extreme and Live Gamer Extreme 2 both use MPEG 4 (H.264+AAC) as the recording format.

RECentral

Both of the capture cards support RECentral, a software that helps you customize your live streams.

CyberLink PowerDirector 15

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2 also comes with the CyberLink PowerDirector 15, a video editing software where you can adjust the color, add subtitles and more to captured videos.

Compatible Operating System

The two devices in this comparison are compatible with the Windows 10 operating system.

Desktop PC System Requirements for 1080p/60fps Streaming

For streaming at 1080p and 60 frames per second, you need the following desktop requirements for both capture cards:

• 3.10 GHz Intel Core i5-4440 CPU
• NVIDIA GTX 660 GPU
• 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)

Laptop System Requirements for 1080p/60fps Streaming

If you have a laptop, you need the following system requirements in order to stream games at 1080p and 60 frames per second for the two game capture cards:

• Intel Core i7-4810MQ CPU
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 870M GPU
• 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)

Resources:

• https://www.avermedia.com/us/product-detail/GC550
• https://www.avermedia.com/us/product-detail/GC551