Does a Capture Card Improve FPS?

The primary function of a capture card is to capture and stream video and audio from gaming consoles or PCs to another device. However, it is often asked whether a capture card can indirectly improve the frames per second (FPS) of games. The answer is complex, involving a range of factors that can either benefit or detract from gaming performance.

The Role of a Capture Card

A capture card itself does not directly increase FPS. Instead, it is a device that offloads the encoding process and manages video stream and recording tasks. This can have both positive and negative impacts on a gamer's performance.

Offloading Processing

When gaming and streaming simultaneously, a capture card can significantly reduce the processing load on the main gaming PC. By handling the encoding and stream transmission, the card can free up resources for the main system, potentially allowing it to maintain higher FPS.

Quality Settings

While high-quality settings on a capture card can require more processing power, this can impact FPS if the system is already under heavy load. Conversely, using a capture card can allow for lower-quality settings on the stream/recording PC, reducing the load on the main system and potentially improving FPS.

Latency

Some capture cards introduce a minor latency which can affect the perception of performance. However, this latency is typically less than a microsecond and is usually unnoticeable to the player. The effect on FPS is negligible.

Indirect FPS Improvement

While a capture card does not inherently increase FPS, it can assist in managing resources more effectively during streaming or recording. This can result in a more stable and smoother gaming experience. The key is in how you use the capture card.

Video Recording/Streaming Software

Video recording and streaming software can have a notable impact on FPS. When using a capture card, you can avoid running this software, thus indirectly improving FPS. This is particularly true for external capture cards which do not compete for PCIe resources with the GPU.

Conclusion

In summary, a capture card itself is not a direct factor in improving FPS. However, by managing processing and stream transmission tasks, it can help maintain or even improve performance. The benefits are more pronounced when streaming or recording is involved, and careful consideration of quality settings is necessary to ensure the best gaming experience.

For the maximum benefit, external capture cards are recommended as they do not compete for PCIe resources with the GPU, potentially reducing the number of channels required and thus improving overall system performance.