OBS Capture Card Setup Guide

This method lets you play in 1440p or 4K and still send a 720p or 1080p signal to your capture card, even if it doesn’t support passthrough for your preferred resolution or refresh rate.

(Script PC + Gaming PC)

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⚠️ Hardware Setup

⚠️ Important: The capture card must be installed in the Script PC’s PCIe slot — not the Gaming PC. This is required for Moonlight, color, and AI modes to function correctly.

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🖥️ On the Script PC

This is the PC that handles processing, detection, and output.

1️⃣ Update the Capture Card Firmware

• Update the firmware from the Script PC (where the card is installed).

• Visit the manufacturer’s support page (Elgato / AVerMedia / Magewell) for firmware tools and drivers.

• After updating, reboot the Script PC before continuing.

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🕹️ On the Gaming PC

This PC sends the gameplay signal through the capture card to the Script PC.

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2️⃣ Install Software

• Download and install OBS Studio.

• Ensure your GPU drivers (NVIDIA / AMD) are up to date.

• You can also install NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software if not already installed.

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3️⃣ Connect the Hardware

1. Connect an HDMI cable from your GPU’s output port → HDMI IN on the capture card (installed in the Script PC).

2. Gaming PC Monitor is plugged into the Gaming PC GPU.

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4️⃣ Configure the Capture Card Resolution

🧩 This step makes sure your GPU sends the right signal to the capture card.

1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel or Windows Display Settings.

2. Select your capture card display (it shows up as another monitor).

3. Set the Resolution to 1920×1080 or 1280x720.

4. Set the Refresh Rate to 240 Hz (or the highest supported by your capture card).

5. Apply and confirm the settings.

6. Active and Desktop signal should show as the same resolution and hz. If if doesn't, it will be scaling which is not what we want.

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5️⃣ Configure OBS (All Resolutions)

🎯 Works no matter your monitor’s native resolution — output is handled via Fullscreen Projector to the capture card.

🧩 Video Settings

Setting	Value
Base Canvas Resolution	1920×1080 (1080p)
FPS	Fractional 240/1
Color Format	NV12 (8-bit)

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🎮 Game Capture Setup

1. Add a Game Capture or Display Capture source in OBS.

2. Select your game or display.

3. Center it by selecting the source and pressing Ctrl + D.

4. Right-click the OBS preview → Projector (Fullscreen) → choose your capture card display.

✅ If set up correctly, the Script PC’s debug window will show the live game feed.

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✅ Quick Recap

• 🖥️ Capture card goes in the Script PC PCIe slot.

• 🔄 Firmware updated from the Script PC.

• 🕹️ OBS on Gaming PC → send via Fullscreen Projector.

• ⚙️ Resolution: 1920×1080 @ 240 Hz (NV12).

• 📡 Confirm feed: Script PC shows gameplay in the debug window.

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Here are other methods of using Capture card dual pc:

Keep in mind that these are not the main way we recommend setting up a capture card.

Alternative method

Alternative method 2

Alternative method 3