Razer’s Ripsaw HD brings HD game capture to a new level with up to 4K resolution and 60 FPS passthrough. Creators who want to share content either live or pre-recorded, a game capture device is a must-have tool in their kit. While I have experience with both methods of sharing content, I am not an authority on game capture.
The purpose of this post is to provide information on the device.
Key Specifications
- Model: RZ20-0285
- Price: $159.99
- 4K/60 FPS Passthrough
- 1080p/60 FPS Streaming
- Microphone Input
- Headphone Output
- Power over USB-C
- HDMI in/out
Setup
A critical software you will need, that is not included with the device, is an application to translate game streaming from your PC to a service such as Twitch. I recommend OBS, which is free of both malware and a financial committment. Additionally, you will need Razer’s Synapse 3 software, which is also free.
After installing your software, connect a USB-C cable to your Ripsaw and PC via a USB 3.0 port. Connect the HDMI output from your PC, XBOX, PS4, or Switch and connect it to the input on the Ripsaw. Then connect an HDMI cable to the output on the Ripsaw and your monitor or TV. If you would like to mix audio as well, you can plug your microphone and headphone into the Ripsaw as well.
Note: the Ripsaw includes a USB-C to USB 3.0 cable as well as HDMI and audio cables. All cables are braided and feel like they are made with the intention of being high-quality.
Console Streaming
Streaming or recording from consoles has lagged behind PCs. That is not a bad thing. PCs tend to lead the charge of innovation, but implementation and quality suffer until maturity is reached. At which point, consoles jump onboard. This has been true for many console features such as online play, USB ports, HDMI output, wireless headsets, and now game streaming.
The Ripaw makes console streaming easy. Even if you are playing at 4K, you can still capture at 1080p.
PC Streaming
This is where the Ripsaw gets interesting. You can stream and capture from one PC, or you can take some of the load off your gaming PC by using the Ripsaw as an intermediary between your gaming PC and a PC dedicated, in this case, to game capture. In this case, setup resembles connecting the Ripsaw and your PC to a console.
Who it is For?
For $159.99 at the Razer online store, the Ripsaw HD is an affordable device to enable existing and inspiring creators to get going with console and PC streaming.