Hardware for capturing gameplays?

I'm having trouble recording video while playing a game. I think the CPU is overloaded.

Is there some hardware I need to capture gameplay video?

Could I maybe feed the HDMI output into a camcorder or even a smart-phone or another computer to capure the video and sound?

Actually I think these only have HDMI output not input.

What about for live streaming games, etc.?

 

You have three paths available. One, a separate machine that handles recording the video output of the machine running the game. Two, a GPU accelerated solution like NVIDIA ShadowPlay or AMD ReLive. Three, a CPU accelerated solution requiring a CPU upgrade.

Option One can be expensive but has the advantage that the second computer doesn't need to be anywhere near as fast as the first to capture video. A budget computer capable of recording can be built for around $300 USD or around $150 used (eg Dell Precision T3500). You will need a capture card though.

https://www.amazon.com/Elgato-Game-Capture-HD60-Pro/dp/B014MQIVPS

Option Two is generally the easiest and cheapest.

https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/geforce-experience/shadowplay/
https://www.amd.com/en/technologies/radeon-software-relive

Option Three is generally the most expensive as the processor required to support both the game and CPU accelerated recording software is generally a high-end model like AMD's 3900X. Plus if you don't have a compatible motherboard or memory that's even more parts to replace for it.

https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-9-3900x/p/N82E16819113103

 

My favorite solution is NVIDIA ShadowPlay. It works great. It does require an Nvidia card, though.

 

Check task manager, if that is the case. Also should check GPU usage.
What kind of games you are recording, at which resolution? What rig you have?
SSD also may help save data faster.

Other than that, I think I would rather upgrade PC, than buy second Unit. Just my thought.
Sure, may not always be feasible from one or other reason. But wort try to consider.
At least, you can use upgraded CPU / GPU for other things as well. Also, kind of long term investment.