Slow loading screens can really kill the vibe when you’re trying to jump into a gaming session. If you’re tired of waiting around, it’s probably time to upgrade your storage. A blazing-fast Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for gaming, drastically cutting down load times and improving overall system responsiveness. When we talk about reliable, high-performance storage, Lexar and ADATA (especially its gaming-focused XPG brand) consistently come up as top contenders.
But with so many options out there, how do you find the Lexar best adata ssd for gaming that fits your setup perfectly? We’ve got you covered! This comprehensive guide reviews 10 excellent SSDs from Lexar and XPG (ADATA’s gaming arm), highlighting their unique features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re building a new rig, upgrading an old one, or looking for PS5-compatible storage, you’ll find a great option here. Let’s dive in and find your next gaming powerhouse!
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If you’re after blistering speed for your gaming PC or even a PlayStation 5, the Lexar 1TB NM790 is a fantastic contender. This internal M.2 NVMe SSD boasts incredible read and write speeds, making it a dream come true for hardcore gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand nothing less than peak performance. Its efficient design means less power consumption without sacrificing any of that raw speed.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1000TBW durability rating
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfer and seamless performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Single-sided NVMe SSD perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Phenomenal speeds significantly reduce game load times
- Energy-efficient design helps with laptop battery life and heat
- PS5 compatibility is a huge plus for console gamers
- High TBW ensures long-term reliability
- Excellent value for a high-performance Gen 4 SSD
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Cons:
- No included heatsink (may need to purchase separately for sustained heavy loads or PS5 use)
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently rave about the NM790’s impressive speed and how it transforms their gaming experience. Many highlight its ease of installation and excellent performance even in demanding scenarios, calling it a top choice for a high-speed internal drive.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe
Designed with console and PC gamers in mind, the Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink is a storage beast, especially if you’re looking to expand your PlayStation 5’s library. Its integrated heatsink is a game-changer, ensuring your drive stays cool under pressure, preventing thermal throttling during those intense, marathon gaming sessions. With 4TB of space, you’ll have room for countless titles without worrying about deleting old favorites.
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Key Features:
- Designed to coordinate with your PS5 for enhanced gaming
- 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds for reduced load times
- Massive 4TB capacity with 3200TBW for extreme durability
- Tested and approved storage for PS5 console; play games directly from the drive
- Unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling
- Also suitable for PC gaming with HMB and SLC Dynamic cache for improved performance
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Huge 4TB capacity ideal for large game libraries
- Built-in heatsink provides excellent thermal management
- Officially tested and approved for PS5, ensuring compatibility and performance
- Top-tier Gen 4 speeds for both console and PC
- No need to transfer games; play them straight from the drive
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Cons:
- Premium price due to high capacity and included heatsink
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User Impressions: PS5 owners especially love this drive for its simple plug-and-play installation and the peace of mind that comes with the integrated heatsink. PC users also appreciate its raw speed and reliability for demanding applications and games.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 1TB NQ780 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar 1TB NQ780 offers a fantastic balance of speed and value for gamers looking to step into the PCIe Gen 4 world without breaking the bank. While its write speeds are a bit more modest than some top-tier drives, its read performance is still very impressive, ensuring quick game boots and snappy level loading. Its single-sided design also makes it a great fit for modern gaming laptops.
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Key Features:
- Delivers read/write speeds up to 6500/2500 MB/s for fast gameplay and boot-ups
- High-quality 8-channel Gen 4 controller for better sustained write performance
- HMB and SLC cache technologies improve performance and reduce latency
- Great for laptops thanks to its single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control
- Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool for firmware updates, drive management, and health monitoring
- A 5-year limited warranty offers peace of mind
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Pros:
- Excellent read speeds for quick game loading
- Affordable entry point for PCIe Gen 4 performance
- Single-sided design ideal for compact laptops
- Useful software for drive management and monitoring
- Good 5-year warranty for peace of mind
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Cons:
- Write speeds aren’t as fast as some higher-end Gen 4 drives (though still very fast for most users)
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User Impressions: Users often praise the NQ780 as a solid upgrade for their gaming PCs and laptops, noting a significant improvement in boot times and game responsiveness. Its ease of installation and reliable performance make it a popular choice for mainstream users.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
While internal SSDs are great for your main gaming rig, sometimes you need portability without compromise. The Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a versatile tool for gamers and content creators on the move. Not only does it offer high-speed storage, but its integrated hub means you can connect other peripherals, making it super useful for gaming setups that need extra ports or for quickly transferring game captures.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact for spontaneous creativity anytime, anywhere
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector frees you from tangled cables
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage and store with ease
- Portable SSD plus a hub with four USB Type-C ports, adapters, and cables for ultimate flexibility
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording and swift backups
- Ready for travel – dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Doubles as a multi-port hub, increasing its utility
- Excellent read/write speeds for an external drive
- Rugged design (IP65, drop-resistant) for durability on the go
- Ideal for creative professionals who also game
- Compact and highly portable
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Cons:
- External drive speeds won’t match internal NVMe drives
- The “wireless” aspect refers to a direct-connect dongle, not truly wireless data transfer
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the innovative hub feature, making it a very practical device for laptops and devices with limited ports. Its robust build quality and swift transfer speeds are frequently highlighted by those who need reliable portable storage for both work and play.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s
For gamers who need speedy external storage, perhaps for their Xbox, PS5, or even an iPhone 15 Pro, the Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD is an absolute powerhouse. Its incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance means you can transfer massive game files or even record high-quality video directly to the drive without a hitch. Plus, its sleek, thin design makes it super easy to carry around.
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Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design easily fits in your pocket
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording – shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max
- Wide compatibility with mobile devices, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, and more
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures at top speeds
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Product dimensions: 3.3” x 2.1” x 0.3”; 0.095 lbs.
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Exceptional speeds for a portable SSD
- Excellent compatibility across various gaming consoles and mobile devices
- Robust metal design with effective thermal control
- Data encryption software adds an extra layer of security
- Ultra-portable and lightweight
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Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port to achieve full advertised speeds
- No integrated heatsink, though thermal control is present
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User Impressions: Customers love the compact size and the surprisingly fast speeds, making it perfect for expanding console storage or for mobile video work. Its compatibility with the latest iPhones for direct recording is a big hit among content creators.
- See it on Amazon here
XPG 2TB GAMMIX S70 Blade – Works with Playstation 5
When it comes to the Lexar best adata ssd for gaming, the XPG GAMMIX S70 Blade definitely stands out for ADATA’s offerings. This 2TB beast from ADATA’s gaming brand, XPG, is a fantastic choice for serious gamers, especially those with a PlayStation 5 or a high-end PC. With mind-blowing PCIe Gen4 speeds and a sleek heatsink-ready design, it’s built to keep up with the most demanding games and applications.
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Key Features:
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 NVMe 1.4
- Speed on PS5: 6100MB/s sequential read (firmware 21.02-04.00.00.42 or higher required)
- Speed on PC/Laptop: Sequential R/W up to 7400/6800MB/s (actual performance varies)
- Form factor: M.2 2280 (requires PCIe 4 compatible motherboard, PCIe 3 backward compatible)
- Backed by a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty
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Pros:
- Extremely fast read and write speeds, among the best for Gen4
- PS5 compatibility makes it an excellent console upgrade
- High 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries
- Designed with a heatsink-compatible profile (often sold with a slim heatsink)
- Reliable XPG brand with a solid warranty
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe 4.0 slot to achieve maximum speeds
- Performance might be slightly lower on PS5 compared to PC (still excellent)
- May not work with all external enclosures due to design
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User Impressions: PC and PS5 users alike praise the S70 Blade for its raw speed and reliability. Many highlight its solid performance for gaming and demanding applications, noting how smoothly it runs even under heavy loads, especially with its included or optional heatsink.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
Just like its 1TB sibling, the Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub offers an incredible combination of high-speed storage and practical connectivity. Doubling your storage to 2TB means even more space for games, media, and professional projects, all while maintaining the convenience of an integrated hub. It’s perfect for power users and gamers who travel frequently or need a versatile desktop solution.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact for spontaneous creativity anytime, anywhere
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector frees you from tangled, cumbersome cables
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage and store with ease
- Portable SSD plus a hub with four USB Type-C ports, along with included adapters and cables, for ultimate flexibility
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording and swift backups
- Ready for travel – dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Large 2TB capacity for extensive storage needs
- Integrated 4-port USB-C hub is extremely useful
- Rugged and durable design for portability
- Excellent read/write speeds for an external drive
- Versatile for both gaming and creative professional tasks
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Cons:
- Higher price point than non-hub portable SSDs
- External drive limits maximum speed compared to internal NVMe options
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User Impressions: Professionals and gamers alike appreciate the 2TB capacity, especially when combined with the hub feature. Users frequently mention its robust build and the convenience it brings to their workflow, whether it’s for backing up game clips or extending their laptop’s connectivity.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD, Up to 2000MB/s
Here’s an SSD that literally sticks with you! The Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD is a marvel of modern design, offering super-fast external storage with the added convenience of MagSafe compatibility. If you’re an iPhone 15 Pro user who wants to record high-quality video or a gamer looking for a sleek, robust portable drive, the ES5 is an innovative solution that combines speed with magnetic attachment.
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Key Features:
- Up to 2000MB/s read and 2000MB/s write for a smooth workflow
- MagSafe-compatible design for easy attachment to compatible smartphones
- Additional metal ring accessory for magnetic attachment to any device
- Supports recording in Apple ProRes at 4K120FPS and Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS
- Includes free access to the Lexar App for easy auto backup and mobile storage expansion
- Rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, and drop resistant up to 3M
- Thin and stylish liquid silicone build provides a comfortable grip, cable organizer doubles as a lanyard
- A thermal control design ensures optimal temperatures to maintain high performance
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Pros:
- Unique MagSafe compatibility and magnetic attachment feature
- Blazing-fast external speeds comparable to internal SATA SSDs
- Extremely durable with IP65 rating and 3M drop resistance
- Excellent for mobile content creation (ProRes, 8K video)
- Free Lexar App for backups and mobile integration
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Cons:
- Full speed requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port
- Magnetic attachment might not be useful for all users
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User Impressions: This drive earns high praise for its innovative magnetic design and robust build. iPhone users, in particular, find it incredibly convenient for direct video recording, while general users appreciate its compact size, impressive speed, and peace of mind from its ruggedness.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
Sometimes, you just need a solid, reliable upgrade for an older laptop or desktop that doesn’t support NVMe. The Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD is a perfect fit. It replaces traditional hard drives with far superior speed and durability, breathing new life into older systems for faster boot times, quicker application loads, and a smoother overall computing experience, which is still beneficial even for casual gaming.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- [256GB] 120TBW durability
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Significant speed upgrade over traditional HDDs
- Very affordable entry-level SSD
- Durable with no moving parts, resistant to shock and vibration
- Easy installation in 2.5-inch drive bays
- Good for extending the life of older systems
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Cons:
- SATA III speeds are much slower than NVMe drives
- 256GB might be too small for a large game library
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User Impressions: Users consistently report that this SSD dramatically improves the performance of their older computers, making them feel like new machines. It’s often recommended as an excellent, budget-friendly upgrade for everyday computing and light gaming.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 128GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
For an absolute budget-friendly upgrade or for systems that primarily need a fast boot drive, the Lexar 128GB NS100 SSD offers a straightforward solution. Like its larger sibling, it’s designed to replace sluggish hard drives, providing a noticeable boost in system responsiveness. While 128GB isn’t much for modern games, it’s perfect for your operating system and essential applications, allowing your PC to feel snappier.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- [128GB] 60TBW durability
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Extremely affordable SSD option
- Provides a dramatic performance improvement over HDDs
- Robust and durable design
- Ideal for use as a dedicated boot drive
- Easy to install
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Cons:
- Very limited capacity for gaming
- SATA III speeds are the slowest among SSDs reviewed here
- Best suited for older systems that cannot utilize NVMe
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User Impressions: This drive is frequently lauded as a cheap and effective way to revive an aging computer. Users note significant improvements in boot times and general system fluidity, making it a popular choice for budget builds or giving a second life to an old machine.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why should I choose an SSD from Lexar or ADATA/XPG for gaming?
A1: Both Lexar and ADATA (with its XPG gaming brand) are reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality SSDs with excellent performance, reliability, and competitive pricing. They offer a range of drives that deliver superior speeds, durability, and features crucial for modern gaming, from internal NVMe drives to versatile portable options, ensuring you get a great Lexar best adata ssd for gaming experience.
Q2: What’s the difference between an NVMe SSD and a SATA SSD?
A2: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect directly to the motherboard via a PCIe slot, offering significantly faster read and write speeds (often thousands of MB/s) compared to SATA (Serial ATA) SSDs, which connect via a SATA cable (typically maxing out around 550 MB/s). For gaming, NVMe drives dramatically reduce load times and improve overall system responsiveness, making them the preferred choice for new builds.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my gaming SSD?
A3: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, especially those used in sustained heavy workloads like gaming or large file transfers, a heatsink is highly recommended. It helps dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down your drive’s performance. Many high-end drives either come with an integrated heatsink or have heatsink-ready designs.
Q4: Can these SSDs be used with the PlayStation 5?
A4: Yes, several NVMe SSDs from Lexar and XPG (ADATA) are compatible with the PlayStation 5, provided they meet Sony’s specific requirements (PCIe Gen4, minimum read speed, and physical dimensions). Drives like the Lexar 4TB Play SSD and XPG GAMMIX S70 Blade are explicitly designed and tested for PS5, offering a seamless storage expansion.
Q5: What does “TBW” mean, and why is it important for an SSD?
A5: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the SSD over its lifespan before it might start experiencing degradation. A higher TBW rating signifies greater durability and longevity. For gamers who frequently install, uninstall, and update large games, a higher TBW ensures the drive can handle extensive write cycles without issues.
Q6: Should I get an internal or external SSD for gaming?
A6: For primary game storage and the fastest load times, an internal NVMe SSD is almost always the best choice. External SSDs are excellent for expanding console storage, backing up games, or for portable gaming libraries that you move between systems. While external drives are getting faster (like USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 drives), they typically won’t match the raw speed of internal PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives.
Q7: How much SSD storage do I need for gaming?
A7: This really depends on your gaming habits. For modern AAA games, 1TB is a good starting point, as many titles can take up 100GB or more. If you play a lot of different games, 2TB or even 4TB is becoming increasingly popular to avoid constantly uninstalling and reinstalling games. For older systems or just a boot drive, 256GB or 512GB might suffice.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SSD can dramatically transform your gaming experience, slashing load times and making your entire system feel snappier. Whether you’re upgrading your PC, boosting your PS5 storage, or need a robust portable solution, both Lexar and ADATA (through its XPG brand) offer a fantastic array of options tailored for every gamer’s needs and budget. From the blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives like the Lexar NM790 and XPG S70 Blade to the incredibly versatile portable Lexar SL500 and Professional Go SSDs, there’s a perfect fit for everyone.
We hope this guide helped you narrow down your choices and find the Lexar best adata ssd for gaming that’s just right for you. Happy gaming, and enjoy those lightning-fast load times!