Gamers, listen up! If you’re tired of agonizing load times, stuttering gameplay, and constantly managing your storage, it’s probably time for an SSD upgrade. Specifically, many of you are scouring forums like Reddit, asking: “What’s the Lexar best 1TB SSD for gaming Reddit recommends?”
You’re in luck! We’ve dived deep into the world of solid-state drives, focusing on Lexar’s impressive lineup and throwing in a top-tier alternative that often gets rave reviews from the gaming community. Whether you’re building a new rig, upgrading an old one, or looking to boost your console’s performance, a 1TB SSD offers that sweet spot of capacity and speed.
Let’s break down the best options to get you back into the action, faster and smoother than ever before.
Why 1TB is the Sweet Spot for Gaming
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s briefly touch on why 1TB is such a popular choice. Modern AAA games can easily chew up 100GB or more of storage. A 1TB drive gives you enough space for several of your favorite titles, plus your operating system and other applications, without constantly having to uninstall games. It’s a fantastic balance between cost and capacity for most serious gamers.
The Contenders: Internal NVMe SSDs (The Gaming Powerhouses)
These are the drives that will offer the most significant performance boost for your PC or PlayStation 5, thanks to their blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds.
1. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NM790 is a true speed demon built with hardcore gamers and professionals in mind. If you’re asking about the Lexar best 1TB SSD for gaming Reddit often points to, the NM790 is a strong contender. Its incredible read/write speeds mean game worlds load almost instantly, and large files transfer in a flash. Plus, its compatibility with the PlayStation 5 makes it a fantastic upgrade for console gamers too. The low power consumption is a nice bonus, especially for laptops.
- Key Features:
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1000TBW endurance for long-term reliability
- 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 performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds drastically reduce load times.
- Excellent endurance rating (TBW).
- PS5 compatible, a huge plus for console gamers.
- Energy-efficient design.
- Great value for its performance tier.
- Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible motherboard to reach full speeds.
- User Impressions: Many users praise the NM790 for its incredible speed-to-price ratio, often comparing it favorably to more expensive drives. PC gamers love the snappy response, and PS5 owners report seamless game loading. It’s frequently discussed on Reddit as a top choice for a budget-friendly, high-performance NVMe.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Lexar 1TB NQ780 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NQ780 offers a solid Gen4 NVMe experience without breaking the bank. While not quite as fast as the NM790, its read/write speeds are still a massive leap over older SATA drives and very respectable for gaming. Its single-sided design makes it a good fit for laptops and compact builds, and the included DiskMaster software adds a layer of convenience for monitoring and managing your drive.
- Key Features:
- Delivers read/write speeds up to 6500/2500 MB/s
- High-quality 8-channel Gen 4 controller
- 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 and health monitoring
- A 5-year limited warranty offers peace of mind
- Pros:
- Good entry point for PCIe Gen4 performance.
- Excellent for laptops due to single-sided design.
- Lexar DiskMaster software is a useful bonus.
- Reliable performance for everyday gaming.
- Cons:
- Write speeds are lower compared to higher-end Gen4 drives.
- Not PS5 compatible (as specifically called out like the NM790/NM800 Pro).
- User Impressions: Gamers looking for a cost-effective Gen4 upgrade often recommend the NQ780. Users appreciate its consistent performance and ease of installation. While some noted it’s not the absolute fastest, its value proposition for typical gaming scenarios is highly regarded.
- See it on Amazon here
3. WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State (An Elite Alternative)
While not a Lexar product, the WD_BLACK SN850X is so consistently recommended across gaming communities, including Reddit, that it deserves a spot here as a benchmark. If you’re looking for an uncompromising, top-tier 1TB SSD for gaming, this is often the gold standard. Its insane speeds, optional heatsink, and gaming-centric features make it a powerhouse for any serious gamer. It’s often debated as the ultimate best 1TB SSD for gaming Reddit discussions highlight.
- Key Features:
- Top-tier performance with speeds up to 7,300 MB/s read
- Built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND for reliability
- Optional heatsink version for optimal thermal management
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for monitoring and customization (including RGB for heatsink versions)
- Future-forward features: Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM)
- Pros:
- Among the fastest Gen4 NVMe SSDs available.
- Heatsink option ensures sustained performance under heavy load.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard adds useful control and monitoring.
- Specifically designed and optimized for gaming.
- Exceptional reliability and brand reputation.
- Cons:
- Typically at a higher price point than many Lexar offerings.
- Dashboard features are Windows-only.
- User Impressions: The SN850X is a fan favorite on Reddit and other gaming forums. Users consistently rave about its absurdly fast load times, smooth performance even during intense gaming, and rock-solid reliability. The heatsink version is highly recommended for sustained peak performance.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Lexar 1TB Professional NM800 PRO SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Another high-performance entry from Lexar, the NM800 PRO directly challenges top-tier drives with its excellent read and write speeds. Like the NM790, it’s PlayStation 5 compatible, making it a versatile choice for both PC and console gamers. It’s built for durability with shock and vibration resistance, ensuring your games are safe even in portable or high-use setups.
- Key Features:
- Unparalleled speed PCIe Gen4x4 interface: up to 7500MB/s read and 6300MB/s write – NVMe 1.4
- M.2 2280 form factor
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Get 2x faster speeds than PCIe 3.0 SSDs
- Latest 12nm controller for lower power consumption and longer battery life
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Five-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Outstanding Gen4 speeds comparable to the best on the market.
- Excellent for both PC and PS5 gaming.
- Durable and reliable design.
- Efficient power consumption.
- Cons:
- Might be slightly pricier than other Lexar Gen4 options, depending on sales.
- User Impressions: Reddit threads often highlight the NM800 PRO as a strong performer, especially for its PS5 compatibility and robust build quality. Users report incredibly fast game loads and seamless multitasking, making it a compelling choice for a high-end gaming system.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Lexar NM620 SSD 1TB PCIe Gen3 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If your motherboard doesn’t support PCIe Gen4 but you still want a significant upgrade over SATA, the Lexar NM620 is an excellent choice. It offers impressive Gen3 NVMe speeds that are more than sufficient for fast game loading and snappy system responsiveness. This drive is ideal for PC enthusiasts and gamers looking for a performance boost on a budget or with slightly older hardware.
- Key Features:
- High-speed PCIe Gen3x4 interface: 3300MB/s read and 3000MB/s write – NVMe 1.4 supported
- M.2 2280 form factor with 3D NAND
- Get 6x the speed of a SATA-based SSD
- Ideal for PC enthusiasts and gamers
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- Pros:
- Significantly faster than SATA SSDs.
- Excellent performance for PCIe Gen3 systems.
- Budget-friendly option for an NVMe upgrade.
- Durable and reliable.
- Cons:
- Not as fast as Gen4 drives, so it won’t offer the absolute cutting edge.
- User Impressions: Many gamers on Reddit who are still running Gen3 systems highly recommend the NM620. They often point out that while Gen4 is faster, the real-world gaming difference isn’t always noticeable enough to justify a motherboard upgrade, making the NM620 a smart, cost-effective choice.
- See it on Amazon here
External SSDs (For Console Expansion & Portable PC Gaming)
While not for your primary OS drive, these external SSDs are fantastic for expanding console storage, quickly transferring games, or even running some titles directly from the drive on PC or console (depending on the game).
6. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
This isn’t just an external SSD; it’s a portable powerhouse with a built-in hub, making it incredibly versatile for gamers on the go or content creators who also game. While its speeds are lower than internal NVMe drives, they’re excellent for external storage, especially for console gamers looking to offload PS5/Xbox Series X|S games or play older titles directly. The integrated hub is a huge plus for decluttering.
- Key Features:
- Ultra-compact design for portability
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (ensure firm insertion)
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- The portable SSD plus a hub with four USB Type-C ports
- Dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Highly portable and durable.
- Integrated USB-C hub adds immense utility.
- Fast enough for playing many games directly from the drive (especially older gen console games).
- Excellent for fast backups and transfers.
- Rugged design for travel.
- Cons:
- Not suitable as a primary internal gaming drive.
- Wireless plug-and-play might require a firm connection for best results.
- User Impressions: Users love the “Go” series for its versatility. While not strictly an “internal” gaming drive, many console owners on Reddit find it invaluable for expanding storage and quickly transferring large game files. The hub functionality is a standout feature for many.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD
The Lexar ES3 is a sleek, ultra-portable external SSD perfect for gamers who need fast, secure storage on the go. Its compact, durable metal design makes it easy to slip into a pocket, and the USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds are more than capable for quick game transfers, backups, or even playing some games directly from the drive on compatible consoles or PCs. The included encryption software is a nice touch for protecting your save files.
- Key Features:
- High-speed Data Transfer: USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Wide Compatibility: iPhone 15 series, Android devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
- On The Go: Thin, stylish, durable metal design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick
- Comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play
- Data Safety First: Includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software
- Pros:
- Extremely portable and lightweight.
- Solid transfer speeds for an external drive.
- Broad compatibility with gaming consoles and mobile devices.
- Data encryption adds a layer of security.
- Stylish and durable metal casing.
- Cons:
- Performance may vary on systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2.
- Not designed for primary PC game installation requiring peak NVMe speeds.
- User Impressions: Reviewers appreciate the ES3 for its compact size and speedy transfers. Gamers often use it for storing large game libraries for consoles, making it easy to swap titles without redownloading. The encryption is a bonus for those who travel with sensitive data (even if it’s just save files!).
- See it on Amazon here
8. Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s
The Lexar SL500 stands out with its incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, pushing external SSD speeds to new heights. If you’re looking for an external drive that’s as close to internal NVMe speeds as you can get, this is it. It’s perfect for rapidly transferring huge game files or for content creators (especially iPhone 15 Pro users) who also dabble in gaming, offering seamless workflow and rapid access to data.
- 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
- 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
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Five-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Exceptional external SSD speeds, rivaling some internal drives.
- Ultra-thin and highly portable.
- Excellent thermal management for sustained performance.
- Broad device compatibility, including next-gen consoles.
- Encryption software for data security.
- Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port to achieve full speeds.
- Higher price point for an external SSD.
- User Impressions: Users who have compatible systems are blown away by the SL500’s speed, often noting how it makes transferring massive game libraries feel almost instantaneous. Content creators love its Pro Res support, and gamers appreciate being able to quickly move games between systems or simply have a high-performance external drive.
- See it on Amazon here
9. Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub (Same as #6, but more space!)
For those who need double the storage for their expansive game libraries or creative projects, the 2TB version of the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is the ultimate solution. All the fantastic features of the 1TB model are here, but with significantly more room. If you’re a console gamer with a massive backlog or a PC gamer juggling multiple demanding titles, this 2TB version helps you avoid the dreaded “storage full” message.
- Key Features:
- Ultra-compact for spontaneous creativity
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (ensure firm insertion)
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage and store with ease
- The portable SSD plus the hub (four USB Type-C ports), adapters, and cables for ultimate flexibility
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Ready for travel – dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries and files.
- Highly portable and durable, just like its 1TB counterpart.
- Integrated USB-C hub provides excellent utility.
- Fast enough for external game storage and transfer on consoles/PC.
- Rugged, travel-ready design.
- Cons:
- Still an external drive, so not for internal primary gaming.
- Premium pricing for the 2TB capacity and hub features.
- User Impressions: This 2TB version gets the same high praise as the 1TB, but users specifically commend the increased capacity, making it a true workhorse for those who absolutely need more space without sacrificing portability or speed for external applications. It’s often seen as a smart investment for serious console collectors.
- See it on Amazon here
Internal SATA SSD (Budget-Friendly Option)
While not as fast as NVMe, a SATA SSD is still a massive upgrade over a traditional hard drive and can be a good budget option for older systems or secondary game storage.
10. Lexar 1TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
The Lexar NS100 is a classic 2.5-inch SATA III SSD. While it won’t hit the multi-gigabyte speeds of NVMe drives, it’s still a monumental upgrade from any traditional spinning hard drive. If you’re looking to breathe new life into an older laptop or desktop, or need a reliable, affordable secondary drive for your game library, the NS100 offers fantastic value. It’s a great pick for gamers on a tight budget or with systems lacking M.2 slots.
- Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- 1TB capacity, 480TBW endurance
- Three-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Extremely affordable way to get 1TB of SSD storage.
- Massive upgrade over traditional HDDs.
- Standard 2.5-inch form factor compatible with nearly all laptops and desktops.
- Reliable and durable with no moving parts.
- Cons:
- Significantly slower than NVMe SSDs (both Gen3 and Gen4).
- Not the “best” for gaming if you have an M.2 slot for NVMe.
- User Impressions: Gamers often recommend the NS100 for older systems or as a secondary drive to store less demanding games. It’s universally praised for its huge performance leap over HDDs and its excellent value. Many users on Reddit see it as a solid entry-level SSD.
- See it on Amazon here
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Gaming Drive
Phew! That was a lot to take in, but hopefully, this deep dive has helped you understand the different Lexar options and a top alternative for your gaming needs. When searching for the Lexar best 1TB SSD for gaming Reddit users frequently discuss, the NM790 and NM800 PRO consistently come up for their blazing Gen4 speeds and PS5 compatibility. For budget-conscious Gen4 users, the NQ780 is a strong pick, while the NM620 is king for Gen3 systems.
Remember to consider your motherboard’s compatibility (PCIe Gen3 vs. Gen4), your budget, and whether you need an internal powerhouse or a versatile external storage solution. No matter your choice, upgrading to a 1TB SSD will revolutionize your gaming experience with faster load times and smoother performance. Happy gaming!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why is an NVMe SSD better for gaming than a SATA SSD?
A1: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect directly to your motherboard via a PCIe lane, offering significantly higher bandwidth and lower latency than SATA (Serial ATA) SSDs, which connect via a SATA port. This translates to much faster game loading times, quicker level transitions, and an overall snappier system response in modern games, especially those optimized for direct storage.
Q2: What does PCIe Gen4 mean for gaming performance?
A2: PCIe Gen4 is the fourth generation of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express interface. It effectively doubles the bandwidth of PCIe Gen3. For gaming, this means NVMe SSDs using Gen4 can achieve read/write speeds upwards of 7000MB/s, compared to Gen3’s ~3500MB/s. This allows games to load assets even faster, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing the performance of titles designed to take advantage of these speeds (like those on PS5 or PC with DirectStorage).
Q3: Is 1TB enough storage for gaming in 2024?
A3: For most gamers, 1TB is a sweet spot. It allows you to install several large AAA titles (which can be 100GB+ each), plus your operating system and essential applications, without constantly worrying about storage. If you play a vast number of games simultaneously or are a content creator, you might consider 2TB or more, but for the average gamer, 1TB offers a great balance of capacity and cost.
Q4: Can I use an external SSD like the Lexar Professional Go for gaming on my PS5 or Xbox Series X|S?
A4: Yes, but with some caveats. On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, you can typically store PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S optimized games on an external SSD and then transfer them to the internal drive to play. For older generation games (PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, etc.), you can often play them directly from an external SSD, which usually results in much faster load times than from an external HDD.
Q5: Do I need a heatsink for my gaming SSD?
A5: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, especially if they’re running under sustained heavy loads (like long gaming sessions or intense file transfers), a heatsink is highly recommended. It helps dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down your drive and reduce performance. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can opt for SSDs with pre-attached heatsinks like some versions of the WD_BLACK SN850X.
Q6: What is TBW (Terabytes Written) and how important is it for a gaming SSD?
A6: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance – how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its reliability starts to degrade. For a 1TB gaming SSD, a TBW of 600-1000 is excellent and generally overkill for typical gaming use. Most gamers won’t hit these limits during the lifespan of their drive, so while good to note, it’s not usually a primary concern unless you’re constantly writing massive amounts of data.
Q7: What’s the difference between DRAM cache and HMB (Host Memory Buffer) in SSDs?
A7: Both improve SSD performance. A DRAM cache is dedicated memory on the SSD itself that helps manage data mapping tables for faster access. SSDs with DRAM are generally considered higher performing. HMB is a technology that allows a DRAM-less SSD to utilize a small portion of your system’s RAM (Host Memory) as a cache. While not as effective as dedicated DRAM, HMB significantly improves performance over completely DRAM-less drives, offering a more cost-effective way to achieve better speeds.
Q8: Why do Reddit users often recommend specific SSDs for gaming?
A8: Reddit’s PC gaming and hardware communities are highly active and technically knowledgeable. Users recommend specific SSDs based on real-world performance benchmarks, long-term reliability reports, value-for-money, controller quality, NAND type, and often direct experience with various drives in different gaming scenarios. These communities provide collective insights that can be incredibly valuable when making a purchasing decision.