Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you tired of long loading screens eating into your precious gaming time? Does your rig feel sluggish when trying to jump into the latest AAA titles? If so, it might be time for an upgrade, and there’s no better place to start than with a blazing-fast M.2 NVMe SSD. These tiny powerhouses are game-changers, literally, offering incredible speed boosts over traditional SATA SSDs and HDDs.
When it comes to high-performance storage, Lexar has consistently delivered quality products, making them a strong contender for the Lexar best M.2 SSD for gaming. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one for your setup? We’ve sifted through some of the top picks, including some fantastic Lexar models and a couple of other strong contenders, to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re building a new PC, upgrading an existing one, or even looking for a compatible drive for your PlayStation 5, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into our top 10 list of M.2 SSDs designed to give you the ultimate gaming experience!
Understanding M.2 SSDs for Gaming
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why an M.2 NVMe SSD is crucial for modern gaming:
- Blazing Speeds: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol combined with the M.2 form factor allows for incredible sequential read and write speeds, significantly cutting down game loading times.
- PCIe Generations: You’ll see “PCIe Gen4” and “PCIe Gen5.” Gen5 is the latest and fastest, offering double the bandwidth of Gen4. However, you’ll need a compatible motherboard and CPU to take full advantage.
- DirectStorage: This Windows technology works hand-in-hand with fast NVMe SSDs to reduce CPU overhead and accelerate game asset loading directly to the GPU, leading to smoother gameplay and quicker transitions.
Now, let’s check out the contenders!
The Best M.2 SSDs for Gaming Reviewed
Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
If you’re building a bleeding-edge gaming PC or looking to future-proof your current setup, the Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO is an absolute beast. This Gen5 drive pushes the boundaries of speed, delivering sequential read speeds that can hit an incredible 14,000 MB/s! This translates to virtually instantaneous game loads and incredibly snappy system responsiveness, especially when paired with modern AMD Ryzen or Intel i9 processors. It’s a top-tier choice for those who demand the absolute peak of performance.
Key Features:
– PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s and accelerates load times by 200%
– A powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for a smoother experience and more efficient performance
– A perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training, inferencing, and real-time data processing
– DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds to reduce wait times and improve system responsiveness
– Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, conserve CPU power, and enrich the gaming experience
Pros:
– Unrivaled PCIe Gen5 speeds for extreme performance
– Excellent thermal management with 6nm controller
– DRAM and SLC Dynamic Cache for superior data handling
– DirectStorage support for next-gen gaming
– Ideal for high-end PCs and demanding applications
Cons:
– Requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible motherboard and CPU
– Premium price point
– May generate more heat than Gen4 drives (though controller helps)
User Impressions:
Gamers are consistently blown away by the speed of this drive. Many report dramatically reduced loading times in even the most graphically intensive titles, calling it a true next-gen experience. Users appreciate its responsiveness and the feeling of having a truly unconstrained system.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
For the majority of gamers looking for exceptional performance without necessarily needing the bleeding edge of Gen5, the Lexar 2TB NM790 is a fantastic choice. This PCIe Gen4 SSD offers incredible read speeds of up to 7400MB/s, making it twice as fast as many Gen3 drives. It strikes a brilliant balance between speed, power efficiency, and affordability, making it a strong contender for the Lexar best M.2 SSD for gaming if you’re rocking a Gen4 system. Plus, its single-sided design makes it perfect for laptops!
Key Features:
– [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1500TBW
– 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 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance
– Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
– Compatible with PlayStation 5
– Single-sided NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Excellent PCIe Gen4 speeds for rapid game loading
– Great power efficiency, good for laptops and lower heat output
– HMB 3.0 for smooth performance
– PS5 compatible, a huge plus for console gamers
– Single-sided for broader compatibility
Cons:
– Lacks an integrated heatsink (consider adding one for sustained heavy use)
– Not as fast as PCIe Gen5 drives
User Impressions:
Customers love the noticeable speed boost this SSD provides, especially coming from older drives. PS5 owners, in particular, praise its seamless integration and performance. Its low power consumption is also a frequently mentioned benefit for laptop users.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Take everything great about the Lexar 2TB NM790, and now imagine it with an integrated heatsink – that’s what you get here! This version of the NM790 is specifically designed for users who want optimal thermal management right out of the box, especially important for intense, prolonged gaming sessions. The heatsink ensures your drive stays cool, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining peak performance. It’s a prime example of a Lexar best M.2 SSD for gaming for desktop users or PS5 owners who want a complete solution.
Key Features:
– [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1500TBW
– 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
– Designed with a heatsink to keep your rig cool for better performance and power efficiency
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance
– Compatible with PlayStation 5
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Integrated heatsink for superior thermal performance
– Excellent PCIe Gen4 speeds for gaming and demanding tasks
– PS5 compatible, ready to go
– Good power efficiency
– Five-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
– Heatsink might make it too thick for some laptops or very tight motherboard slots
– Not as fast as PCIe Gen5 drives
User Impressions:
Users rave about the “install and forget” nature of this drive. The included heatsink is a big win for those concerned about temperatures, and many confirm stable, high speeds even during intense gaming marathons. PS5 users particularly appreciate not having to source a separate heatsink.
Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
The 1TB version of the NM1090 PRO brings the incredible speeds of PCIe Gen5 to a slightly more accessible capacity. While 1TB might feel a bit small for a vast game library these days, it’s perfect for your OS, a few core competitive games, and your most-played titles where every millisecond of loading time counts. If you’re building a high-end system and prioritize speed above all else for your primary drive, this is an outstanding option.
Key Features:
– PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s and accelerates load times by 200%
– A powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for a smoother experience and more efficient performance
– A perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training, inferencing, and real-time data processing
– DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds to reduce wait times and improve system responsiveness
– Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, conserve CPU power, and enrich the gaming experience
Pros:
– Mind-blowing PCIe Gen5 speeds
– Excellent for core games and demanding applications
– Advanced thermal control and caching technologies
– DirectStorage ready
– Future-proof for upcoming hardware
Cons:
– 1TB capacity might be limiting for large game libraries
– Requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible system
– High price per GB compared to Gen4
User Impressions:
Users investing in this drive often do so for specific applications or primary game installations and are thrilled with the performance gains. They note instant boots and virtually no loading screens, making it ideal for competitive gaming where speed is paramount.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
For gamers seeking a fantastic balance of speed, value, and compatibility, the 1TB Lexar NM790 is a standout. It offers the same excellent PCIe Gen4 performance as its 2TB sibling but at a lower price point, making it an ideal upgrade for many systems. Whether it’s your main drive or a secondary gaming drive, its impressive 7400MB/s read speeds will significantly enhance your gaming experience, drastically reducing those annoying load screens.
Key Features:
– [1TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1000TBW
– 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 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance
– Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
– Compatible with PlayStation 5
– Single-sided NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Great PCIe Gen4 performance at a more accessible capacity
– Energy efficient design
– HMB 3.0 for smooth operation
– PS5 compatibility for console gamers
– Suitable for laptops due to single-sided design
Cons:
– No integrated heatsink
– 1TB might quickly fill up with modern game sizes
User Impressions:
Many users upgrading from older SATA SSDs or HDDs report a “night and day” difference with this drive. It’s often praised as a cost-effective way to inject new life into an older gaming PC or as a reliable choice for a new mid-range build. The PS5 compatibility is also a huge plus.
Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
If you’re going for the ultimate, no-compromise gaming setup and have an insatiable hunger for storage and speed, the 4TB Lexar NM1090 PRO is your dream drive. This is the big daddy of the Gen5 lineup, offering a massive 4TB of space at ludicrous speeds of up to 14,000MB/s. You can store your entire game library, all your demanding applications, and still have room to spare, all while experiencing lightning-fast load times. It’s an investment, but one that truly defines a high-end gaming machine.
Key Features:
– PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s and accelerates load times by 200%
– A powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for a smoother experience and more efficient performance
– A perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training, inferencing, and real-time data processing
– DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds to reduce wait times and improve system responsiveness
– Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, conserve CPU power, and enrich the gaming experience
Pros:
– Massive 4TB capacity combined with top-tier Gen5 speeds
– Future-proof for years of gaming and high-demand applications
– Advanced thermal and caching solutions
– DirectStorage support for revolutionary game loading
– Unmatched overall performance for serious enthusiasts
Cons:
– Very high price point, significant investment
– Requires a PCIe Gen5 system
– May be overkill for many users’ needs
User Impressions:
Users who opt for this flagship drive are typically building top-tier systems or professional workstations and are utterly thrilled with the performance and sheer storage capacity. They report zero bottlenecks related to storage and commend its stability under heavy loads.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While we’re focusing on the Lexar best M.2 SSD for gaming, it’s impossible to ignore strong contenders like the WD_BLACK SN7100. This 2TB drive is purpose-built for gamers, offering impressive PCIe Gen4 speeds up to 7,250MB/s read. It’s designed with power efficiency in mind, making it an excellent choice for gaming laptops and handheld devices where battery life matters. If you’re looking for a robust, reliable, and speedy alternative from a reputable brand, the SN7100 is definitely worth considering.
Key Features:
– Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation
– Purpose-built for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and Western Digital’s next generation TLC 3D NAND
– Available in multiple capacities up to 4TB, upgrade to an SSD that gives you tons of storage
– Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation
– Do more with Dashboard: ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only)
Pros:
– High PCIe Gen4 speeds for quick game loads
– Excellent power efficiency, ideal for portable gaming
– Reliable Western Digital brand with TLC 3D NAND
– Dedicated WD_BLACK Dashboard for optimization
– Great for laptops and handhelds
Cons:
– Performance slightly lower than some top-tier Gen4 drives
– Lacks an integrated heatsink
User Impressions:
Mobile gamers and laptop users frequently praise the SN7100 for its combination of speed and power efficiency, noting longer battery life without sacrificing performance. Desktop users find it a solid, reliable performer for their gaming needs.
Lexar 2TB NM710 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
The Lexar 2TB NM710 offers a more budget-friendly entry into the PCIe Gen4 world without skimping on performance too much. While its sequential read speeds of 4850MB/s aren’t as high as the NM790, they are still significantly faster than PCIe 3.0 SSDs, offering more than a 40% boost. This makes it an excellent value proposition for gamers looking to upgrade without breaking the bank, providing a solid improvement in game loading times and system responsiveness.
Key Features:
– High-speed PCIe Gen4x4 interface
– Features HMB (Host Memory Buffer) 3.0 and SLC Cache technology
– Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
– More than 40% faster speed than PCIe 3.0 SSDs
– [2TB] Sequential read speed up to 4850MB/s, sequential write speed up to 4500MB/s
– [2TB] 1200TBW
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Affordable PCIe Gen4 performance
– Still much faster than Gen3 SSDs
– Good endurance (1200 TBW)
– HMB 3.0 and SLC Cache for smooth operation
– Five-year limited warranty
Cons:
– Slower than premium PCIe Gen4 drives
– No integrated heatsink
– Not ideal for the absolute highest-end systems
User Impressions:
Users seeking an economical upgrade are very happy with the NM710. They notice a clear improvement in boot times and game loads compared to their old drives, and appreciate the 2TB capacity for storing a decent game library at a reasonable price point.
WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
When Western Digital enters the ring, they come swinging, and the WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X is a heavyweight champion. This beast offers phenomenal PCIe Gen4 speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, combined with a massive 4TB capacity. It’s built for serious gamers who want top-tier performance and ample storage without compromise. With an optional heatsink version and advanced features like Game Mode 2.0 via the WD_BLACK Dashboard, this drive is designed to transform your PC into a gaming powerhouse.
Key Features:
– Get top-tier performance and ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
– Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND, means you get to download more games — and stop deleting your favorites
– Heatsink for the win: All capacities have an optional heatsink version to help maintain peak performance through your most intense gaming sessions
– Do more with Dashboard: The downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) monitors your drive’s health, lets you customize your RGB lighting (heatsink versions only), and can automatically detect games to turn on Game Mode 2.0
– Future-forward features, including Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM)
Pros:
– Elite PCIe Gen4 speeds for cutting-edge gaming
– Enormous 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries
– Optional heatsink for optimal thermal performance
– WD_BLACK Dashboard with Game Mode 2.0 for optimization
– Advanced features like Predictive Loading for better gaming
Cons:
– Premium price point
– WD_BLACK Dashboard is Windows-only
– Heatsink version might not fit all setups
User Impressions:
Gamers who splurge on the SN850X universally praise its incredible speed and the luxury of having such a vast amount of fast storage. The optional heatsink is a big hit, ensuring sustained performance, and the dashboard features are appreciated for fine-tuning.
Lexar M.2 2TB PCIe Gen 4X4 NM790 NVMe SSD
Rounding out our list is another excellent offering from Lexar, the 2TB NM790 NVMe SSD (model LNM790X002T-RNNNG). This is essentially the same high-performance 2TB NM790 we discussed earlier, reinforcing Lexar’s commitment to delivering top-tier PCIe Gen4 speeds. It brings the perfect blend of generous storage, exceptional speed, and power efficiency, making it an ideal choice for both desktop builds and PlayStation 5 expansions. If you missed it the first time, here’s another look at why this drive is a fantastic pick for your gaming needs.
Key Features:
– High-performance PCIe Gen4x4 interface
– Exceptional read/write speeds, typically up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– Designed for power efficiency
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 technology
– Compatible with PlayStation 5
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Excellent PCIe Gen4 speeds for quick game loads and transfers
– Ample 2TB storage capacity
– Power-efficient operation
– PS5 compatible
– Reliable Lexar performance and warranty
Cons:
– No integrated heatsink (though motherboard or aftermarket heatsinks can mitigate)
– Not a Gen5 drive for future-proof extreme performance
User Impressions:
Consistent positive feedback highlights this drive’s ability to transform system responsiveness and game loading times. Users particularly value the 2TB capacity and the smooth, consistent performance it delivers for an everyday gaming machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is an M.2 SSD, and why is it good for gaming?
A1: An M.2 SSD is a small form factor solid-state drive that connects directly to your motherboard via a dedicated M.2 slot. Most M.2 SSDs use the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol, which allows them to communicate directly with the CPU via PCIe lanes, bypassing the slower SATA interface. This results in significantly faster read/write speeds, drastically reducing game loading times, boot-up speeds, and overall system responsiveness, which is a huge advantage for modern gaming.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 M.2 SSDs?
A2: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) refers to the interface standard. Gen4 and Gen5 are successive generations, with Gen5 being the newer and faster standard. PCIe Gen5 offers double the theoretical bandwidth of Gen4 (e.g., up to 14,000 MB/s vs. 7,000 MB/s sequential read speeds). While Gen5 is incredibly fast and future-proof, you’ll need a compatible motherboard and CPU (like Intel’s 12th/13th/14th Gen or AMD’s AM5 platform) to utilize its full potential. For many gamers, PCIe Gen4 still provides exceptional performance at a more accessible price point.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD, especially for gaming?
A3: For high-performance NVMe M.2 SSDs, especially Gen4 and Gen5 drives, a heatsink is highly recommended, particularly during extended gaming sessions. These drives can generate significant heat under heavy load, and if they get too hot, they can “throttle” (reduce performance) to prevent damage. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase aftermarket ones. Some SSDs, like the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink, come with one pre-installed for convenience.
Q4: Are Lexar SSDs compatible with PlayStation 5?
A4: Yes, several Lexar M.2 NVMe SSDs, particularly the NM790 series, are fully compatible with the PlayStation 5. The PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe SSD that meets specific speed and physical dimensions (PCIe Gen4x4 or faster, 5,500MB/s read speed minimum, with a heatsink recommended). Always check the specific product’s compatibility and ensure you get a heatsink-equipped version or add one yourself for optimal performance and thermal management.
Q5: How much M.2 SSD storage do I need for gaming?
A5: The ideal storage capacity depends on your gaming habits.
– 500GB-1TB: Good for a few core games and your operating system. You might frequently uninstall and reinstall games.
– 2TB: A great sweet spot for most gamers, allowing you to install a sizable library of AAA titles without constant juggling. Many of the Lexar best M.2 SSD for gaming options come in 2TB.
– 4TB+: For hardcore collectors, content creators, or those who simply never want to worry about storage. Modern games can easily take up 100GB-200GB each, so larger capacities become very appealing.
Q6: What is DirectStorage, and how does it benefit gaming with an M.2 SSD?
A6: DirectStorage is a Windows API (Application Programming Interface) that allows game data to be loaded directly from a fast NVMe SSD to the GPU, bypassing the CPU. This significantly reduces CPU overhead, decreases game loading times dramatically, and enables richer, more detailed game worlds by allowing assets to be streamed in faster. For gamers, this means quicker level loading, reduced pop-in, and a smoother overall experience, especially with games designed to utilize this technology. It works best with high-speed PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 NVMe SSDs.
Q7: Can I use an M.2 SSD with an older motherboard?
A7: It depends. Your motherboard needs to have an M.2 slot. Most modern motherboards (from the last 5-7 years) will have at least one M.2 slot, usually supporting PCIe Gen3 or Gen4. If your motherboard only supports PCIe Gen3, a Gen4 or Gen5 SSD will still work, but it will be limited to Gen3 speeds. Always check your motherboard’s manual for M.2 slot compatibility and supported PCIe generations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right M.2 SSD for gaming boils down to balancing speed, capacity, and your budget, all while ensuring compatibility with your existing system. Lexar offers a fantastic range of options, from the lightning-fast Gen5 NM1090 PRO series for the ultimate enthusiast to the highly efficient and capable Gen4 NM790 series, which truly represents the Lexar best M.2 SSD for gaming for the vast majority of players, including PS5 owners.
Don’t forget the formidable contenders from WD_BLACK, offering compelling alternatives for those expanding their search. No matter which you choose, upgrading to a high-speed NVMe M.2 SSD will undeniably transform your gaming experience, letting you spend more time playing and less time waiting. Happy gaming!