Hey fellow gamers! Ever felt that frustrating lag during loading screens, or seen your system stutter when jumping into a new zone? If so, you’re probably running into the limits of your storage drive. For serious gaming, an M.2 NVMe SSD isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a necessity. These tiny powerhouses deliver blazing-fast speeds that transform your gaming experience, slashing load times and making your entire system feel snappier.
When it comes to reliable and high-performance storage, Lexar has consistently delivered some fantastic options. But with so many choices, how do you pick the Lexar best m 2 ssd for gaming that’s right for your rig? We’ve done the digging for you! In this comprehensive guide, we’re diving deep into the top M.2 SSDs from Lexar and a couple of other popular brands that gamers love, helping you find the perfect blend of speed, capacity, and value. Let’s get your game on without the wait!
Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
If you’re looking to future-proof your gaming setup and demand nothing but the absolute best, the Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO is a serious contender. This SSD is a beast, leveraging the latest PCIe Gen5 technology to deliver unprecedented speeds. We’re talking about read/write performance that will make your jaw drop, ensuring you’re always ahead of the curve, especially for upcoming games designed with Microsoft DirectStorage in mind. It’s not just fast; it’s optimized for efficiency, keeping your system cool even during the most intense gaming sessions.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s read/write speeds.
- Accelerates load times by 200%, ideal for AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 platforms.
- 6nm controller for optimized heat control and efficient performance.
- Perfect for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating data processing.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for significantly boosted game loads.
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Pros:
- Blistering PCIe Gen5 speeds for ultimate performance.
- Excellent for future-proofing your gaming rig.
- Optimized for heat management and efficiency.
- DirectStorage support is a huge win for next-gen gaming.
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Cons:
- PCIe Gen5 motherboards are still relatively new and more expensive.
- May be overkill for systems not yet ready for Gen5.
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User Impressions: Gamers praise this SSD for its incredible speed, noting how it completely transforms system responsiveness and game loading. Many consider it a worthwhile investment for high-end builds.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
The Lexar 2TB NM790 is a fantastic choice for gamers who want top-tier PCIe Gen4 performance without the premium price tag of Gen5. This drive offers exceptional speeds that are twice as fast as PCIe Gen3 SSDs, making it a perfect upgrade for most modern gaming PCs and even compatible with your PlayStation 5. Its single-sided design also makes it ideal for more compact builds like gaming laptops, proving that you don’t need a bulky drive for serious speed. This is arguably the Lexar best m 2 ssd for gaming for most mainstream users.
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Key Features:
- 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 for smooth transfer speeds.
- 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:
- Outstanding Gen4 speeds at a competitive price point.
- Energy-efficient design for cooler operation and longer battery life in laptops.
- PS5 compatibility is a big plus.
- Durable with a high TBW rating and a solid warranty.
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Cons:
- No integrated heatsink, which might require a motherboard heatsink for sustained heavy loads.
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User Impressions: Users frequently highlight the impressive speed and value of the NM790. It’s often recommended as a great all-rounder for gaming and professional use, with many appreciating its PS5 compatibility.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
Take everything you love about the Lexar 2TB NM790, and now imagine it with a built-in superhero cape for heat management – that’s the Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink. For gamers who push their systems to the limit, thermal throttling can be a real buzzkill. This version comes pre-equipped with a heatsink to ensure your drive stays cool and performs at peak efficiency, even during the most intense, marathon gaming sessions. It’s the ultimate plug-and-play solution for worry-free Gen4 performance.
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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 for smoother transfer speed and seamless performance.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Built-in heatsink prevents thermal throttling, ensuring consistent top performance.
- Retains all the excellent features of the standard NM790.
- PS5 compatible, with the heatsink being beneficial for console use.
- Great value for a high-performance, thermally-managed drive.
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Cons:
- The heatsink might make it unsuitable for some ultra-compact laptop designs (though less common for a heatsinked M.2).
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User Impressions: Customers love the peace of mind the integrated heatsink provides, especially for high-stress gaming. They often report stable, high performance without any signs of slowdown.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
While our main focus is Lexar, we’d be remiss not to mention other great options, and the WD_BLACK SN7100 is a solid choice for “high-octane” gaming. Western Digital’s WD_BLACK line is synonymous with gaming performance, and this 2TB SN7100 doesn’t disappoint. It offers impressive PCIe Gen4 speeds that are purpose-built for gamers, ensuring quick load times and smooth gameplay. Plus, with the optional WD_BLACK Dashboard, you can keep an eye on your drive’s health and optimize performance.
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Key Features:
- Speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write.
- Up to 35% faster performance than previous generations.
- Purpose-built for serious on-the-go gamers with PCIe Gen4 and TLC 3D NAND.
- Available in multiple capacities up to 4TB.
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for optimization.
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Pros:
- Very strong PCIe Gen4 performance.
- High power efficiency, great for gaming laptops and handhelds.
- Reputable WD_BLACK brand for gaming.
- Dashboard software for drive management.
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Cons:
- Not as fast as the very top-tier Gen4 or Gen5 drives.
- No included heatsink.
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User Impressions: Gamers appreciate the SN7100’s reliable performance and its suitability for both desktop and laptop gaming. Its power efficiency is a frequently praised aspect for portable setups.
Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
If you’re eyeing the incredible speed of PCIe Gen5 but don’t need the massive 2TB capacity just yet, the Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO is your gateway to next-gen gaming. It packs the same cutting-edge technology as its larger sibling, delivering mind-blowing read/write speeds that will make your games load in a blink. This drive is perfect for those who want to experience the future of storage without fully committing to a larger capacity right away, still offering plenty of space for your favorite titles.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s read/write speeds.
- Accelerates load times by 200% – great with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9.
- A powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control.
- A perfect internal SSD for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads.
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Pros:
- Elite PCIe Gen5 speeds for groundbreaking performance.
- Excellent for high-end systems and future gaming requirements.
- Efficient thermal management for stability.
- DirectStorage support is crucial for modern game optimization.
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Cons:
- Still requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible motherboard.
- 1TB might fill up quickly with modern game sizes.
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User Impressions: Users are impressed by the raw speed, reporting a significant improvement in overall system snappiness. Many view it as a solid choice for a primary boot drive or for their most-played games.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
For gamers who need a balance of speed and storage without breaking the bank, the Lexar 1TB NM790 is a fantastic sweet spot. This drive delivers all the incredible PCIe Gen4 performance of its 2TB counterpart, ensuring your games load quickly and your system stays responsive. It’s an ideal primary drive for a new build or a perfect upgrade for anyone still stuck on SATA or older Gen3 NVMe drives. With its efficiency and strong performance, it’s a strong contender for the title of Lexar best m 2 ssd for gaming in the 1TB category.
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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 for smooth transfer speeds.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Single-sided NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent PCIe Gen4 speeds at a more accessible 1TB capacity.
- Energy-efficient design, good for laptops and lower power consumption.
- PS5 compatibility for console gamers.
- Durable with a good TBW rating and warranty.
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Cons:
- Modern game installations can quickly consume 1TB of space.
- No integrated heatsink.
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User Impressions: Reviewers often praise the 1TB NM790 for its strong performance-to-price ratio, making it an attractive option for many gamers looking for a noticeable upgrade without overspending.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
When it comes to gaming, the WD_BLACK SN850X is a legend for a reason. This 2TB beast is built from the ground up to offer top-tier performance for gaming PCs and workstations, with insanely fast speeds that rival some of the best in the market. Its optional heatsink version is a game-changer for maintaining peak performance during those prolonged, intense gaming sessions. Plus, features like Game Mode 2.0 and adaptive thermal management show WD_BLACK’s dedication to the gaming community.
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Key Features:
- Top-tier performance with speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
- Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND.
- Optional heatsink version to help maintain peak performance.
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) with customizable RGB lighting (heatsink versions only) and Game Mode 2.0.
- Future-forward features: Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
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Pros:
- Extremely fast PCIe Gen4 speeds.
- Excellent for intense gaming and demanding applications.
- Optional heatsink is highly beneficial for sustained performance.
- Advanced features and software optimize the gaming experience.
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Cons:
- Often at a higher price point than some competitors.
- RGB on heatsink is Windows-only for customization.
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User Impressions: The SN850X consistently receives rave reviews for its raw speed and reliability. Gamers highlight the effective heatsink and the noticeable improvement in load times and overall system responsiveness.
Lexar 2TB NM710 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
The Lexar 2TB NM710 offers a solid entry point into the world of PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs without stretching your budget too far. While not reaching the peak speeds of the NM790, it still delivers a significant performance boost over Gen3 drives, making it a worthy upgrade for faster game loads and general system responsiveness. Its shock and vibration resistance means it’s built to last, providing reliable storage for your ever-growing game library.
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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.
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Pros:
- Affordable entry into PCIe Gen4 performance.
- Still a significant upgrade from Gen3 SSDs.
- Durable and reliable with a good TBW rating.
- Good capacity for a decent game library.
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Cons:
- Slower maximum speeds compared to premium Gen4 drives like the NM790.
- No integrated heatsink.
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User Impressions: Customers find the NM710 to be a great value, noting its noticeable performance improvement over older drives. It’s often recommended as a cost-effective secondary storage solution or for gamers on a tighter budget.
Lexar M.2 2TB PCIe Gen 4X4 NM790 NVMe SSD
This entry specifies the Lexar M.2 2TB PCIe Gen 4X4 NM790 NVMe SSD, which is essentially the same high-performance drive as the Lexar 2TB NM790 we reviewed earlier, just possibly a different variant or SKU. Given the model number (LNM790X002T-RNNNG often indicates the NM790 series), you can expect the same exceptional speed, efficiency, and reliability that make the NM790 series a standout choice for gamers. If you see this specific model, you’re getting a top-tier Gen4 performer!
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Key Features:
- High-speed PCIe Gen4x4 interface.
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 technology.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Ideal for hardcore gamers and content creators.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds for rapid game loading.
- Highly efficient performance suitable for various gaming setups.
- Reliable for extensive gaming and data storage.
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Cons:
- No integrated heatsink, which might need to be considered for optimal thermal performance in some systems.
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User Impressions: Like other NM790 variants, users consistently praise its speed and value, considering it a significant upgrade that genuinely impacts gaming fluidity and system responsiveness.
Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
For the ultimate gaming library and no compromises on speed, the Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO is in a league of its own. This isn’t just a storage drive; it’s an investment in limitless gaming. With a massive 4TB capacity, you can download every game you desire without worrying about uninstalling old favorites, all while enjoying the mind-bending speeds of PCIe Gen5. It’s perfect for power users, content creators, and gamers who simply want the biggest, fastest, and most future-proof storage solution available. This is undoubtedly the Lexar best m 2 ssd for gaming for those with expansive game libraries and a high-end system.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s.
- Accelerates load times by 200% – great with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9.
- A powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for smoother performance.
- A perfect internal SSD for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads.
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Pros:
- Massive 4TB capacity for an enormous game library.
- Unrivaled PCIe Gen5 speeds for the fastest possible loading.
- Future-proof technology with DirectStorage support.
- Optimized for thermal efficiency and consistent performance.
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to capacity and cutting-edge Gen5 technology.
- Requires a compatible PCIe Gen5 motherboard.
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User Impressions: Users with this drive often express awe at both the sheer storage capacity and the unbelievable speeds. It’s considered the pinnacle of M.2 SSD performance for those who can utilize its capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is an M.2 SSD, and why is it important for gaming?
A: An M.2 SSD is a small form-factor solid-state drive that connects directly to your motherboard via a dedicated M.2 slot, often using the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol. For gaming, this is crucial because NVMe M.2 SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional SATA SSDs or HDDs. This translates to drastically reduced game loading times, quicker level transitions, and an overall smoother, more responsive gaming experience.
Q2: Should I choose a PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 M.2 SSD for gaming?
A: For most current gaming systems, a high-quality PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD like the Lexar NM790 series offers excellent performance and is perfectly sufficient. PCIe Gen5 drives, like the Lexar NM1090 PRO, provide even faster speeds, but these benefits are currently more noticeable in specific workloads (like large file transfers) and with games that utilize technologies like Microsoft DirectStorage. If you’re building a brand-new, top-tier system and want to future-proof, Gen5 is a great choice. Otherwise, Gen4 provides superb value and performance.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 M.2 SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended, particularly if you plan on sustained heavy usage like long gaming sessions or intensive file transfers. These drives can generate heat, and without proper cooling, they might “throttle” their performance to prevent overheating. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can opt for an SSD that includes one, like the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink.
Q4: How much storage capacity do I need for gaming?
A: This largely depends on your game library. Modern AAA games can easily take up 100GB or more each.
– 1TB: A good starting point for a decent collection of games. You’ll likely need to manage your installs.
– 2TB: Ideal for most gamers, allowing you to install many large titles without constantly juggling space.
– 4TB+: Best for hardcore gamers or content creators who need vast amounts of storage for a massive game library and other media without compromise.
Q5: Are Lexar M.2 SSDs good for gaming?
A: Absolutely! As demonstrated by the products reviewed, Lexar offers a wide range of M.2 NVMe SSDs, from excellent value Gen4 drives to cutting-edge Gen5 options. They consistently deliver high speeds, good endurance ratings, and reliable performance, making them a very solid choice for any gaming setup.
Q6: Can I use these M.2 SSDs with my PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, many high-performance PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSDs, including several Lexar NM790 models and the WD_BLACK SN850X (with heatsink being a crucial factor), are fully compatible with the PlayStation 5. Sony recommends drives with sequential read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or higher and requires a heatsink for optimal performance. Always check the specific SSD’s compatibility and ensure it meets PS5’s specifications.
Q7: What is DirectStorage, and why is it important for gaming SSDs?
A: Microsoft DirectStorage is an API that allows games to load assets directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, bypassing the CPU. This significantly reduces load times, frees up CPU resources, and can lead to more detailed and immersive game worlds by allowing faster streaming of game assets. PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs are designed to take full advantage of DirectStorage, making them essential for future-gen gaming experiences.
Wrapping Up: Finding Your Perfect Gaming SSD
Choosing the right M.2 SSD for gaming can feel a bit overwhelming, but hopefully, this deep dive has clarified your options. Whether you’re chasing the bleeding edge with a PCIe Gen5 beast like the Lexar NM1090 PRO, or finding the perfect balance of speed and value with a Gen4 drive like the Lexar NM790 series, there’s a fantastic solution out there for you.
Remember to consider your budget, your motherboard’s compatibility, and how much capacity you really need for your game library. An upgrade to a fast NVMe M.2 SSD isn’t just about faster load times; it’s about a smoother, more responsive, and ultimately more enjoyable gaming journey. Go ahead, make that upgrade, and get back to what you love – gaming!