Is your desktop PC feeling sluggish? Does it take ages to boot up or load your favorite games and applications? If you’re nodding along, then it’s probably time for an upgrade, and there’s no better way to inject new life into your system than with a high-quality Solid State Drive (SSD). Lexar has been a trusted name in flash memory for years, offering a range of SSDs that promise significant performance boosts. But with so many options out there, how do you find the Lexar best SSD for desktop PC that suits your needs?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into some of the top Lexar SSDs, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a creative professional, or just someone looking for a snappier everyday computing experience, we’ve got something for you. Let’s explore the best storage solutions that can transform your desktop.
1. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
If you’re looking for an affordable entry point into the world of SSDs, the Lexar NS100 256GB is a fantastic choice. It’s designed to be a straightforward replacement for traditional hard drives, instantly improving your desktop’s boot times and application loading speeds. This model is perfect for users who want a noticeable performance upgrade without breaking the bank, offering reliable storage for your operating system and frequently used programs.
- 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 (Total Bytes Written)
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Three-year limited warranty
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Cost-effective upgrade
- Significantly faster than traditional HDDs
- Enhanced system responsiveness
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Durable due to no moving parts
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Limited capacity for extensive media libraries
- SATA III speeds are slower compared to NVMe SSDs
User Impressions: Many users praise this SSD for its ease of installation and the immediate performance boost it brings to older systems. It’s often highlighted as excellent value for money for basic computing needs.
See it on Amazon here
2. Lexar 128GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
The Lexar NS100 128GB offers the same great benefits as its 256GB sibling but in an even more budget-friendly package. This SSD is ideal for those who primarily need a fast boot drive for their operating system and a few essential applications, while perhaps keeping larger files on a secondary hard drive. It’s a smart way to get the core speed advantages of an SSD without a big investment, making your desktop PC feel much quicker.
- 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 (Total Bytes Written)
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Three-year limited warranty
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Very affordable entry-level SSD
- Drastically improves boot and load times
- Highly reliable and shock-resistant
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Energy-efficient operation
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Very limited storage capacity
- SATA III speeds aren’t the fastest available
User Impressions: Users frequently recommend the 128GB NS100 for breathing new life into older laptops or as a dedicated OS drive. It’s consistently praised for its straightforward installation and tangible speed improvements.
See it on Amazon here
3. Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read, Storage…
While primarily an external solution, the Lexar ES3 External SSD is an excellent way to expand your desktop’s storage with blazing-fast speeds. With up to 1050MB/s read, it’s about 9.5 times faster than traditional external hard drives. This drive is perfect for creative professionals who need to move large video files, gamers wanting to quickly transfer games, or anyone needing instant, high-speed storage expansion for their desktop PC. Plus, its robust design means it can handle a bit of rough and tumble.
- 9.5X faster than hard disk drives with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for significantly faster transfers
- Super-fast backups and instant storage expansion
- Built-in, double-layer graphite sheets quickly conduct heat, enhancing heat dissipation to keep the drive cool
- Drop-resistant up to 2 meters for protection
- Plug-and-play compatibility with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable for use with PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone, and more
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Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software and Lexar Recovery Tool
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Exceptional external transfer speeds
- Portable and highly durable design
- Versatile compatibility with multiple devices
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Enhanced data security features included
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Not an internal upgrade for system performance
- Relies on external USB ports for connection
User Impressions: Customers love the ES3 for its incredible speed and portability, making it a favorite for photographers and videographers who need to offload large files quickly. The robust build quality also gets high marks.
See it on Amazon here
4. Lexar 480GB NQ100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
The Lexar NQ100 480GB SSD offers a step up in capacity while maintaining the reliable SATA III performance that makes older desktop PCs feel new again. With sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s, it’s slightly faster than the NS100 series, providing a smoother experience for application loading and multitasking. It’s an excellent option for users who need more space than the smaller drives but still want a cost-effective internal upgrade without delving into NVMe territory.
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s
- Experience better performance and reliability than with a traditional hard drive
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- [480GB] 168TBW (Total Bytes Written)
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Three-year limited warranty
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Good balance of capacity and affordability
- Noticeable speed improvement over HDDs
- High reliability and durability
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Easy to install in most desktop PCs
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Still limited to SATA III speeds (slower than NVMe)
- May not be enough capacity for very large game libraries or media files
User Impressions: This SSD is often praised for being a perfect mid-range option, offering a significant upgrade in speed and a decent amount of storage for a good price. Users find it highly reliable and easy to install.
See it on Amazon here
5. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
Now we’re talking serious speed! The Lexar 1TB NM790 is a beast, bringing PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance to your desktop. If you’re a hardcore gamer, a content creator, or a professional who deals with massive files, this drive is a game-changer. With read speeds up to an astonishing 7400MB/s, it’s twice as fast as PCIe Gen 3 SSDs, drastically cutting down load times for everything. It’s also incredibly power-efficient, making it one of the Lexar best SSD for desktop PC users demanding top-tier performance.
- [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 smoother transfer speeds and seamless performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5; single-sided NVMe SSD perfect for laptops
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Five-year limited warranty
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Phenomenal read and write speeds
- Excellent for gaming, video editing, and heavy workloads
- High endurance (1000TBW)
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Energy-efficient design
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Requires a motherboard with an M.2 PCIe Gen4 slot
- Might be overkill for basic everyday tasks
User Impressions: Gamers and professionals rave about the NM790’s insane speed and how it transforms their workflow and gaming experience. The PS5 compatibility is also a big plus for console enthusiasts.
See it on Amazon here
6. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid…
While not a Lexar product, the Samsung 870 EVO 1TB is a perennial favorite and a strong contender in the SATA SSD market, making it a relevant comparison. If your desktop PC doesn’t support NVMe, or you prefer the reliability and broad compatibility of a SATA drive, this SSD sets the benchmark. It offers consistent, professional-level performance that maximizes the SATA interface, making it ideal for everything from everyday computing to 8K video processing. Its renowned reliability and easy upgrade path make it a compelling choice.
- The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility
- Maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds
- Designed for gamers and professionals to handle heavy workloads
- Up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty
- More compatible than ever, tested for major host systems and applications
- Easy upgrade to standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor
- Samsung Magician 6 software for drive management and performance enhancement
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World’s #1 Flash Memory Brand with in-house produced components and AES 256-bit Encryption
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Industry-leading SATA performance and reliability
- Excellent endurance and a long warranty
- Broad compatibility with older and newer systems
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Comprehensive management software
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Limited by SATA III speeds compared to NVMe drives
- Can be pricier than some entry-level SATA SSDs
User Impressions: The 870 EVO is a user favorite, consistently praised for its rock-solid reliability, top-tier SATA performance, and the peace of mind that comes with the Samsung brand. It’s often recommended as the go-to SATA SSD.
See it on Amazon here
7. Lexar 1TB NQ780 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
The Lexar 1TB NQ780 is another excellent PCIe Gen4 NVMe option that strikes a great balance between performance and value. Delivering read/write speeds up to 6500/2500 MB/s, it’s a significant upgrade over SATA drives and perfect for gamers and users who demand quick boot-ups and rapid game loading. Its 8-channel Gen 4 controller, coupled with HMB and SLC cache technologies, ensures consistent performance and a responsive user experience, making it a great choice for your desktop PC.
- 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 too thanks to its single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control
- Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool for firmware updates, drive management, and health monitoring
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A 5-year limited warranty offers peace of mind
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Solid PCIe Gen4 performance
- Excellent for gaming and general heavy use
- Good value for a Gen4 NVMe drive
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Useful SSD management software
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Write speeds are lower than some other high-end Gen4 drives (e.g., NM790)
- Still requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible M.2 slot
User Impressions: Users appreciate the NQ780 for its strong performance at a competitive price point, finding it a noticeable upgrade for both gaming and everyday tasks. The included management software is also a bonus.
See it on Amazon here
8. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2…
For those who need maximum storage and sustained top-tier performance, the Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink is an absolute powerhouse. Building on the strengths of the 1TB version, this 2TB model offers incredible capacity alongside blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds (up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write). The integrated heatsink is a crucial addition, ensuring your drive stays cool even under intense, prolonged workloads, which is vital for gamers and professionals pushing their systems to the limit. This is easily one of the Lexar best SSD for desktop PC users aiming for the ultimate setup.
- [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 speeds and seamless performance
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
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Five-year limited warranty
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Massive 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries and files
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal performance under heavy loads
- Unrivaled PCIe Gen4 speeds for any demanding task
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Excellent endurance (1500TBW) and power efficiency
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Premium price point for top-tier capacity and performance
- Requires a compatible M.2 PCIe Gen4 slot with clearance for the heatsink
User Impressions: Enthusiasts and power users give this SSD glowing reviews for its combination of huge capacity, incredible speed, and effective cooling. It’s considered a benchmark for high-performance storage.
See it on Amazon here
9. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports…
The Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a unique and highly versatile external storage solution. While external, its “with Hub” feature makes it particularly useful for desktop PC users, especially creative professionals. It offers blazing-fast performance (up to 1050MB/s read) for seamless 4K recording and swift backups, ideal for workflows involving high-resolution media. The integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports adds immense flexibility, allowing you to connect peripherals and customize your setup, making it more than just a simple portable drive.
- 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 4K recording
- Ready for travel – dust-proof, water-resistant (IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
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Five-year limited warranty
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Highly versatile and multi-functional (SSD + USB hub)
- Exceptional speed for an external drive
- Extremely durable and travel-ready
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Ideal for creative professionals and mobile setups
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Not an internal storage upgrade for your desktop
- The “wireless” aspect refers to its direct plug-in, not truly wireless data transfer
- Niche features like Apple ProRes support may not be needed by all users
User Impressions: Content creators, especially those working with Apple ProRes, find this device incredibly useful due to its speed, durability, and the added utility of the integrated hub. Its compact size and robust design are frequently praised.
See it on Amazon here
10. Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
Welcome to the future of storage! The Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO is a groundbreaking PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. With blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s, it’s designed for the absolute bleeding edge of desktop PC performance, perfect for AI PCs, hardcore gaming with Microsoft DirectStorage, and systems with AMD Ryzen or Intel i9 processors. This drive dramatically reduces bottlenecks, accelerates AI model training, and provides an unparalleled gaming experience. If you want the fastest of the fast, this is it.
- PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200% – great with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for a smoother experience
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds
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Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, and conserve CPU power
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World-leading PCIe Gen5 speeds
- Future-proof performance for next-gen computing
- Ideal for AI workloads, high-end gaming, and professional applications
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Advanced cache technologies for superior responsiveness
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Requires a motherboard with a PCIe Gen5 M.2 slot (newer systems only)
- Premium price point for cutting-edge technology
- May generate more heat, necessitating good airflow or an aftermarket heatsink (not included)
User Impressions: Early adopters and tech enthusiasts are blown away by the NM1090 PRO’s sheer speed, noting its transformative impact on game loading and data-intensive tasks. They emphasize the need for compatible hardware to truly unleash its power.
See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A1: The main difference lies in their interface and speed. SATA (Serial ATA) SSDs connect via a SATA III port and offer speeds up to around 550MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect via the PCIe bus (often in an M.2 slot) and can deliver significantly higher speeds, ranging from 3,000MB/s to over 14,000MB/s, depending on the PCIe generation (Gen3, Gen4, Gen5). NVMe drives are generally much faster, especially for demanding tasks.
Q2: How do I know if my desktop PC supports NVMe M.2 SSDs?
A2: You’ll need to check your motherboard’s specifications. Look for an M.2 slot on your motherboard. Modern motherboards typically have one or more M.2 slots, often supporting PCIe Gen3, Gen4, or even Gen5. If your motherboard only has SATA ports, you’ll be limited to 2.5-inch SATA SSDs.
Q3: Is it difficult to install a Lexar SSD in a desktop PC?
A3: For most users, installing an SSD is quite straightforward. 2.5-inch SATA SSDs typically slide into a drive bay and connect with two cables (SATA data and SATA power). M.2 NVMe SSDs slot directly into an M.2 slot on the motherboard and are secured with a single screw. You might need to initialize the drive in Windows Disk Management afterward. Many online tutorials and your motherboard manual can guide you.
Q4: What capacity SSD should I get for my desktop PC?
A4: It depends on your usage.
* 128GB-256GB: Best for an OS drive and a few essential applications if you have a separate HDD for larger files.
* 480GB-512GB: A good balance for OS, essential software, and a decent selection of games or media.
* 1TB and above: Ideal for gamers, content creators, or anyone with large file libraries who wants all their data on fast storage.
Q5: What are TBW and a limited warranty, and why do they matter?
A5: TBW stands for “Total Bytes Written” and indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the SSD over its lifespan before its reliability might degrade. A higher TBW means greater endurance. A limited warranty covers manufacturing defects for a specific period (e.g., three or five years) and often requires the drive to be within its specified TBW limit. Both indicate the expected durability and reliability of the drive.
Q6: Should I get a DRAM-less SSD or one with DRAM cache?
A6: SSDs with a dedicated DRAM cache generally offer better sustained performance, especially for heavy multitasking and large file transfers, and tend to have longer lifespans. DRAM-less SSDs use Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology to borrow a small portion of your system’s RAM for caching, which is an efficient way to keep costs down while still delivering good performance for most everyday tasks. For demanding users, DRAM cache is usually preferred, but for budget-conscious users, HMB-enabled drives are a great option.
Q7: Will an external SSD improve my desktop’s performance?
A7: An external SSD will significantly improve the loading and transfer speeds of files stored on that external drive. It’s excellent for fast backups, expanding game libraries, or working with large media files. However, it won’t directly improve your desktop’s boot times or the performance of applications installed on your internal drive. For overall system speed, an internal SSD is the key.
Conclusion
Upgrading to an SSD is perhaps the single most impactful upgrade you can make to your desktop PC today. Whether you opt for a lightning-fast NVMe drive or a reliable SATA option, the difference in responsiveness, boot times, and application loading is truly transformative.
Lexar offers a fantastic range of choices, from the budget-friendly NS100 series to the blazing-fast PCIe Gen5 NM1090 PRO. Ultimately, choosing the Lexar best SSD for desktop PC comes down to your specific needs, budget, and the capabilities of your existing hardware. Consider your primary use case – be it gaming, content creation, or everyday productivity – and use this guide to pick the perfect drive to supercharge your system. Happy upgrading!