In today’s fast-paced digital world, whether you’re a content creator, a small business owner, or just a tech-savvy home user, having reliable, high-speed data storage is non-negotiable. Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems have become the go-to solution for centralized data storage, backup, and media serving. But to truly unleash a NAS’s potential, especially for demanding tasks, traditional spinning hard drives often just don’t cut it anymore. That’s where solid-state drives (SSDs) come in, offering blistering speeds and enhanced responsiveness.
You might be wondering, what’s the Lexar best NAS for SSD setup? While Lexar is renowned for its cutting-edge SSDs, they typically don’t manufacture the NAS enclosures themselves. Instead, Lexar provides some of the best SSDs to power these NAS systems, alongside offering incredible high-performance external drives that complement a NAS workflow beautifully. In this guide, we’re diving into ten top-tier Lexar and compatible SSDs and dedicated NAS units that are perfect for boosting your storage game. We’ll help you find the ideal solid-state drive or NAS solution to supercharge your data experience.
Let’s explore some of the best options available to build or enhance your high-performance storage network!
Why Choose SSDs for Your NAS?
Before we jump into the products, let’s quickly touch on why SSDs are a game-changer for NAS:
- Blazing Speeds: SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional HDDs, leading to quicker file transfers, faster application loading, and smoother media streaming.
- Improved Responsiveness: For multi-user environments, databases, or virtual machines running on a NAS, SSDs drastically reduce latency and improve overall system responsiveness.
- Durability & Longevity: With no moving parts, SSDs are more resistant to shocks and vibrations, making them generally more reliable and durable, especially in a 24/7 NAS environment.
- Energy Efficiency: SSDs consume less power than HDDs, which can lead to lower operating costs and less heat generation for your NAS.
- Quiet Operation: Without any spinning platters, SSDs are virtually silent – a huge plus for home office or living room setups.
Now, let’s look at the drives and NAS systems that can deliver this high-performance experience.
Product Reviews: Top Lexar & Compatible SSDs for NAS
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
This portable powerhouse isn’t just an external drive; it’s a creative companion designed for professionals on the move. Its ultra-compact form factor means you can slip it into any bag and be ready to capture or edit high-resolution footage instantly. What truly sets it apart is the integrated hub, providing extra Type-C ports, making it incredibly versatile for connecting other peripherals or adapters, essentially transforming it into a mobile workstation for photographers and videographers who need robust storage with fast access.
- Key Features:
- Ultra-compact and portable design for spontaneous creativity.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector with integrated hub (four USB Type-C ports).
- Supports Apple ProRes footage capture.
- Blazing-fast performance: up to 1050MB/s read, 1000MB/s write.
- Dust-proof, water-resistant (IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Five-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Excellent speed for 4K recording and large file transfers.
- Integrated hub adds significant utility for mobile setups.
- Highly durable and resistant to environmental factors.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Cons:
- Not an internal NAS drive; primarily for direct-attached use.
- Initial cost might be higher than traditional external drives.
- User Impressions: Users love its convenience and speed for on-location shoots, praising the built-in hub as a game-changer for streamlining their gear. Many highlight its ruggedness as a key advantage for creative professionals.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If you’re looking to upgrade an existing NAS system that supports M.2 NVMe SSDs, or build a new one with a focus on speed, the Lexar NM790 is a fantastic contender. This internal drive offers incredible PCIe Gen4 speeds that are twice as fast as Gen3 SSDs, making it perfect for caching or even primary storage in high-performance NAS units. Its low power consumption is a big plus for 24/7 operation, ensuring your NAS runs cool and efficiently. This is definitely a strong candidate for the Lexar best NAS for SSD component discussion.
- Key Features:
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 form factor.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smooth transfers.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and single-sided design for laptops.
- Five-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Outstanding speed for demanding NAS applications (VMs, databases, media servers).
- Energy efficient, ideal for continuous NAS operation.
- Excellent value for a high-performance Gen4 drive.
- Great for caching in hybrid NAS setups.
- Cons:
- Requires a NAS enclosure with M.2 NVMe slots for full benefits.
- Heat management might be a consideration in poorly ventilated NAS.
- User Impressions: Gamers and professionals rave about its speed and value, noting significant improvements in load times and overall system responsiveness. NAS users find it excellent for high-speed cache volumes.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports…
Identical in features to its 1TB counterpart, this 2TB version of the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub simply doubles your storage capacity. For those who frequently work with massive 4K or even higher resolution video files, or accumulate large libraries of photos, the 2TB option provides much-needed breathing room. It maintains the stellar performance, rugged durability, and the indispensable integrated hub, making it an even more compelling choice for demanding creative workflows where storage space is critical.
- Key Features:
- Ultra-compact for creativity on the go.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector with four USB Type-C ports.
- Supports Apple ProRes footage capture.
- Blazing-fast performance: up to 1050MB/s read, 1000MB/s write.
- Dust-proof, water-resistant (IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Five-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Large 2TB capacity for extensive media projects.
- Excellent speed for 4K recording and rapid backups.
- Integrated hub significantly boosts productivity.
- Highly durable for field use.
- Cons:
- Still a portable drive, not an internal NAS component.
- Premium price point.
- User Impressions: Customers appreciate the generous storage combined with the hub’s versatility, calling it an essential tool for high-volume content creation. Its robust build quality receives consistent praise.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD, Up to 2000MB/s
The Lexar ES5 Magnetic External SSD is a marvel of modern portable storage, bringing incredibly fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds to a compact, MagSafe-compatible design. This isn’t just fast; it’s smart. Its magnetic attachment feature, along with an included metal ring for non-MagSafe devices, makes it super convenient for quick backups or expanding mobile storage on the fly. Recording high-bitrate video directly from smartphones becomes a breeze, showcasing its capability for cutting-edge mobile content creation.
- Key Features:
- Blazing speeds: up to 2000MB/s read and 2000MB/s write (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2).
- MagSafe-compatible design for easy attachment to smartphones.
- Supports Apple ProRes 4K120FPS and Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS recording.
- Free Lexar App for auto backup and mobile storage expansion.
- IP65 dust/water resistance and 3M drop resistance.
- Thin, stylish liquid silicone build with thermal control design.
- Pros:
- Exceptional speed for both mobile and desktop workflows.
- Innovative magnetic attachment enhances usability with smartphones.
- Robust durability with IP65 and high drop resistance.
- Excellent for direct video recording from mobile devices.
- Cons:
- Full speed requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 compatible ports, which are less common.
- Not a NAS solution itself, but a powerful companion.
- User Impressions: Users are impressed by its raw speed and the sheer convenience of the magnetic attachment. Mobile videographers particularly love its ability to handle high-res footage directly.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
For the absolute pinnacle of speed in an internal SSD for your NAS, especially if you’re building a cutting-edge system, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is in a league of its own. Harnessing PCIe 5.0 technology, this drive delivers jaw-dropping speeds up to 14,000MB/s read and 13,000MB/s write. This kind of performance is overkill for many, but for ultra-demanding tasks like large-scale AI model training, real-time data processing, or serving incredibly high-bitrate media to multiple clients, it’s unparalleled. This is arguably the ultimate Lexar best NAS for SSD component for future-proofed systems.
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s read/write.
- Accelerates load times by 200% for extreme performance.
- 6nm controller optimizes heat control for smoother experience.
- Ideal for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks in AI tasks.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for superior gaming loads.
- Pros:
- Unrivaled speeds for extreme high-performance applications.
- Future-proofed with PCIe 5.0 technology.
- Optimized for AI, gaming, and heavy computational tasks.
- Excellent for high-speed caching in top-tier NAS.
- Cons:
- Requires a NAS system with PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, which are rare and expensive.
- The performance might be bottlenecked by typical NAS networking (e.g., 1GbE, 2.5GbE).
- Higher cost than Gen4 drives.
- User Impressions: Early adopters and performance enthusiasts are blown away by the sheer speed, calling it a game-changer for professional workstations and servers. They note its potential for future high-bandwidth NAS.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB Armor 700 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB…
The Lexar Armor 700 is built like a tank but performs like a racecar. This portable SSD offers incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds (up to 2000MB/s) and combines them with extreme ruggedness. Rated IP66 for superior dust and water protection and capable of withstanding 3-meter drops, it’s designed for those who need high-speed storage in the harshest environments. For iPhone 15 Pro users, its ability to record Apple ProRes directly to the drive makes it an indispensable tool for mobile filmmaking.
- Key Features:
- Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance (2000MB/s max read/write).
- Rated IP66 for superior water and dust protection.
- Rugged design withstands up to 3-meter drops.
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording (up to 4K 60FPS) with iPhone 15 Pro/Max.
- Unique Thermal Control Design maintains high performance.
- Includes Lexar DataShield with 256-bit AES encryption.
- Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, cameras, gaming consoles.
- Five-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Exceptional speed for demanding tasks.
- Unmatched durability and environmental protection.
- Direct recording capability for iPhone 15 Pro/Max is a huge benefit.
- Robust data security with AES encryption.
- Cons:
- Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 for peak performance.
- Not an internal NAS drive.
- Magnetic ring for iPhone direct attachment sold separately.
- User Impressions: Adventure photographers and videographers highly recommend it for its blend of speed and ruggedness. They praise its reliability in challenging conditions and the peace of mind offered by the encryption.
- See it on Amazon here
Western Digital 1TB WD Red SA500 NAS 3D NAND Internal
When it comes to building a NAS system with SSDs, it’s not just about speed, but also endurance and reliability in a 24/7 environment. The Western Digital WD Red SA500 is purpose-built for NAS, specifically optimized for caching to rapidly access frequently used files. Its superior endurance handles the heavy read/write loads common in NAS, ensuring stability and responsiveness for everything from multi-user environments to 4K/8K video editing. While not a Lexar product, it’s a prime example of an SSD explicitly designed for NAS use.
- Key Features:
- Storage optimized for caching in NAS systems.
- Superior endurance for heavy read and write loads (24/7 operation).
- Purpose-built for NAS with Western Digital 3D NAND.
- Maximizes SATA performance.
- Reduces latency and improves responsiveness for various demanding tasks.
- Pros:
- Designed specifically for NAS workloads and 24/7 operation.
- Excellent endurance rating for prolonged use.
- Proven reliability from a trusted NAS storage brand.
- Great for SSD caching in hybrid NAS or all-SSD SATA NAS.
- Cons:
- SATA III speeds are slower than NVMe Gen4/Gen5.
- Not suitable for NAS requiring M.2 NVMe SSDs.
- User Impressions: NAS enthusiasts and small business owners consistently recommend these drives for their proven reliability and performance in a NAS context, especially for improving responsiveness in mixed HDD/SSD setups.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
If you’re looking to breathe new life into an older NAS that only supports 2.5-inch SATA drives, or simply want a reliable, cost-effective SSD for lighter NAS tasks like app storage or a small cache, the Lexar NS100 is an excellent choice. It offers a significant upgrade over traditional hard drives in terms of startup, data transfers, and application loads, all while being more robust due to its shock and vibration resistance. For a modest upgrade to your existing NAS, this internal SSD provides a solid performance bump.
- Key Features:
- Upgrade for laptop or desktop computers (and compatible NAS) for faster performance.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s.
- Faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant (no moving parts).
- 2.5-inch SATA III form factor.
- Three-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Cost-effective way to introduce SSD speed to a SATA NAS.
- More durable and reliable than HDDs.
- Significant performance improvement over older spinning drives.
- Quiet operation.
- Cons:
- Slower than NVMe SSDs.
- 256GB might be too small for primary data storage in many NAS setups.
- User Impressions: Users upgrading older laptops or basic NAS systems find it to be a noticeable performance boost at an affordable price point. It’s praised for its reliability as a budget-friendly option.
- See it on Amazon here
TERRAMASTER F8 SSD NAS Storage – 8Bay All SSD NAS
Now, this is an actual NAS system specifically designed for SSDs! The TERRAMASTER F8 SSD NAS Storage is a true powerhouse, offering 8 M.2 2280 NVMe SSD bays in an incredibly compact, palm-sized form factor. It’s equipped with a powerful N95 processor, 8GB DDR5 memory, and a 10Gbps Ethernet port, making it a dream come true for users who need extreme performance from their network storage. For businesses or high-end home users demanding the fastest possible data access and robust backup solutions, the F8 SSD delivers an all-SSD experience with minimal noise. This is your dedicated “all-in” Lexar best NAS for SSD system.
- Key Features:
- Full-SSD NAS server with 8 M.2 2280 NVMe SSD bays (up to 64TB total capacity).
- High-performance N95 4-core, 4-thread processor with 8GB DDR5 RAM.
- 10Gbps Ethernet port for up to 1024MB/s transfer speeds.
- Ultra-compact, lightweight, and tool-free design.
- Whisper-quiet performance (below 19dB standby) with advanced cooling.
- Comprehensive TerraMaster Business Backup Suite (BBS) for data protection.
- Pros:
- Dedicated all-SSD design for maximum performance.
- High capacity with 8 NVMe bays.
- Blazing-fast 10GbE connectivity.
- Extremely quiet and energy-efficient.
- Robust business backup solutions included.
- Cons:
- High initial investment for the unit itself and 8 NVMe SSDs.
- Overkill for users who don’t need extreme speeds or 10GbE.
- Requires understanding of NAS software for setup.
- User Impressions: Professionals and small businesses praise its astonishing speed and compact size, highlighting its capabilities for video editing, large file sharing, and reliable backups. The quiet operation is a frequent highlight.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD, Supports Apple 4K…
This portable SSD is the sibling to the “with Hub” version, offering the same blazing 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds, but without the integrated hub. While losing the hub means slightly less versatility, it results in an even more streamlined and potentially more compact device. It’s still rugged, capable of direct 4K 60fps Apple ProRes recording, and perfect for expanding smartphone storage. For users who prioritize raw speed and portability above all else and don’t need the extra ports, this 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD is an outstanding choice.
- Key Features:
- Ultra-compact for spontaneous creativity.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector.
- Expands smartphone storage instantly with seamless data transfers.
- Blazing-fast performance: 1050MB/s read, 1000MB/s write for Apple ProRes 4K 60 fps recording.
- Compatible with a wide range of Type-C devices.
- Dust- and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter, with protective silicone case.
- Five-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Exceptional speed for portable 4K video recording and large files.
- Extremely durable and travel-ready.
- Simple, straightforward high-performance external storage.
- Generous 2TB capacity.
- Cons:
- Lacks the integrated hub of its counterpart.
- Still a portable drive, not an internal NAS solution.
- User Impressions: Customers love its straightforward speed and ruggedness, noting it’s perfect for quick transfers and backup on the go. Its compatibility with iPhone for direct recording is a huge selling point.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ: All About SSDs for NAS
Q: What are the main advantages of using SSDs in a NAS over traditional HDDs?
A: SSDs offer significantly faster data transfer speeds, lower latency, greater durability (no moving parts), quieter operation, and lower power consumption compared to traditional HDDs. This leads to faster file access, smoother streaming, quicker application loading, and enhanced overall system responsiveness, especially in multi-user or intensive environments.
Q: Can I use any Lexar SSD in any NAS?
A: Not necessarily “any” in “any.” Lexar produces various types of SSDs: 2.5-inch SATA, M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5. Your NAS unit must have compatible drive bays or M.2 slots for the specific type of Lexar SSD you want to use. Always check your NAS manufacturer’s specifications for supported drive types and sizes.
Q: Do I need an all-SSD NAS, or is a hybrid approach (SSDs for caching, HDDs for storage) better?
A: It depends on your budget and performance needs. An all-SSD NAS (like the Terramaster F8) offers maximum performance across the board but comes at a higher cost per terabyte. A hybrid approach, where SSDs are used as a cache (read/write acceleration) for larger, slower HDDs, provides a good balance of performance and capacity at a more affordable price. For most home users and small businesses, a hybrid setup often offers the best bang for your buck.
Q: Will an NVMe SSD improve my NAS performance if my network is only 1 Gigabit Ethernet?
A: While NVMe SSDs offer incredible internal speeds (thousands of MB/s), a 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) connection maxes out at around 125 MB/s. So, your network will be the bottleneck for external transfers. However, NVMe SSDs can still significantly improve internal NAS operations like indexing, running virtual machines, hosting databases, or serving multiple users concurrently, even on a 1GbE network. For external transfers, you’d need a multi-gigabit (2.5GbE, 5GbE, or 10GbE) network card in your NAS and client devices to fully utilize NVMe speeds.
Q: What is “endurance” for an SSD in a NAS context, and why is it important?
A: SSD endurance is measured in Terabytes Written (TBW) or Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD). It indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its cells start to wear out. For a NAS, especially one operating 24/7 or handling frequent writes (like video surveillance or constant backups), higher endurance SSDs are crucial for longevity and reliability. Drives like the WD Red SA500 are specifically designed with higher endurance for NAS workloads.
Q: Are portable Lexar SSDs a good alternative to a traditional NAS?
A: Portable Lexar SSDs (like the Professional Go or Armor 700) are fantastic for high-speed, direct-attached storage for individual users, especially content creators. They offer incredible speed and portability. However, they are not a replacement for a traditional NAS. A NAS provides centralized network access, multi-user file sharing, advanced backup features (RAID, snapshots), media server capabilities, and often remote access – features that portable SSDs simply don’t offer. They can, however, be excellent companions to a NAS, used for immediate on-set recording or quick transfers before offloading to the NAS for long-term storage and collaboration.
Q: How do I set up an SSD cache on my NAS?
A: Most modern NAS operating systems (like Synology’s DSM or QNAP’s QTS) have built-in features for SSD caching. You typically install one or two compatible SSDs into your NAS’s M.2 slots or 2.5-inch bays. Then, through the NAS’s web interface, you’ll find an option to create an SSD cache, often allowing you to choose between read-only or read-write caching. The NAS software will then intelligently use the SSDs to store frequently accessed data, speeding up operations.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of high-performance storage for your network attached storage system can seem daunting, but it’s a worthwhile journey. Whether you’re upgrading an existing NAS or building a brand new, lightning-fast storage server, the right SSDs can make all the difference. While Lexar doesn’t build the NAS boxes themselves, their range of high-performance internal and portable SSDs offers compelling options to create the Lexar best NAS for SSD solution for your specific needs.
From the ultimate speed of a PCIe Gen5 NM1090 PRO to the rugged portability of the Armor 700, Lexar provides solid-state drives that can handle the most demanding tasks. And for those seeking a dedicated, all-SSD NAS experience, units like the Terramaster F8 SSD NAS stand ready to deliver unparalleled performance.
Remember to consider your specific use case, budget, and existing network infrastructure when making your choice. Investing in the right SSDs for your NAS is an investment in faster workflows, more reliable backups, and a more responsive digital life. Happy storing!