In today’s fast-paced digital world, sluggish storage can bring even the most powerful PC to its knees. If you’re looking to turbocharge your system, whether it’s for intense gaming, professional content creation, or just snappier everyday use, an M.2 NVMe SSD is the upgrade you need. And when it comes to reliable, high-performance storage solutions, Lexar consistently stands out. They’ve earned their reputation as one of the Lexar best brands for SSD M.2 thanks to their commitment to speed, durability, and innovation.
But with so many options available, how do you pick the right one? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you! This guide dives deep into 10 of Lexar’s top M.2 SSD offerings, helping you understand their unique features, pros, and cons. Plus, we’ll even look at a couple of related options to ensure you make the perfect choice for your setup. Let’s get started!
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
This drive isn’t just fast; it’s a speed demon designed to keep its cool under pressure. The Lexar NM790 with a built-in heatsink is an absolute game-changer for anyone pushing their system hard, especially gamers and creative professionals. Its PCIe Gen4 interface unlocks incredible read and write speeds, making load times a thing of the past and ensuring your system remains responsive even during the most demanding tasks. The integrated heatsink is a crucial addition, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining peak performance over extended sessions.
- Key Features:
- [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW endurance rating
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Designed with a heatsink for optimal cooling 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 transfers
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds
- Integrated heatsink is excellent for sustained performance and PS5 compatibility
- Energy-efficient design
- High endurance and long warranty
- Cons:
- Heatsink might make it unsuitable for some ultra-compact laptop slots
- User Impressions: Users rave about its incredible speed, especially appreciating how well it performs in PS5s and high-end gaming PCs. The included heatsink is frequently cited as a major plus, eliminating the need for separate purchases and installation.
See it on Amazon here
2. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
For those who need the raw power of the NM790 but perhaps have their own cooling solution or a compact device like a laptop, this version is perfect. It delivers the same phenomenal PCIe Gen4 performance as its heatsink-equipped sibling, ensuring lightning-fast boot-ups, application launches, and file transfers. Its single-sided design is a huge advantage for laptops and other devices with tight internal space, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users, from hardcore gamers to busy professionals.
- Key Features:
- [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW endurance rating
- 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 transfers
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds for demanding tasks
- Energy-efficient and robust performance
- Single-sided design is ideal for laptops and compact builds
- PS5 compatible
- Cons:
- No integrated heatsink, so consider adding one for desktop/PS5 if prolonged heavy use
- User Impressions: Customers love the pure speed and value this drive offers. Laptop users specifically highlight its slim profile as a key benefit for easy installation, while desktop users often pair it with aftermarket heatsinks for optimal results.
See it on Amazon here
3. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Step into the future with the Lexar NM1090 PRO, a beast of an SSD leveraging the cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 technology. If you’re building a top-tier system with the latest AMD Ryzen or Intel i9 processors, this drive is designed to blow your mind with its blistering speeds, accelerating everything from game loads to AI model training. It’s not just fast; it’s engineered for efficiency with a powerful 6nm controller and advanced caching mechanisms to deliver a truly next-gen experience.
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200%
- Great with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 platforms
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for significantly boosted game loads
- Pros:
- Groundbreaking PCIe Gen5 speeds, future-proofing your system
- Excellent for high-end gaming, AI, and professional workstations
- Advanced caching improves responsiveness
- Optimized for thermal performance
- Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible motherboard and CPU to utilize full speed
- Premium price point
- User Impressions: Early adopters are consistently blown away by the sheer speed, noting dramatic reductions in loading screens and application launch times. They confirm it’s a worthy investment for systems designed around PCIe Gen5.
See it on Amazon here
4. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
If you need massive storage combined with top-tier performance, the 4TB Lexar NM790 with a heatsink is your ultimate solution. This drive offers all the incredible speed and thermal management benefits of its 2TB counterpart, but with double the capacity. Ideal for gamers with huge libraries, content creators handling massive files, or anyone who simply refuses to compromise on space or speed, this drive ensures you have room to grow without sacrificing performance. It’s a prime example of why Lexar is considered one of the Lexar best brands for SSD M.2 in high-capacity performance.
- Key Features:
- [4TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 3000TBW endurance rating (double the 2TB model)
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Designed with a heatsink to keep your rig cool
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfers
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Huge 4TB capacity meets high-performance needs
- Integrated heatsink for excellent thermal management
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds
- High endurance and long warranty
- Cons:
- Higher cost due to increased capacity
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise the peace of mind that comes with 4TB of fast storage, noting that they no longer have to worry about uninstalling games or juggling large media files. The heatsink is again a valued feature for maintaining consistent speed.
See it on Amazon here
5. Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Experience the future of storage in a more accessible 1TB capacity with the Lexar NM1090 PRO. This drive brings the exhilarating speeds of PCIe Gen5 to a wider audience, offering astonishing read and write performance that will dramatically improve system responsiveness and game load times. Perfect for users building a high-end system but perhaps don’t need the full 2TB or 4TB capacity yet, this 1TB variant still delivers the same advanced controller, caching, and DirectStorage benefits for an unparalleled computing experience.
- Key Features:
- 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 platforms
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage
- Pros:
- Incredible PCIe Gen5 performance
- Ideal for high-end systems and demanding applications
- Enhanced caching for superior responsiveness
- More affordable entry point into Gen5 than higher capacities
- Cons:
- Requires PCIe Gen5 compatible hardware
- Still a premium price for 1TB compared to Gen4 drives
- User Impressions: Users report a noticeable difference in system snappiness and game loading. For those upgrading from Gen4 or Gen3, the leap in speed is genuinely impressive, making it a worthwhile investment for future-proofed builds.
See it on Amazon here
6. Lexar 2TB NM710 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NM710 is a fantastic option for those seeking a balance between high performance and value. While it may not hit the absolute peak speeds of the NM790 series, it still boasts a significant upgrade over PCIe Gen3 SSDs, offering speeds that will satisfy most gamers and mainstream users. Its robust build, combined with HMB 3.0 and SLC Cache technology, ensures consistent and reliable performance. It’s an excellent choice for breathing new life into a compatible laptop or as a primary boot drive for a new desktop build without breaking the bank.
- 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 endurance rating
- Five-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for a Gen4 SSD
- Significantly faster than Gen3 drives
- Durable and reliable with a good warranty
- Good capacity for general use and gaming
- Cons:
- Not as fast as the higher-end NM790 or NM1090 PRO series
- User Impressions: Customers appreciate the noticeable speed boost over older drives and find it to be a reliable workhorse for everyday computing and gaming. It’s often recommended for users looking for Gen4 performance without the premium cost of top-tier models.
See it on Amazon here
7. Lexar M.2 2TB PCIe Gen 4X4 NM790 NVMe SSD
This specific listing, identified by the model number LNM790X002T-RNNNG, refers to the standard Lexar 2TB NM790 without an integrated heatsink. As we’ve seen with Product #2, this drive is a powerhouse, offering incredible PCIe Gen4 speeds for users who already have motherboard cooling or prefer a slimmer profile. It delivers the same 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds, making it a fantastic choice for high-performance computing, gaming, and content creation, particularly suitable for modern laptops and desktop systems. It firmly places Lexar among the Lexar best brands for SSD M.2 in the Gen4 category.
- Key Features:
- [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write (based on NM790 series specs)
- PCIe Gen4x4 interface
- NVMe technology for rapid data access
- Ideal for demanding applications and gaming
- Highly compatible with various M.2 slots
- Likely features HMB 3.0 and high endurance (similar to other NM790 models)
- Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds
- Great for performance-hungry users
- Standard M.2 2280 form factor for broad compatibility
- Cons:
- No integrated heatsink (may require separate purchase for optimal thermal management)
- User Impressions: Similar to other NM790 drives, users highlight its impressive speed and the significant improvement it offers over older SATA or Gen3 NVMe drives. Its straightforward installation is also a plus for many.
See it on Amazon here
8. Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
While our main focus is on M.2 NVMe drives, it’s worth noting Lexar also excels in other SSD formats. The Lexar NS100 is a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD, designed primarily as a fantastic upgrade for older laptops and desktops that don’t have M.2 slots, or for users looking for a cost-effective, high-capacity secondary storage solution. It offers a significant speed boost over traditional hard drives, making your older system feel much snappier. It’s a testament to Lexar’s broad range of quality storage options, even if it’s not an M.2.
- Key Features:
- [2TB] Upgrade your laptop or desktop for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- 960TBW endurance rating
- Three-year limited product support
- Pros:
- Excellent upgrade for older systems lacking M.2 slots
- Much faster and more durable than HDDs
- Cost-effective high-capacity storage
- Easy to install
- Cons:
- Significantly slower than any NVMe M.2 SSD (limited by SATA III interface)
- Larger 2.5-inch form factor
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise this drive for reviving old computers, noting dramatic improvements in boot times and general system responsiveness. It’s seen as a reliable and affordable way to extend the life of older hardware.
See it on Amazon here
9. Lexar EQ790 SSD 2TB, M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe 1.4
The Lexar EQ790 is another strong contender in the Gen4 NVMe M.2 space, offering an excellent balance of performance and value. With sequential read/write speeds up to 7000/6000MB/s, it delivers a very robust user experience, making it perfect for gamers, creative tasks, and power users. Like its siblings, it leverages PCIe 4.0, NVMe protocol, and HMB/SLC cache technologies to ensure efficient and rapid data handling. This drive further solidifies Lexar’s position as one of the Lexar best brands for SSD M.2 in the competitive Gen4 market.
- Key Features:
- [2TB] Better performance for an improved user experience
- PCIe 4.0 interface, NVMe protocol
- HMB and SLC cache technologies
- High-performance – with sequential read/write speeds up to 7000/6000MB/s
- M.2 2280 form factor
- Pros:
- Very good Gen4 speeds for most applications
- Reliable performance thanks to HMB and SLC cache
- Solid capacity at 2TB
- A good value option in the Gen4 lineup
- Cons:
- Slightly lower peak speeds compared to the NM790 series
- User Impressions: Customers often describe the EQ790 as a “no-fuss” performer. It just works, providing a noticeable speed boost and reliability without requiring specialized setup, making it popular for general upgrades.
See it on Amazon here
10. Silicon Power 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen3x4 2280 SSD Solid
While this article primarily focuses on Lexar, it’s worth highlighting that other reputable brands also offer compelling M.2 SSD solutions. This Silicon Power drive serves as an excellent example of a reliable PCIe Gen3 NVMe M.2 SSD. While its speeds (up to 2,200MB/s read and 1,600MB/s write) won’t match the Gen4 or Gen5 Lexar drives, they are still dramatically faster than traditional SATA SSDs and perfect for upgrading older systems that don’t support PCIe Gen4. Silicon Power also offers strong customer support, which is a big plus for users.
- Key Features:
- PCIe Gen 3×4 interface with read speeds up to 2,200MB/s and write speeds up to 1,600MB/s
- [2TB] 1200TBW endurance rating
- Warranty based on length or TBW limit
- Requires M.2 connector with only an M key (standard for NVMe)
- Dedicated U.S. Tech Support for common issues
- Pros:
- Cost-effective way to get NVMe speed
- Reliable performance for Gen3 systems
- Excellent customer support from Silicon Power
- Good endurance rating
- Cons:
- Significantly slower than PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 drives
- Not suitable for systems requiring top-tier speeds
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise Silicon Power for their dependable products and responsive customer service. This drive is often recommended for budget-conscious builders or those upgrading an older system, as it delivers substantial performance improvements over SATA at an attractive price point.
See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions About M.2 SSDs
Choosing the right M.2 SSD can seem complex with all the technical jargon. Here are some common questions to help clarify things.
Q1: What exactly is an M.2 SSD and how is it different from other SSDs?
An M.2 SSD is a small, rectangular solid-state drive that plugs directly into your motherboard. Unlike traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, M.2 drives use the M.2 slot and can communicate via either SATA or the much faster NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol through PCIe lanes. Most high-performance M.2 drives today are NVMe, offering significantly faster speeds than SATA SSDs.
Q2: Why should I choose a Lexar M.2 SSD over other brands?
Lexar has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality memory solutions. Their M.2 SSDs, particularly the NVMe models, are known for their exceptional speed, reliability, and competitive pricing. They offer a wide range of options, from value-oriented Gen4 drives to cutting-edge Gen5 powerhouses, ensuring there’s a Lexar drive for nearly every need and budget. Their solid warranties also provide peace of mind.
Q3: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5?
These refer to different generations of the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface, which determines the maximum theoretical speed of your SSD.
– PCIe Gen3: Common in older systems, offers speeds up to ~3,500 MB/s.
– PCIe Gen4: Twice as fast as Gen3, with speeds up to ~7,000-7,500 MB/s. Most modern mid-to-high-end systems support this.
– PCIe Gen5: The latest and fastest, doubling Gen4 speeds up to ~14,000 MB/s or more. Only supported by the newest motherboards and CPUs (e.g., AMD Ryzen 7000 series, Intel 13th/14th Gen).
Q4: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
For most general use, a heatsink isn’t strictly necessary for a Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD, as thermal throttling only occurs under sustained heavy loads. However, for demanding tasks like prolonged gaming, large file transfers, video editing, or if you’re using it in a PlayStation 5, a heatsink is highly recommended. It helps dissipate heat, preventing the drive from slowing down to protect itself and ensuring consistent peak performance. Gen5 SSDs almost always require robust cooling due to their extreme speeds.
Q5: Are Lexar M.2 SSDs compatible with PlayStation 5?
Yes, many Lexar PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSDs, particularly the NM790 series (especially those with an integrated heatsink), are fully compatible with the PlayStation 5. They meet or exceed Sony’s recommended speed and size requirements, making them an excellent choice for expanding your PS5’s storage.
Q6: What does TBW mean for an SSD?
TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance or how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before it’s expected to fail. A higher TBW rating indicates a more durable drive that can withstand more writes. For example, a 1500TBW drive means you can write 1500 terabytes of data to it before it reaches its expected end-of-life. This is usually far more than what a typical user would write within the warranty period.
Q7: Can I use a PCIe Gen4 SSD in a Gen3 slot, or vice versa?
Yes, generally, PCIe slots are backward and forward compatible. A PCIe Gen4 SSD will work in a Gen3 M.2 slot, but it will only operate at Gen3 speeds. Similarly, a PCIe Gen3 SSD will work in a Gen4 slot, but again, it will run at Gen3 speeds. To get the full performance of a Gen4 or Gen5 SSD, both your motherboard and CPU must support that specific PCIe generation.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the best ways to dramatically improve your computer’s speed and responsiveness. Lexar consistently proves itself as one of the Lexar best brands for SSD M.2, offering a diverse range of products that cater to every need, from the budget-conscious user to the hardcore enthusiast.
Whether you’re looking for the blazing-fast PCIe Gen5 speeds of the NM1090 PRO, the incredible value and performance of the NM790 series, or a reliable Gen4 option like the EQ790, Lexar has a solution that won’t disappoint. By considering your budget, system compatibility, and specific performance needs, you can confidently choose a Lexar M.2 SSD that will transform your computing experience.