Hey there, fellow gamers! If you’re serious about your gaming experience, you know that load times, seamless gameplay, and quick file transfers are absolutely crucial. Gone are the days of sluggish hard drives holding you back. Today, Solid State Drives (SSDs) are the undisputed champions for speed, and when it comes to picking one for your gaming machine, you want reliability, performance, and great value. That’s where Lexar steps in. But is Lexar the best brand SSD for gaming? We’re about to dive deep and find out!
Lexar has built a solid reputation for delivering high-performance storage solutions, and their SSDs are no exception. Whether you’re building a brand-new, cutting-edge PC or looking to supercharge your existing setup, a Lexar SSD can significantly uplift your gaming performance. From blazing-fast PCIe Gen5 NVMe drives to durable portable options for your console or laptop, Lexar offers a wide range of products tailored to different needs. We’ve rounded up 10 of their top contenders to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your gaming arsenal.
Why Lexar for Your Gaming Rig?
When you’re looking to upgrade your gaming storage, speed isn’t the only factor. You need durability, efficiency, and a brand you can trust. Lexar SSDs consistently deliver on these fronts. They often feature cutting-edge technology like PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 interfaces, robust thermal management, and smart cache solutions that translate directly into faster game loading, smoother texture streaming, and quicker overall system responsiveness. If you’re asking yourself, “What’s the Lexar best brand SSD for gaming for me?” – you’re in the right place!
Key Considerations When Choosing a Gaming SSD
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on what gamers should look for in an SSD:
- Speed (PCIe Generation): PCIe Gen4 offers impressive speeds, while Gen5 pushes the limits even further, drastically cutting down load times.
- Capacity: Modern games are huge! 1TB is a good starting point, but 2TB or even 4TB gives you more breathing room for your ever-growing game library.
- Form Factor: M.2 NVMe drives are standard for internal PC/PS5 use. Portable SSDs offer external storage flexibility.
- Heatsink: High-speed NVMe drives can generate heat. A built-in heatsink or a dedicated heatsink is essential for sustained performance and longevity.
- Durability: Especially for portable drives, resistance to drops, dust, and water can be a game-changer.
- Compatibility: Ensure the SSD works with your motherboard, console, or device.
Now, let’s explore some fantastic Lexar options that could be your next gaming powerhouse!
The Top 10 Lexar SSDs for Gaming Reviewed
1. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
If you’re building a cutting-edge gaming PC or want to push the absolute limits of performance, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is a serious contender. This PCIe Gen5 beast delivers blistering speeds that will leave older drives in the dust, perfect for demanding titles and future-proofing your setup. It’s designed to significantly reduce game load times and is particularly fantastic with modern CPUs like AMD Ryzen and Intel i9, making it a strong choice for the Lexar best brand SSD for gaming enthusiast.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s.
- Accelerates load times by 200%.
- 6nm controller optimizes heat control for smoother, efficient performance.
- Perfect for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating data processing.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache enhance data transfer speeds.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to boost game loads and minimize delays.
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Pros:
- Unparalleled Gen5 speeds for the ultimate gaming experience.
- Excellent thermal management for sustained performance.
- Future-proof technology.
- Significantly reduces game loading times and system responsiveness.
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Cons:
- Requires a compatible PCIe Gen5 motherboard slot.
- Higher price point due to bleeding-edge technology.
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User Impressions: Gamers are absolutely blown away by the speed of this drive, reporting near-instantaneous game loads and system boot-ups. Many highlight its exceptional performance with new CPUs, confirming it as a top-tier upgrade.
2. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
For gamers seeking top-tier PCIe Gen4 performance without breaking the bank, the Lexar NM790 with a built-in heatsink is a fantastic option. This drive offers incredible speeds that are twice as fast as Gen3 SSDs, ensuring your games load rapidly and run smoothly. The integrated heatsink is a huge plus, keeping temperatures down and performance consistent, especially during intense gaming sessions or when installed in a PS5.
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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 speeds.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 speeds for all modern games.
- Built-in heatsink ensures optimal thermal performance.
- Great power efficiency.
- PS5 compatible, making it a versatile choice.
- Solid TBW rating for longevity.
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Cons:
- Still requires a PCIe Gen4 slot, which might not be on older motherboards.
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User Impressions: PS5 owners especially praise this drive for its easy installation and dramatic improvement in game loading. PC users love the consistent high speeds and the peace of mind the heatsink provides during long gaming marathons.
3. Lexar 4TB Armor 700 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB
Need massive, super-fast external storage for your massive game library, media projects, or even to record directly from your iPhone 15 Pro? The Lexar 4TB Armor 700 is a rugged, high-performance portable SSD that truly stands out. Its incredible speeds and robust IP66 rating make it ideal for gamers who need to take their games on the go or expand console storage with confidence, facing harsh environments.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of 2000MB/s max read/write speeds.
- Rated IP66 to protect against water and dust; withstands up to 3-meter drops.
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max).
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures.
- Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone 15/16 series, cameras, gaming consoles.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption.
- Comes with a Type-C and USB-A all-in-one cable.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Extremely high portable speeds for rapid transfers.
- Exceptional durability (water, dust, drop-resistant).
- Massive 4TB capacity.
- Wide compatibility across devices, including gaming consoles.
- Integrated security features.
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Cons:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port needed to achieve maximum speeds.
- Higher price due to capacity and ruggedness.
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User Impressions: Users are impressed by the drive’s ability to handle large file transfers quickly and its incredible toughness. Content creators especially value the ProRes recording feature, while gamers appreciate the massive storage for their Steam library or Xbox/PS5 titles.
4. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
The 1TB version of the Lexar NM790 is an excellent choice for gamers who want top-tier PCIe Gen4 performance without needing the largest capacity, or those looking for a speedy boot drive. It offers the same incredible read/write speeds as its larger counterpart, making it perfect for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators alike. Its single-sided design also makes it an ideal upgrade for laptops where space is at a premium.
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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 smoother 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:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds for rapid game loading.
- Energy-efficient design.
- PS5 compatible.
- Single-sided, ideal for thin laptops.
- Great value for performance.
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Cons:
- 1TB might feel limiting for gamers with extensive libraries.
- No integrated heatsink (consider adding one for sustained heavy use, especially in PS5).
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User Impressions: Laptop gamers frequently praise this drive for its easy installation and immediate boost in performance. Desktop users find it to be a reliable and extremely fast primary drive for their OS and most-played games.
5. Lexar 2TB Armor 700 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB
Just like its 4TB sibling, the Lexar 2TB Armor 700 Portable SSD brings incredible speed and durability in a more compact package. This drive is perfect for gamers who need robust, high-speed external storage for their console games, PC game backups, or even demanding media files, ensuring your data is safe even in challenging environments. If you’re frequently on the move or just want peace of mind, this is a strong contender.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of 2000MB/s max read/write speeds.
- Rated IP66 for water and dust protection; withstands up to 3-meter drops.
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max).
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures.
- Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone 15/16 series, cameras, gaming consoles.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption.
- Comes with a Type-C and USB-A all-in-one cable.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Exceptional portable speeds.
- Rugged and highly durable design.
- Good 2TB capacity for a portable drive.
- Wide device compatibility.
- Secure with AES encryption.
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Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for full speed.
- Still a premium price for a portable solution.
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User Impressions: This portable SSD receives high marks for its speedy file transfers and its robust build quality. Many users love its portability and ability to withstand accidental bumps and splashes, making it reliable for travel or outdoor use.
6. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
This is the non-heatsink version of the 2TB NM790, offering the same phenomenal PCIe Gen4 speeds for those who already have a motherboard heatsink or prefer to add one separately. It’s a powerhouse for gamers, professionals, and content creators, delivering outstanding performance that cuts down load times and enhances overall system responsiveness. It reinforces why Lexar is a strong contender for the Lexar best brand SSD for gaming title.
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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.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother 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:
- Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds.
- Excellent 2TB capacity for game libraries.
- Energy-efficient.
- PS5 compatible (with an aftermarket heatsink).
- Good TBW for long-term use.
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Cons:
- No included heatsink, which is highly recommended for optimal performance, especially in PS5 or high-performance PCs.
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User Impressions: Gamers appreciate the raw speed and capacity this drive offers at a competitive price point. Many noted the importance of adding a heatsink, especially for PS5, but found the performance gains to be significant once installed.
7. Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
For the ultimate enthusiast gamer or professional requiring maximum storage and uncompromised speed, the Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO is in a league of its own. This PCIe Gen5 marvel delivers an incredible 4TB of storage with speeds that are truly next-gen. It’s built for the most demanding applications, from AI workloads to massive game libraries, making it an undeniable choice for anyone seeking the pinnacle of performance and capacity.
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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%.
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control.
- Ideal for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating data processing.
- 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:
- Industry-leading Gen5 speeds and massive 4TB capacity.
- Exceptional performance for gaming, content creation, and AI.
- Advanced thermal management for sustained high speeds.
- Dramatically reduces all load times.
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Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Requires a high-end, compatible Gen5 motherboard and CPU.
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User Impressions: Enthusiasts rave about this drive, calling it the “Ferrari of SSDs.” They report unprecedented speed in every task, from massive file transfers to lightning-fast game launches. Its sheer power makes it a favorite among those who demand nothing but the best.
8. Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD
The Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD is a sleek, ultra-portable, and fast storage solution perfect for gamers on the go or those needing to quickly transfer game files between systems. Its compact size and solid performance make it a convenient choice for expanding console storage or carrying your essential games and data with you, especially if you want a reliable and secure drive.
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Key Features:
- High-speed Data Transfer: USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Wide Compatibility: iPhone 15 series, Android devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming consoles.
- On The Go: Thin, stylish, durable metal design, weighs 42g, 10.5mm thick, fits in pocket.
- Comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience.
- Data Safety First: Includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software.
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Pros:
- Excellent portable speeds for quick transfers.
- Extremely compact and lightweight.
- Broad compatibility, including consoles and iPhone 15.
- Built-in data encryption for security.
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Cons:
- 1TB capacity might fill up quickly for extensive game libraries.
- Performance dependent on supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on host device.
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User Impressions: Users love the ES3 for its portability and quick file transfers. It’s a popular choice for carrying large project files or for console gamers who need extra storage that’s easy to move between systems or take to a friend’s house.
9. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
This innovative Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD not only offers high-speed portable storage but also includes a convenient hub, making it a Swiss Army knife for content creators and gamers alike. Its ultra-compact design and robust build quality, combined with the versatility of extra USB-C ports, make it incredibly useful for expanding your setup on the fly. It’s perfect for capturing high-quality video or quickly offloading game clips.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact for spontaneous creativity.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector with four USB Type-C ports (hub functionality).
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage with ease.
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording.
- Dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices is in progress.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Integrated hub adds incredible versatility.
- High-speed portable performance.
- Rugged and durable design.
- Excellent for content creation (ProRes) and quick game recording.
- Compact and travel-ready.
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Cons:
- 1TB might be limiting for some users’ extensive needs.
- Wireless plug-and-play might be finicky if not fully inserted.
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User Impressions: Content creators are particularly thrilled with the integrated hub and ProRes support, finding it a game-changer for on-location shoots. Gamers appreciate its durability and speed for moving game data or recording gameplay footage with ease.
10. Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
Stepping up the capacity, the Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD with an integrated hub offers the same incredible versatility and ruggedness as its 1TB counterpart, but with double the storage. This makes it an even better option for gamers who have larger libraries or content creators dealing with extensive 4K footage. It’s a powerful, all-in-one solution for both storage and connectivity, proving that Lexar aims to be the best brand SSD for gaming and creative work.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact for spontaneous creativity.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector with four USB Type-C ports (hub functionality).
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage with ease.
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording.
- Dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices is in progress.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Generous 2TB capacity with integrated hub.
- High-speed portable performance.
- Extremely durable (IP65 rated, drop-resistant).
- Ideal for both gaming and professional content creation.
- Compact and highly portable.
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Cons:
- A premium price point for the combined features.
- Ensuring the drive is fully inserted for the hub to function.
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User Impressions: Users love the extra capacity for storing more games or project files without sacrificing speed or portability. The combined SSD and hub functionality is repeatedly highlighted as an ingenious solution for streamlining their digital workflow and gaming setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Lexar a good brand for gaming SSDs?
A: Absolutely! Lexar has consistently proven itself as a reliable manufacturer of high-performance storage solutions. Their SSDs, especially the NVMe M.2 series, offer exceptional read/write speeds, robust controllers, and often come with features like heatsinks or efficient power management, making them an excellent choice for gamers.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for gaming?
A: PCIe Gen4 SSDs offer read speeds typically up to 7,000-7,500 MB/s, which is already incredibly fast and a huge upgrade from Gen3. PCIe Gen5 SSDs, like Lexar’s NM1090 PRO, push these limits even further, delivering speeds up to 14,000 MB/s. For gaming, Gen5 drives will offer even quicker game loading and potentially better performance with future titles utilizing technologies like DirectStorage more extensively, though Gen4 is still more than sufficient for current games.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my gaming NVMe SSD?
A: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate significant heat under heavy load (like gaming), and excessive heat can lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance and potentially shortening the drive’s lifespan. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase one separately if your SSD doesn’t include one.
Q4: Can I use a portable Lexar SSD for gaming on my console or PC?
A: Yes! Portable Lexar SSDs like the Armor 700 or ES3 are great for expanding storage for game consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) or for carrying your PC game library. While internal NVMe drives offer the fastest load times for current-gen games directly on the console, portable SSDs are excellent for storing older generation games or offloading current-gen titles to save internal space. For PC, they serve as fast external game drives.
Q5: How much SSD storage do I need for gaming?
A: Modern games are massive, often requiring 100GB or more each. For a dedicated gaming PC, 1TB is a good minimum, but 2TB offers much more flexibility for storing multiple large titles and future-proofing. If you have an extensive game library or plan to play many AAA titles, 4TB is an even better choice.
Q6: Are Lexar SSDs compatible with PlayStation 5 (PS5)?
A: Many Lexar internal NVMe M.2 SSDs, such as the NM790 series, are compatible with the PS5, provided they meet Sony’s speed requirements (5,500 MB/s read speed minimum) and physical dimensions (2280 form factor). It’s crucial to use an SSD with a heatsink (either integrated or aftermarket) for PS5 installation to ensure stable performance.
Q7: What is Microsoft DirectStorage, and why is it important for gaming SSDs?
A: DirectStorage is a technology from Microsoft that allows games to load assets directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, bypassing the CPU. This significantly reduces CPU overhead, speeds up loading times, and allows for more detailed game worlds. PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 NVMe SSDs are crucial for taking full advantage of DirectStorage, making games feel incredibly fluid and responsive.
Q8: How easy is it to install a Lexar M.2 NVMe SSD into my PC?
A: Installing an M.2 NVMe SSD is generally quite straightforward. You’ll need an M.2 slot on your motherboard (check your motherboard manual for location). Simply insert the SSD into the slot at an angle, then push it down and secure it with a screw. If it’s your primary drive, you’ll then need to install your operating system. For PS5, the process is similar within the console’s expansion slot.
Conclusion
So, is Lexar the best brand SSD for gaming? After looking at these 10 impressive drives, it’s clear that Lexar offers a compelling range of options that cater to virtually every type of gamer. Whether you’re chasing the bleeding-edge speeds of PCIe Gen5 for an uncompromising PC build, seeking a reliable and fast PCIe Gen4 drive for your PS5, or needing a rugged, high-capacity portable solution for gaming on the go, Lexar has a solution that combines performance, reliability, and innovative features.
Choosing the right SSD is about balancing speed, capacity, and your budget, all while considering your specific gaming needs. Lexar provides excellent choices across the board, ensuring you can get into your games faster, experience smoother gameplay, and enjoy more storage for your ever-expanding library. Whichever Lexar SSD you choose, you’re investing in a solid upgrade that will elevate your gaming experience!