Thinking about upgrading your gaming setup or building a new PC that truly flies? One of the most impactful changes you can make is to your storage drive. And when we talk about high-performance storage, Lexar is a name that often pops up. But what makes a great gaming SSD, and how does Lexar deliver with its NAND flash technology?
Today, we’re diving deep into some of Lexar’s top solid-state drives to help you pinpoint the Lexar best NAND flash for gaming SSD that fits your needs perfectly. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, having the right storage can drastically cut down load times, smooth out gameplay, and improve your overall computing experience. Let’s get started!
Why Your Gaming SSD Needs Good NAND Flash
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch upon why NAND flash is such a big deal for gaming SSDs. Essentially, NAND flash is the non-volatile memory that stores your data in an SSD. The quality and type of NAND flash (like TLC, QLC) directly impact an SSD’s speed, endurance (how much data can be written over its lifetime, measured in TBW), and overall reliability. For gamers, this means faster game loading, quicker map transitions, and a responsive system that won’t leave you staring at loading screens when you could be dominating in-game. Getting the right Lexar best NAND flash for gaming SSD means a noticeable upgrade to your gaming life.
How We Chose the Best Lexar Gaming SSDs
We’ve focused on drives that offer a significant performance boost for gaming, considering factors like read/write speeds, interface (PCIe Gen4, Gen3, SATA), form factor (M.2, 2.5-inch), endurance ratings, and value for money. We’ve also included a couple of Lexar’s versatile storage solutions that, while not primary gaming SSDs, can still be incredibly useful for a gamer’s ecosystem.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If you’re looking to truly unleash your system’s potential and want the very best performance for your gaming rig, the Lexar NM790 SSD is definitely worth your attention. This drive isn’t just fast; it’s blazing fast, leveraging PCIe Gen4 technology to deliver speeds that will leave older drives in the dust. Perfect for hardcore gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand instant responsiveness and rapid data transfer. Its PlayStation 5 compatibility is another huge win for console enthusiasts wanting to expand their game library with top-tier performance.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1000TBW (Terabytes Written) 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 transfer speeds and seamless performance
- 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 for incredibly fast load times
- High endurance ensures long-term reliability
- Power-efficient design is great for laptops
- PS5 compatibility for expanded console storage
- Excellent five-year warranty for peace of mind
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 motherboard to achieve full speeds
- Generally at a higher price point than Gen3 alternatives
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the NM790 for its drastic reduction in game loading screens and overall system snappiness. Many PS5 users specifically highlight how easy it was to install and how well it performs with their favorite titles. It truly feels like a next-gen storage solution.
Lexar NM620 SSD 1TB PCIe Gen3 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Not everyone needs or has a system that supports PCIe Gen4, and that’s perfectly fine! The Lexar NM620 SSD is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a significant performance upgrade over traditional SATA SSDs or hard drives without breaking the bank. It offers a superb blend of speed and value, making it an ideal Lexar best NAND flash for gaming SSD for PC enthusiasts and gamers on systems compatible with PCIe Gen3. You’ll experience much faster boot times, quicker game loads, and overall snappier system performance.
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Key Features:
- High-speed PCIe Gen3x4 interface: 3300MB/s read and 3000MB/s write
- NVMe 1.4 supported
- M.2 2280 form factor with 3D NAND
- Up to 6x the speed of a SATA-based SSD
- Ideal for PC enthusiasts and gamers
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for a PCIe Gen3 drive
- Much faster than traditional SATA SSDs
- Great value for money
- Robust and durable thanks to no moving parts
- Easy upgrade for many existing systems
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Cons:
- Not as fast as newer Gen4 drives
- Capacity might be limited for very large game libraries (though 1TB is good for many)
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User Impressions: Users frequently report a “night and day” difference when upgrading from an HDD or even an older SATA SSD. They appreciate the responsiveness it brings to their games and operating system, deeming it a solid, reliable choice for everyday gaming.
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
While not an internal gaming SSD in the traditional sense, the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is an incredibly versatile tool for any gamer, especially those who create content, stream, or simply need fast external storage for console games or large file transfers. Its rugged design means you can take your important game footage, backups, or even game installations (for compatible consoles/platforms) wherever you go, and the integrated hub adds immense utility.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact and portable design
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (plugs directly into device, cable-free from hub)
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Seamless 4K recording and swift backups
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports
- Dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Extremely portable and durable (IP65 rated)
- Fast external transfer speeds for large game files or media
- Integrated USB-C hub is a huge bonus for creators and streamers
- Great for console game backups or media storage
- Excellent five-year warranty
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Cons:
- Not an internal boot drive for gaming PCs
- Speeds are lower than internal NVMe SSDs
- “Wireless plug-and-play” refers to direct connection, not Wi-Fi data transfer
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User Impressions: Content creators and streamers absolutely love this drive for its speed, durability, and the sheer convenience of the built-in hub. Gamers find it great for quick backups of game saves or for expanding console storage. Its robust build gets high marks for reliability on the go.
Lexar 256GB JumpDrive Dual Drive D400 USB 3.2 Type-C & Type-A
Okay, let’s be upfront: this isn’t a “gaming SSD” in the primary sense of boosting game load times. However, the Lexar JumpDrive D400 is an incredibly handy and often overlooked accessory for gamers! Think about it: transferring game saves between PCs, sharing small game files, moving screenshots and videos, or even carrying small indie games to play on another machine. Its dual USB-C and USB-A connectors make it exceptionally versatile, working with almost any device, from your gaming PC to your Android phone.
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Key Features:
- Dual connectors with USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports
- High-speed USB 3.2 Gen 1 performance
- Stylish metal housing and swivel design for added protection
- Advanced security solution with Lexar DataShield
- Compatible with Android, PC, and Mac systems
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Pros:
- Unbeatable versatility with dual connectors
- Compact and highly portable
- Durable metal casing with swivel protection
- Security features for sensitive game data or personal files
- Affordable and widely compatible
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Cons:
- Small capacity for modern games
- Not suitable for running games directly
- Slower than any internal SSD
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User Impressions: Users love the convenience of the dual connectors, making it incredibly easy to transfer files between different devices without needing adapters. Its sturdy build and compact size are frequently praised. It’s a go-to for quick file transfers and small backups.
Lexar 480GB NQ100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
For gamers running older systems or those looking for a cost-effective way to revitalize an aging laptop or desktop, the Lexar NQ100 SATA III SSD is an excellent choice. While it won’t offer the blistering speeds of NVMe drives, it provides a massive performance leap over traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). This makes it a great option for primary system drives in older machines, or as a secondary drive to store less demanding games or general data on a modern rig, freeing up your faster NVMe drive for your absolute favorite titles.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s
- Better performance and reliability than with a traditional hard drive
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- 480GB capacity
- 168TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Significantly faster than traditional HDDs
- Very affordable way to upgrade an older system
- Reliable with no moving parts (shock/vibration resistant)
- Easy to install in most laptops and desktops
- Decent endurance for its class
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Cons:
- Slower than any NVMe (PCIe Gen3 or Gen4) SSD
- 480GB might be tight for a large library of modern games
- Three-year warranty is shorter than some other Lexar products
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User Impressions: Customers are thrilled with the performance boost it gives to their older computers, reporting much faster boot times and application loading. Many find it ideal as a secondary game drive for titles where NVMe speeds aren’t critical, or as a primary drive for a budget gaming setup.
Wrapping Up: Your Lexar Gaming SSD Choice
Choosing the Lexar best NAND flash for gaming SSD really comes down to your system’s compatibility, your budget, and how much performance you crave.
- For the ultimate, no-compromise speed demons: The Lexar NM790 is your top pick, especially if you have a Gen4 compatible system or a PS5.
- For excellent performance on a Gen3 system or a tighter budget: The Lexar NM620 offers a fantastic balance of speed and value.
- For versatile external storage and creative work: The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD is an invaluable companion.
- For breathing new life into an older machine or secondary game storage: The Lexar NQ100 SATA SSD is a smart, budget-friendly choice.
- For ultimate file transfer convenience: The Lexar JumpDrive D400 is a great complementary tool.
No matter which Lexar drive you choose, you’re investing in reliable NAND flash technology designed to enhance your gaming experience. Happy gaming!
FAQ Section
Q1: What is NAND flash and why is it important for gaming SSDs?
A1: NAND flash is the type of non-volatile memory used in SSDs to store data. For gaming SSDs, the quality and type of NAND flash are crucial because they directly affect the drive’s speed, endurance (how many times data can be written and rewritten), and overall reliability. Better NAND flash means faster game loading, smoother performance, and a longer lifespan for your drive.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 SSDs for gaming?
A2: PCIe Gen4 SSDs offer significantly higher read and write speeds (typically up to 7,000MB/s+) compared to PCIe Gen3 SSDs (typically up to 3,500MB/s). For gaming, Gen4 drives can drastically reduce game load times, especially for titles optimized for direct storage access like those on the PS5. Gen3 drives are still much faster than SATA SSDs and perfectly adequate for many games, especially on systems that don’t support Gen4.
Q3: Can I use an NVMe SSD with my PlayStation 5?
A3: Yes, specific PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSDs (like the Lexar NM790) that meet Sony’s speed and size requirements can be installed in a PlayStation 5 to expand its internal storage. This allows you to store and play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage, offering speeds comparable to the console’s built-in SSD.
Q4: Is a Lexar portable SSD good for gaming?
A4: A Lexar portable SSD like the Professional Go can be excellent for certain gaming-related tasks. While not typically used as a primary internal drive for PC gaming, it’s fantastic for backing up large game files, transferring game installations quickly between systems, or expanding storage for consoles (though internal NVMe is usually preferred for PS5 performance). It’s also great for storing game footage or streaming assets.
Q5: How much storage do I need for gaming?
A5: For modern gaming, 1TB is generally considered the sweet spot for a primary gaming SSD, allowing you to install several AAA titles. If you have a massive game library or install many large games, 2TB or more might be beneficial. For budget builds or secondary drives, 500GB can work, but you’ll need to manage your game installations more carefully.
Q6: What are the benefits of upgrading to an SSD from an HDD for gaming?
A6: The benefits are enormous! You’ll experience dramatically faster game load times, quicker map transitions, faster operating system boot-up, and overall smoother system responsiveness. SSDs also have no moving parts, making them more durable, quieter, and less prone to mechanical failure than traditional hard drives.
Q7: What’s the deal with DRAM vs. DRAM-less SSDs?
A7: DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) in an SSD acts as a cache, speeding up the mapping of data (the FTL – Flash Translation Layer). SSDs with DRAM generally offer better sustained performance, especially under heavy loads, and higher endurance. DRAM-less SSDs are typically more affordable and rely on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which uses a small portion of your system’s RAM as a cache. While HMB-enabled drives like the Lexar NM790 can perform very well, dedicated DRAM often provides a slight edge in consistency for intense, prolonged workloads.