Are you tired of sluggish load times, stuttering gameplay, and constantly deleting games to make space? If you’re a serious gamer, you know the struggle is real. Upgrading your storage is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your gaming rig, and an M.2 NVMe SSD is the undisputed champion. Specifically, a 4TB capacity offers ample room for an ever-growing game library without compromising speed. In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the Lexar best 4TB M.2 SSD for gaming options, along with a top alternative, to help you pick the perfect upgrade for blistering performance.
A high-quality 4TB M.2 SSD not only cuts down on loading screens but also ensures smoother texture streaming, faster game installations, and quicker system boot times. Lexar has been a strong contender in the storage market, offering a range of robust and speedy drives that are perfect for hardcore PC and console gamers alike. Let’s explore the top contenders that promise to elevate your gaming experience!
1. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
The Lexar NM790 SSD is a fantastic all-rounder, hitting the sweet spot for performance and value in the PCIe Gen4 segment. This drive is a workhorse, delivering exceptional read and write speeds that will drastically improve game load times and overall system responsiveness. It’s especially appealing for gamers looking for a high-capacity, high-speed solution that doesn’t break the bank, offering a significant upgrade over older SATA or even Gen3 NVMe drives. Its single-sided design also makes it a great fit for many laptops and even the PlayStation 5, ensuring wide compatibility.
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Key Features:
- 4TB storage capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- High endurance: 3000TBW (Terabytes Written)
- 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 quick game loads
- Excellent endurance rating for long-term use
- Lower power consumption is a plus for laptops
- PS5 compatible, expanding its utility
- Great value for its performance tier
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Cons:
- No included heatsink (may require separate purchase for optimal thermal management under heavy loads)
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User Impressions: Gamers praise the NM790 for its noticeable speed improvements, especially when upgrading from older drives. Many appreciate its PS5 compatibility and the ease of installation, making it a highly recommended choice for a general-purpose, high-performance gaming SSD.
2. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
If you loved the sound of the Lexar NM790 but were concerned about thermal management, this version is your answer. The Lexar NM790 SSD with Heatsink takes all the incredible performance of its non-heatsink counterpart and adds an integrated cooling solution right out of the box. This is crucial for sustained peak performance during intense gaming sessions, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring your drive keeps delivering those lightning-fast speeds. It’s ready to go, whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading your PlayStation 5, making it a prime candidate for the Lexar best 4TB M.2 SSD for gaming award.
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Key Features:
- 4TB storage capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- High endurance: 3000TBW
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Designed with an integrated heatsink for optimal cooling and sustained performance
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smooth data transfers
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Integrated heatsink ensures consistent high performance
- Excellent read/write speeds for gaming and demanding tasks
- Lower power draw compared to some competitors
- PS5 ready without needing an aftermarket heatsink
- High endurance for heavy usage
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Cons:
- Heatsink might make it slightly too tall for some ultra-compact laptop designs (check dimensions)
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User Impressions: Users frequently highlight the convenience of the pre-installed heatsink, noting stable performance even under heavy loads. It’s often praised as a hassle-free upgrade for both PC and PS5 owners looking for top-tier Gen4 performance and reliability.
3. Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
Ready for the absolute bleeding edge of storage technology? The Lexar NM1090 PRO is a beast, leveraging PCIe Gen5 to deliver mind-boggling speeds that redefine “fast.” If you’re building a high-end system with the latest AMD Ryzen or Intel i9 processors and compatible motherboards, this is the drive to maximize your investment. It’s not just about raw speed; its optimized controller and substantial DRAM cache make it perfect for demanding AI applications, content creation, and, of course, giving you an unfair advantage in gaming with Microsoft DirectStorage support. This truly represents the next generation of Lexar best 4TB M.2 SSD for gaming.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology for blistering speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s read/write
- Accelerates load times by 200% compared to previous generations
- Optimized 6nm controller for efficient heat control and performance
- Ideal for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating data processing
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to boost game loads and minimize delays
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Pros:
- Unparalleled Gen5 read/write speeds – currently among the fastest available
- Future-proof for upcoming games and applications leveraging DirectStorage
- Excellent for high-end gaming rigs and professional workstations
- Advanced thermal management with 6nm controller
- Significant boost for AI workloads
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible motherboard and CPU (newer platforms only)
- Higher price point due to cutting-edge technology
- May require an aftermarket heatsink or motherboard’s integrated heatsink for optimal performance (check if heatsink is included or needed)
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User Impressions: Early adopters are blown away by the speed, reporting instant game loads and lightning-fast file transfers. While acknowledging the need for compatible hardware, users find it to be a worthwhile investment for those building top-tier systems.
4. Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe
Designed with console gamers in mind, the Lexar Play SSD with Heatsink is an excellent choice for expanding your PlayStation 5’s storage. It’s not just for PS5; PC gamers will also appreciate its robust Gen4 performance and included heatsink. This drive stands out for its seamless integration with the PS5, allowing you to play games directly from the drive without the hassle of transferring or deleting titles. Its solid performance and dedicated cooling make it a reliable and convenient solution for any gamer needing extra space and speed. This is arguably the Lexar best 4TB M.2 SSD for gaming on PS5.
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Key Features:
- 4TB storage capacity
- Designed specifically to coordinate with your PS5
- 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds
- High endurance: 3200TBW (4TB model)
- Tested and approved storage for PS5 console, allowing direct gameplay
- Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache for improved performance on PC
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Officially recommended and tested for PS5
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal performance
- Excellent Gen4 speeds for PC and console
- Allows direct game playback from the drive on PS5
- High endurance rating
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Cons:
- Might be slightly more expensive than non-PS5 specific Gen4 drives without a heatsink
- Heatsink might be specific to PS5 aesthetic, though still functional for PC
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User Impressions: PS5 owners rave about the easy installation and seamless performance, often noting that it feels just as fast as the internal drive. PC gamers also appreciate its reliable speed and the benefit of a pre-attached heatsink for worry-free operation.
5. WD_BLACK 4TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
While our focus has largely been on Lexar, it’s impossible to discuss top-tier gaming SSDs without mentioning WD_BLACK. The WD_BLACK SN7100 is a fantastic PCIe Gen4 contender, offering robust performance that serious gamers demand. This drive is built for reliability and speed, providing a substantial upgrade over older storage solutions. Its design prioritizes power efficiency, making it an excellent choice for laptops and handheld gaming devices where battery life is a concern, alongside desktops. With a massive 4TB capacity, you’ll have all the space you need for your extensive game library.
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Key Features:
- 4TB storage capacity
- Speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models, 4TB similar)
- Up to 35% faster performance than previous drives
- PCIe Gen4 interface with latest TLC 3D NAND
- Designed for serious gamers
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation
- High endurance: up to 2,400TBW (4TB model)
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Pros:
- Strong Gen4 speeds for excellent gaming performance
- Reputable WD_BLACK reliability and build quality
- High power efficiency, great for laptops and handhelds
- Ample 4TB storage for a huge game library
- Impressive endurance rating
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Cons:
- Does not come with an integrated heatsink (may need to buy separately)
- Slightly lower peak read/write speeds compared to the fastest Gen4 drives (like Lexar’s NM790)
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the SN7100 for its rock-solid performance and reliability. It’s often highlighted as a consistent and dependable choice for PC gamers seeking a significant storage and speed upgrade without breaking the bank, especially for those prioritizing power efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I choose a 4TB M.2 SSD for gaming?
A1: A 4TB M.2 SSD provides ample space for a large game library, eliminating the need to constantly uninstall games. M.2 NVMe SSDs, especially PCIe Gen4 and Gen5, offer significantly faster load times, smoother gameplay, and quicker system responsiveness compared to traditional HDDs or even SATA SSDs, directly enhancing your gaming experience.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and PCIe Gen5 SSDs?
A2: PCIe Gen4 SSDs offer impressive read/write speeds typically up to 7,500 MB/s. PCIe Gen5 SSDs are the latest generation, doubling those speeds, often reaching 12,000-14,000 MB/s or more. Gen5 requires a compatible motherboard and CPU (e.g., AMD Ryzen 7000 series, Intel 13th/14th Gen and newer), while Gen4 is compatible with slightly older, but still modern, platforms. For most current gaming, Gen4 is excellent, but Gen5 offers a significant future-proof advantage.
Q3: Is a heatsink necessary for an M.2 NVMe SSD, especially for gaming?
A3: For PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate considerable heat under sustained heavy loads (like gaming or large file transfers). A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down your drive’s performance. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, but for drives without one, or for PS5 expansion, an included or aftermarket heatsink is a smart investment.
Q4: Can I use these Lexar M.2 SSDs in my PlayStation 5?
A4: Yes, many Lexar 4TB M.2 SSDs, especially the NM790 and the Play SSD with Heatsink, are compatible with the PlayStation 5. Sony requires specific performance benchmarks and a heatsink for PS5 expansion drives. Always check the drive’s specifications and user reviews to confirm PS5 compatibility and ensure a heatsink is either included or added separately.
Q5: What does “TBW” mean, and why is it important for gaming SSDs?
A5: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s an endurance rating that indicates how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifetime before its reliability may start to decline. For a 4TB drive, a TBW of 2400TBW to 3000TBW is excellent, meaning you can write 2400-3000 terabytes of data to the drive. This is important for gamers as game installations, updates, and recordings all contribute to written data, ensuring your drive lasts for many years of heavy use.
Q6: Will a new M.2 SSD improve my game’s frame rate (FPS)?
A6: An M.2 SSD won’t directly increase your frame rate (FPS) like a better GPU or CPU would. However, it significantly improves aspects that impact your gaming experience, such as drastically reducing loading screen times, enabling faster texture streaming in open-world games (reducing stuttering), and speeding up game installations and patches. The overall “feel” of gaming will be much smoother and more responsive.
Q7: How difficult is it to install a 4TB M.2 SSD?
A7: Installing an M.2 SSD is relatively straightforward for both PCs and the PS5. For a PC, you simply locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard, insert the drive at an angle, and secure it with a screw. For the PS5, you remove the console’s side panel, unscrew the expansion slot cover, insert the SSD, and then reassemble. No cables are involved, making it a much simpler process than installing a traditional SATA drive.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a high-capacity M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming setup. The Lexar best 4TB M.2 SSD for gaming options, like the NM790 series and the cutting-edge NM1090 PRO, offer exceptional speed, reliability, and capacity to handle the most demanding titles and extensive game libraries. Whether you’re a PC enthusiast chasing Gen5 performance or a PS5 owner looking for seamless storage expansion, Lexar has a strong contender for you. And for those considering alternatives, the WD_BLACK SN7100 proves to be a robust and power-efficient choice.
No matter which drive you choose from this list, you’re set to experience significantly faster load times, smoother gameplay, and an overall more enjoyable gaming experience. Say goodbye to waiting and hello to instant action!