Tired of sluggish boot times, slow application loading, and endless file transfers? Upgrading your desktop’s storage is one of the most impactful ways to breathe new life into your system, and a Solid State Drive (SSD) is the go-to solution. When it comes to reliable and high-performance storage, Lexar is a name that consistently delivers quality. But with so many options, how do you pick the Lexar best 1tb ssd for desktop that fits your needs?
You’re in the right place! We’ve meticulously reviewed five top Lexar 1TB SSDs, ranging from budget-friendly SATA drives to blazing-fast NVMe powerhouses and even versatile external options. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or just looking for a general performance boost, we’ll help you find the perfect internal or external storage solution. Let’s dive in and find your ideal Lexar best 1tb ssd for desktop!
Lexar 1TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
If you’re looking for an affordable yet effective way to revitalize an older desktop or laptop, the Lexar NS100 is an excellent choice. This 2.5-inch SATA III SSD is designed to be a straightforward drop-in replacement for traditional hard drives, instantly boosting startup speeds, data transfers, and application responsiveness. It’s a fantastic entry point into the world of SSDs, offering significant performance gains without breaking the bank, making it a strong contender for a budget-friendly Lexar best 1tb ssd for desktop upgrade.
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer 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.
- [1TB] 480TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating.
- Three-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Very cost-effective and budget-friendly.
– Easy to install in any desktop or laptop with a 2.5-inch SATA bay.
– Dramatically improves performance over traditional HDDs.
– Durable due to no moving parts.
Cons:
– Significantly slower than NVMe SSDs.
– Not ideal for cutting-edge gaming or intensive data processing.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise the NS100 for its ability to breathe new life into old computers. Many highlight how easy it is to install and how noticeable the speed difference is for everyday tasks, making it a perfect upgrade for general use and older systems.
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports Apple ProRes
For the creative professional on the move, the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is an absolute game-changer. This isn’t just an external drive; it’s a mobile workstation accessory, combining blazing-fast storage with a versatile hub. Designed specifically for demanding tasks like capturing Apple ProRes footage and managing 4K workflows, its rugged design and integrated connectivity make it an indispensable tool for spontaneous creativity, making it a unique solution if you’re looking beyond internal drives for your desktop.
- Ultra-compact, perfect for spontaneous creativity anytime, anywhere.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector frees you from tangled, cumbersome cables (press firmly to ensure drive is completely inserted before use).
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage and store with ease.
- The portable SSD plus the hub, which has its own four USB Type-C ports, along with included adapters and cables, gives you ultimate flexibility.
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording and swift backups.
- Ready for travel – dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices is currently in progress.
- Five-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Exceptional portability with integrated USB Type-C hub.
– Outstanding speeds for external storage, ideal for 4K video editing and professional use.
– Extremely durable with IP65 rating and drop resistance.
– Long 5-year warranty offers peace of mind.
Cons:
– “Wireless” Type-C connection needs careful insertion.
– While great for desktop use, it’s primarily a portable solution, not an internal upgrade.
User Impressions:
Users in creative fields rave about this product, calling the integrated hub a “lifesaver” for connecting multiple devices on location. Its robust build quality and consistent performance, even in challenging environments, are frequently praised.
Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD
The Lexar ES3 External SSD embodies sleekness and security in a pocket-sized package. If you need fast, reliable storage that goes wherever you do, this drive delivers. Its ultra-thin metal design not only looks great but is also incredibly lightweight, making it smaller than a credit card. With strong data encryption and wide compatibility, it’s perfect for safeguarding important files while on the move or for quick, high-speed transfers between multiple devices, including your desktop.
- High-speed Data Transfer: Supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Wide Compatibility: iPhone 15 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming consoles, and more.
- On The Go: Thin, stylish, and durable metal design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick.
- Comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience.
- Data Safety First: Includes Lexar DataShield™ 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files.
- Note: Magsafe is not available in this version.
Pros:
– Incredibly compact and lightweight, highly portable.
– Excellent read/write speeds for an external drive.
– Strong 256-bit AES encryption for secure data.
– Broad device compatibility, including the latest gaming consoles and phones.
Cons:
– Magsafe is not supported.
– Performance relies on the host device supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2.
User Impressions:
Reviewers love the ES3’s discreet design and impressive speed for its size. The added security of encryption is a major selling point for those who carry sensitive data, making it a popular choice for professionals and students alike.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
For users who demand uncompromised speed and performance from their desktop, the Lexar NM790 NVMe SSD is a true workhorse. This PCIe Gen4 drive is engineered to deliver blistering speeds that are twice as fast as previous Gen3 SSDs, making it perfect for hardcore gamers, video editors, and power users. Its impressive endurance and power efficiency ensure that your system runs smoothly and quickly, whether you’re loading massive game worlds or rendering complex projects, easily qualifying it as a strong contender for the Lexar best 1tb ssd for desktop performance.
- [1TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1000TBW endurance.
- 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 activates the DRAM cache function of your device 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.
Pros:
– Phenomenal read/write speeds, ideal for gaming and professional applications.
– Excellent power efficiency compared to other Gen4 drives.
– High endurance rating ensures long-term reliability.
– Compatible with PlayStation 5 for expanded game storage.
Cons:
– Requires a motherboard with a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot for full performance.
– Does not include a heatsink (might need to purchase one separately for sustained heavy loads).
User Impressions:
Gamers and content creators frequently highlight the NM790’s transformative impact on load times and overall system responsiveness. Many note its incredible value for the performance it offers, often recommending it as a crucial upgrade for modern PCs.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
Building on the formidable performance of the standard NM790, this version takes it a step further by including an integrated heatsink. The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is the ultimate solution for those who push their systems to the limit. The heatsink ensures optimal thermal management, preventing throttling during intense, prolonged workloads like marathon gaming sessions or heavy video editing. For a desktop PC, especially one with limited airflow or where sustained peak performance is critical, this version is arguably the Lexar best 1tb ssd for desktop when it comes to speed and stability.
- [1TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1000TBW endurance.
- 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 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for smoother transfer speeds.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Five-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Top-tier PCIe Gen4 speeds with added thermal management for consistent performance.
– Prevents thermal throttling during demanding tasks.
– High endurance and power efficiency.
– PS5 compatible, enhancing game load times.
Cons:
– The integrated heatsink might make it too thick for some compact M.2 slots (though less common in desktops).
– Slightly higher price point than the non-heatsink version.
User Impressions:
This version is a fan favorite among enthusiasts and serious gamers who want to ensure their SSD never bottlenecks their system. Users often report lower operating temperatures and stable performance even during the most demanding use cases.
FAQ Section
Q1: Why should I choose a Lexar 1TB SSD for my desktop over a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?
A1: Lexar 1TB SSDs offer vastly superior speed, durability, and efficiency compared to HDDs. You’ll experience much faster boot times, quicker application loading, and almost instant file transfers. SSDs also have no moving parts, making them more resilient to drops and vibrations, and they consume less power, leading to a cooler and quieter desktop.
Q2: What’s the main difference between SATA and NVMe Lexar SSDs, and which is better for my desktop?
A2: SATA SSDs (like the Lexar NS100) connect via a SATA III port and offer speeds up to around 550MB/s. NVMe SSDs (like the Lexar NM790) connect via a PCIe M.2 slot and leverage the PCIe interface for much higher speeds, often reaching thousands of MB/s. For a modern desktop, if your motherboard supports it, an NVMe SSD is generally “better” for peak performance, especially for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking. If you have an older desktop or a budget constraint, a SATA SSD is still a massive upgrade from an HDD.
Q3: Is 1TB of storage enough for a desktop PC?
A3: For many users, 1TB is a sweet spot! It provides ample space for the operating system, essential applications, and a substantial library of games, photos, and videos. If you’re a serious content creator or have an enormous game collection, you might consider pairing a 1TB NVMe SSD for your OS and main games with a larger HDD or another SSD for archival storage.
Q4: Can I install a Lexar NVMe M.2 SSD in any desktop?
A4: Not every desktop. Your motherboard needs to have an available M.2 slot that supports NVMe PCIe SSDs. For the highest speeds, you’ll want a slot that supports PCIe Gen 4. Always check your motherboard’s specifications to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Q5: What are the benefits of an external Lexar 1TB SSD like the ES3 or Professional Go?
A5: External Lexar 1TB SSDs offer incredible portability and versatility. They’re perfect for transferring large files between multiple computers, backing up important data on the go, expanding storage for laptops or gaming consoles, and even direct recording for cameras or mobile devices (depending on the model). Models with integrated hubs add extra functionality.
Q6: Do Lexar SSDs come with cloning software to transfer my old drive’s data?
A6: While Lexar doesn’t always bundle cloning software directly, many Lexar SSDs are compatible with popular third-party cloning tools like Macrium Reflect Free or EaseUS Todo Backup. These tools allow you to easily migrate your operating system and files from your old drive to your new Lexar SSD. Check Lexar’s official support pages or product manuals for any specific recommendations.
Q7: How do I ensure my Lexar NVMe SSD runs at its advertised speed in my desktop?
A7: To achieve advertised speeds, ensure your desktop’s motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports the correct PCIe generation (e.g., PCIe Gen 4 for NM790 models). Also, make sure your operating system and drivers are up to date. For models without a heatsink, consider adding one if your motherboard doesn’t have a built-in M.2 heatsink, especially for sustained heavy workloads, to prevent thermal throttling.