Are you on the hunt for a powerful storage upgrade for your computer? Finding the Lexar best 1TB SSD for PC can dramatically boost your system’s performance, whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a creative professional, or just someone who wants faster load times and snappier responsiveness. Lexar has carved out a strong reputation for delivering reliable and high-performance storage solutions, and their 1TB SSD lineup is no exception.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re diving deep into the top Lexar 1TB SSDs available, helping you pick the perfect drive to supercharge your PC. We’ll explore both internal NVMe options for blistering speeds and external portable drives for ultimate flexibility. Let’s get cracking!
Why Choose a 1TB SSD for Your PC?
A 1TB SSD (Solid State Drive) is quickly becoming the sweet spot for many PC users. It offers ample space for your operating system, a healthy collection of games, demanding applications, and plenty of files, all while providing speeds that traditional hard drives can only dream of. SSDs mean faster boot times, quicker application launches, and significantly reduced loading screens in games – a true game-changer for overall user experience.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NM790 is a true powerhouse for those seeking top-tier internal storage performance without breaking the bank. This M.2 NVMe drive leverages PCIe Gen4 technology to deliver incredible speeds, making it an ideal upgrade for gamers, content creators, and power users who demand quick data access and transfer. It’s engineered to be both fast and efficient, ensuring your system runs smoothly even under heavy loads.
Key Features:
– Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 1000TBW (Terabytes Written) for long-lasting durability
– 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 (PS5)
– Single-sided NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops and compact builds
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Blazing-fast read/write speeds significantly improve load times
– Excellent power efficiency, great for laptops
– High endurance rating for reliability
– Compatible with PS5, adding versatility
– Competitively priced for its performance tier
Cons:
– May require a motherboard with a PCIe Gen4 slot to achieve advertised speeds
– Lacks a built-in heatsink, which might be a consideration for sustained heavy loads in some PCs
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the NM790 for its fantastic speed-to-price ratio. Many report a noticeable improvement in game loading and file transfers. Its efficiency is also a big plus for those concerned about power consumption, especially in portable or small form-factor PCs.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
If you loved the sound of the NM790 but want that extra peace of mind for thermal management, the Lexar NM790 SSD with Heatsink is your answer. This variant packs all the incredible speed and efficiency of its non-heatsink sibling but comes pre-equipped with a robust heatsink. This makes it perfect for systems where airflow might be limited or for users pushing their SSD to its limits, ensuring sustained performance without thermal throttling.
Key Features:
– Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 1000TBW (Terabytes Written) for enhanced durability
– 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 and seamless performance
– Compatible with PlayStation 5 (PS5)
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Integrated heatsink effectively manages heat for sustained peak performance
– Identical blazing-fast speeds and efficiency as the standard NM790
– Ideal for gaming rigs and high-performance workstations
– PS5 compatibility remains a strong bonus
Cons:
– The heatsink might make it too tall for some ultra-compact laptop or PC builds
– Slightly higher cost than the non-heatsink version
User Impressions:
Reviewers love the plug-and-play thermal solution, often highlighting that it just “works” without needing to source a separate heatsink. Gamers especially appreciate the sustained high performance during long sessions, confirming it’s a strong contender for the Lexar best 1TB SSD for PC if heat is a concern.
Lexar 1TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD, Up to 2000MB/s
Stepping away from internal drives, the Lexar ES5 Magnetic External SSD offers incredible portability and speed for PC users needing flexible storage. This isn’t just an external drive; its unique MagSafe-compatible design allows it to magnetically attach to compatible smartphones, making it a fantastic companion for mobile creators who also work on their PC. It’s built tough, fast, and remarkably convenient for those on the go.
Key Features:
– Up to 2000MB/s read and 2000MB/s write for fast file transfers
– MagSafe-compatible design for easy attachment to compatible smartphones (includes metal ring for non-MagSafe devices)
– Supports recording in Apple ProRes at 4K120FPS and Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS
– Includes free access to the Lexar App for easy auto backup and mobile storage expansion
– Rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, and drop-resistant up to 3M
– Thin, stylish design with a liquid silicone build for a comfortable grip
– Comes with a cable organizer that doubles as a lanyard
– Thermal control design ensures optimal temperatures for high performance
Pros:
– Ultra-fast external transfer speeds rivaling internal drives
– Unique magnetic attachment for smartphones
– Excellent durability with IP65 rating and drop resistance
– Ideal for mobile content creation and quick backups to a PC
– Thoughtful design touches like cable organizer and Lexar App
Cons:
– Performance on systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 may be lower
– Primarily designed for external use, not an internal upgrade for a PC
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise its robust build quality and impressive speed for an external drive. The magnetic feature is a big hit with smartphone users, highlighting its versatility. PC users find it an excellent solution for large project files, video editing assets, and secure portable backups.
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub redefines portable storage by combining a lightning-fast SSD with a versatile hub, creating an all-in-one solution for creative professionals and tech-savvy users. Its ultra-compact design, coupled with its robust build and integrated hub features, makes it a powerful asset for anyone needing reliable storage and connectivity on the move, easily linking back to their PC.
Key Features:
– Ultra-compact design for spontaneous creativity anywhere
– Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (press firmly for complete insertion)
– Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage and store with ease
– Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports, plus included adapters and cables for ultimate setup flexibility
– Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording
– Dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65 rated), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
– Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices is currently in progress
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Unique combination of a portable SSD and a USB-C hub
– Excellent for on-the-go creative work and connecting multiple devices to a laptop/PC
– High transfer speeds suitable for 4K video recording
– Rugged build quality with IP65 rating
– Eliminates cable clutter with its direct Type-C connection
Cons:
– Direct Type-C connection might require specific port orientation on some devices
– Speeds, while fast for portable, are lower than Gen4 internal NVMe drives
User Impressions:
This drive often earns high marks for its ingenuity and convenience. Professionals especially love the integrated hub, which streamlines their portable workstation setup, connecting cameras, other drives, and transferring data seamlessly to their PC. Its durability also instills confidence for fieldwork.
Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Prepare for the next generation of speed with the Lexar NM1090 PRO. This is not just fast; it’s blisteringly fast, leveraging the cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 technology. For PC builders with compatible motherboards, this drive represents the pinnacle of internal SSD performance. It’s an absolute beast for extreme gaming, AI workloads, and heavy-duty content creation, offering speeds that truly set it apart and making it a serious contender for the Lexar best 1TB SSD for PC in terms of raw power.
Key Features:
– PCIe 5.0 technology delivers read/write speeds up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s
– Accelerates load times by 200% compared to previous generations
– Great with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 platforms
– Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for a smoother, more efficient experience
– Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks, accelerates AI model training, inferencing, and real-time data processing
– DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds
– Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, conserve CPU power, and enrich the gaming experience
Pros:
– Unmatched, industry-leading read/write speeds thanks to PCIe 5.0
– Future-proof for high-end gaming and professional applications
– Excellent for AI workloads and data-intensive tasks
– Advanced caching mechanisms for superior responsiveness
– DirectStorage support enhances the gaming experience
Cons:
– Requires a compatible PCIe 5.0 motherboard (newer platforms)
– Likely generates more heat than Gen4 drives, demanding good cooling solutions (often needs a robust heatsink from the motherboard or aftermarket)
– Premium price point due to bleeding-edge technology
User Impressions:
Early adopters are thrilled with the incredible speed gains, noting immediate improvements in boot times and game loading. While acknowledging the need for compatible hardware, users find it an exceptional investment for future-proofing their high-performance PC builds.
Choosing Your Lexar 1TB SSD: Internal vs. External
When looking for the Lexar best 1TB SSD for PC, it’s crucial to differentiate between internal and external options:
- Internal SSDs (NM790, NM790 w/ Heatsink, NM1090 PRO): These are installed directly inside your PC, typically in an M.2 slot. They offer the fastest possible speeds and are ideal for your operating system, games, and frequently accessed applications. They’re designed for maximum system performance and responsiveness.
- External SSDs (ES5 Magnetic, Professional Go Portable): These connect to your PC via a USB cable. They are fantastic for portable storage, backups, expanding storage without opening your PC, and working with large files across different devices. While fast, their speeds are generally limited by the USB interface and won’t match the raw throughput of internal NVMe drives.
Consider your primary use case: if you want to speed up your core system, go internal. If you need portable, flexible, and durable storage, an external drive is your friend.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About 1TB SSDs
Q1: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and PCIe Gen5?
A1: PCIe Gen5 is the newer generation of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express interface, offering significantly higher bandwidth and thus faster read/write speeds than PCIe Gen4. Gen5 can roughly double the theoretical maximum speeds of Gen4, but it requires a compatible motherboard and CPU.
Q2: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A2: For high-performance NVMe SSDs, especially PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 drives, a heatsink is highly recommended. It helps dissipate heat generated during heavy use, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring the drive maintains its peak performance over extended periods. Many newer motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks.
Q3: Is a 1TB SSD enough for gaming?
A3: For most gamers, a 1TB SSD is an excellent starting point. It’s enough to hold your operating system, several AAA titles, and essential applications. However, if you play many large modern games simultaneously, you might eventually need more space or supplement it with a secondary drive.
Q4: Can I install a Lexar NVMe SSD in any PC?
A4: Your PC needs an available M.2 slot on its motherboard to install an NVMe SSD. To fully utilize PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 speeds, your motherboard and CPU must also support that specific PCIe generation. Check your motherboard’s specifications before purchasing.
Q5: What does TBW (Terabytes Written) mean?
A5: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance. It indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its reliability might start to degrade. Higher TBW ratings mean a longer lifespan for the drive.
Q6: What are the benefits of an external SSD like the Lexar ES5 or Professional Go?
A6: External SSDs offer portability, allowing you to carry large files or projects between different computers. They’re excellent for backups, expanding storage without opening your PC, and providing fast access to media files for editing on the go. Their plug-and-play nature makes them very convenient.
Q7: Will upgrading to an SSD make my old PC faster?
A7: Yes, upgrading from a traditional hard drive (HDD) to an SSD is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to an older PC. You’ll notice significantly faster boot times, quicker application loading, and overall snappier system responsiveness, even if other components are older.
Conclusion
Choosing the Lexar best 1TB SSD for PC really comes down to your specific needs and budget. For those building a bleeding-edge system or demanding the absolute fastest internal storage, the Lexar NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 is an unrivaled beast. If you’re looking for an excellent balance of speed, efficiency, and value in an internal drive, both versions of the Lexar NM790 PCIe Gen4 are stellar choices, with the heatsink model offering peace of mind for thermal management. And for those prioritizing portable, rugged, and versatile storage, the Lexar ES5 Magnetic External SSD and Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub stand out as innovative and highly effective solutions for any PC user.
No matter which Lexar 1TB SSD you pick, you’re investing in a significant performance boost that will enhance your computing experience for years to come. Happy upgrading!