Gaming laptops are beasts, but even the mightiest ones can feel a bit sluggish if their storage isn’t up to snuff. If you’re looking to upgrade your rig, a high-performance 2TB SSD is a game-changer. And when it comes to reliable, speedy storage, Lexar often tops the list. But with so many options, how do you pick the Lexar best 2tb ssd for gaming laptop?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the heavy lifting, diving deep into Lexar’s fantastic lineup to bring you the top contenders for your gaming machine. Whether you’re after blistering speeds, ultimate portability, or a great value upgrade, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get those load times down and your game performance up!
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This drive is a powerhouse, plain and simple. If raw, unadulterated speed is what you’re after for your gaming laptop, the Lexar NM790 is a serious contender. It leverages the latest PCIe Gen4 technology to deliver breathtaking read and write speeds, cutting down game load times and massive file transfers to mere seconds. Perfect for hardcore gamers and content creators who demand top-tier performance without compromise.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW (Terabytes Written) for superb 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 for smoother transfer and seamless performance
- 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 drastically improve load times and overall system responsiveness.
- Excellent power efficiency, extending your laptop’s battery life.
- High endurance rating ensures long-term reliability.
- Single-sided design makes it ideal for thin and light gaming laptops.
- Great value for the performance it offers.
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible M.2 slot to achieve full speeds.
- No integrated heatsink, which might be a concern for sustained heavy workloads in some tightly packed laptops (though its power efficiency helps mitigate this).
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User Impressions: Users rave about the speed improvements, noting how quickly games and applications load. Many highlight its ease of installation and the noticeable snappiness it brings to their systems, often calling it a fantastic upgrade for both gaming and daily tasks.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Take everything great about the standard NM790, and add an integrated heatsink – that’s what you get with this variant. While the core performance remains the same blistering PCIe Gen4 speeds, the heatsink is a crucial addition for maintaining optimal temperatures during intense gaming sessions or prolonged heavy loads. This ensures consistent performance and longevity, especially if your gaming laptop isn’t the best at thermal management. Just be sure your laptop has enough clearance for the heatsink!
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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 and seamless performance
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Outstanding Gen4 performance combined with superior thermal management.
- Heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling during extended use, crucial for gaming.
- High endurance rating and excellent power efficiency.
- PS5 compatibility makes it versatile if you also own a console.
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Cons:
- The integrated heatsink might be too thick for some ultra-thin gaming laptops, so check your laptop’s M.2 slot clearance before buying.
- Slightly higher price point due to the heatsink.
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User Impressions: Gamers especially appreciate the added peace of mind the heatsink provides, reporting stable performance even during marathon gaming sessions. They commend its speed and often mention its suitability for PS5 upgrades as well, citing its robust build.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
Not all gaming laptops support the latest NVMe M.2 drives, or perhaps you’re looking for a cost-effective way to give an older machine a new lease on life. The Lexar NS100 2.5-inch SATA III SSD is your answer. While not as fast as its NVMe cousins, it’s still a massive leap over traditional hard drives, offering dramatically faster boot-up times, application loading, and file transfers. It’s a reliable, durable upgrade that’s easy on the wallet, making it a strong contender for the Lexar best 2tb ssd for gaming laptop in the SATA category.
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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
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- [2TB] 960TBW for solid endurance
- Three-year limited product support
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Pros:
- Excellent value for money, offering a significant performance boost over HDDs.
- Widely compatible with almost any laptop or desktop that accepts a 2.5-inch drive.
- Very durable due to its solid-state design (no moving parts).
- Easy to install, often just a direct swap for an existing HDD.
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Cons:
- Performance is limited by the SATA III interface, significantly slower than NVMe drives.
- Shorter warranty period compared to the NM790 series.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the NS100 for its transformative effect on older systems, describing their computers as “brand new” after the upgrade. They highlight its reliability and the noticeable speed difference for everyday tasks and casual gaming, making it a go-to for budget-conscious upgrades.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s
Sometimes, your gaming laptop needs a storage boost that isn’t internal. The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD is an incredibly fast, stylish, and compact external drive that brings serious performance on the go. While it won’t replace your internal primary drive, it’s perfect for carrying a massive game library, recording high-fidelity video directly from an iPhone 15 Pro, or quickly backing up huge files. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface means blistering transfer speeds, making it a fantastic companion for any gamer or creator who needs speedy, portable storage.
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Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design easily fits in your pocket
- Supports Apple ProRes recording – shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Wide compatibility with mobile devices, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, and more
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures even at top speeds
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Product dimensions and weight: 3.3” x 2.1” x 0.3”; 0.095 lbs.
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Extremely high transfer speeds for an external drive, ideal for large game files or media.
- Ultra-portable and durable metal design.
- Excellent compatibility across many devices, including consoles and new iPhones.
- Advanced thermal control to maintain performance.
- Data encryption software for added security.
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Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port on your laptop to achieve maximum advertised speeds.
- Not an internal upgrade; serves a different purpose than the other drives on this list.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by its speed and compact size, often highlighting its utility for professional tasks like video editing on the go or expanding game storage for consoles. Its sleek design and robust build also receive high marks.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read
Another excellent external option, the Lexar ES3 provides a robust and rapid storage solution for your gaming laptop without needing to open it up. Offering speeds significantly faster than traditional hard drives, it’s perfect for quick backups, expanding your game library, or carrying essential files with you. Its durable design and built-in heat dissipation make it a reliable companion for daily use, whether you’re at home or on the move. For those seeking external storage, the ES3 is a solid choice.
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Key Features:
- 9.5X faster than hard disk drives with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Super-fast backups and instant storage expansion
- Built-in, double-layer graphite sheets quickly conduct heat, enhancing heat dissipation
- Drop-resistant up to 2 meters for protection
- Plug-and-play compatibility with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Access to the Lexar Recovery Tool to help restore accidentally deleted files
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Pros:
- Much faster than external HDDs, great for quick file transfers and game storage.
- Excellent heat dissipation ensures sustained performance.
- Highly durable and drop-resistant, perfect for portable use.
- Broad compatibility with various devices thanks to the included cable.
- Added security with encryption and a data recovery tool.
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Cons:
- Slower than the SL500 portable SSD, though still very fast compared to HDDs.
- Again, it’s an external drive, not an internal upgrade.
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User Impressions: Users praise its ruggedness and impressive speed for an external drive, often mentioning its reliability for backups and expanding console or laptop game libraries. The included data recovery tool is a frequently appreciated bonus.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ: Choosing Your Lexar 2TB SSD for Gaming Laptop
Q1: Why should I upgrade my gaming laptop with a 2TB SSD?
A1: A 2TB SSD offers ample space for a large game library, operating system, and applications, drastically reducing load times, improving system responsiveness, and enhancing your overall gaming experience. It’s also far more durable and power-efficient than traditional hard drives.
Q2: What’s the difference between NVMe (PCIe Gen4) and SATA III SSDs?
A2: NVMe SSDs, especially PCIe Gen4, are significantly faster than SATA III SSDs. NVMe drives connect directly to the CPU via PCIe lanes, allowing for much higher bandwidth (e.g., 7000MB/s read for Gen4) compared to SATA’s limit (around 550MB/s read). For gaming, NVMe provides faster game loading and smoother textures.
Q3: How do I know if my gaming laptop supports PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs?
A3: You’ll need to check your laptop’s specifications or motherboard manual. Most newer gaming laptops released in the last few years support PCIe Gen4. If your laptop only supports PCIe Gen3, a Gen4 SSD will still work but will be limited to Gen3 speeds.
Q4: Is a heatsink necessary for a 2TB NVMe SSD in a gaming laptop?
A4: While not always strictly necessary for all laptops, a heatsink can be highly beneficial. NVMe SSDs can generate heat under heavy load, and a heatsink helps dissipate this, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring consistent peak performance during long gaming sessions. However, ensure your laptop has enough physical clearance for a heatsink, as some thin designs may not accommodate it.
Q5: Can I use an external Lexar 2TB SSD for gaming?
A5: Absolutely! While you won’t install games directly to it as your primary C: drive, external SSDs like the Lexar SL500 or ES3 are fantastic for storing a large collection of games, especially if your internal drive is full. You can install games directly to the external drive and launch them, enjoying much faster load times than an external HDD. They’re also great for backups or transporting games between devices.
Q6: What is TBW (Terabytes Written) and why is it important for SSDs?
A6: TBW indicates the total amount of data that can be written to an SSD over its lifetime before its endurance might start to decline. A higher TBW rating means the drive is more durable and expected to last longer, especially for users who frequently write large amounts of data (like gamers installing and uninstalling many titles). Lexar’s 1500TBW for the NM790 series is excellent.
Q7: How do I install a new 2TB internal SSD in my gaming laptop?
A7: Installation usually involves opening your laptop’s back panel, locating the M.2 or 2.5-inch drive slot, inserting the new SSD, and securing it. You’ll then typically need to initialize and format the drive in Windows Disk Management. It’s always best to consult your specific laptop model’s service manual or a reliable online guide for detailed instructions.
Q8: Will upgrading to a Lexar 2TB SSD improve my FPS in games?
A8: An SSD primarily improves game load times, texture streaming, and overall system responsiveness. It won’t directly increase your frames per second (FPS), as FPS is determined by your CPU, GPU, and RAM. However, by eliminating storage bottlenecks, it can contribute to a smoother gaming experience by reducing stuttering caused by slow data access.