Are you tired of sluggish load times that pull you out of the action? In the fast-paced world of gaming, every millisecond counts, and upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful changes you can make to your rig. Specifically, if you’re on the hunt for a Lexar best 250GB SSD for gaming, you’re looking for that sweet spot of performance, reliability, and value.
While a strict 250GB capacity might seem niche, it’s often the perfect size for a dedicated boot drive, housing your operating system and a handful of your most-played games, offering a significant speed boost without breaking the bank. Lexar, a renowned name in storage solutions, offers several fantastic options that hover around this capacity, alongside other top picks that give you the most bang for your buck.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the best Lexar and other top-tier SSDs around the 250GB mark, helping you find the ideal storage solution to rev up your gaming experience. We’ve handpicked these drives based on their speed, durability, and overall value for gamers.
What Makes a Good Gaming SSD?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on what makes an SSD great for gaming:
- Speed: High sequential read/write speeds mean faster game load times and smoother asset streaming. NVMe drives are generally faster than SATA.
- Reliability & Endurance: Gaming involves frequent read/write cycles, so a drive with good Total Bytes Written (TBW) and a solid warranty is essential.
- Interface: SATA III is common and budget-friendly, while NVMe (especially PCIe Gen4) offers superior performance for more demanding setups.
- Capacity: While we’re focusing on ~250GB, consider if you need more for your entire game library or just your favorites and OS.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Lexar & 250GB Gaming SSDs
Let’s check out the drives that made our list!
Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
If you’re specifically eyeing a Lexar best 250GB SSD for gaming that won’t strain your wallet, the Lexar 256GB NS100 is an excellent contender. It’s a solid, dependable SATA III drive perfect for breathing new life into older desktops or laptops, serving as a snappy boot drive, or holding a few of your favorite games. Its impressive read speeds will drastically cut down on load times compared to traditional hard drives, making your gaming sessions much more fluid.
Key Features:
– Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
– Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s
– Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
– Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
– [256GB] 120TBW (Total Bytes Written) for good endurance
– Three-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Excellent value for its capacity and performance
– Reliable and durable with no moving parts
– Significant speed upgrade over HDDs
– Easy installation for most systems
– Good endurance rating for its class
Cons:
– SATA III speeds are not as fast as NVMe
– 256GB might be tight for many modern game installations
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise the NS100 for its noticeable speed improvement, especially when upgrading from a traditional hard drive. Many highlight its straightforward installation process and consistent performance, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers and everyday users looking for a system overhaul. It’s often cited as a reliable workhorse for its price point.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Alright, so this isn’t a 250GB drive, but if you’re looking for the absolute peak of Lexar’s gaming performance and future-proofing your rig (and you have a bit more budget), the Lexar 2TB NM790 is a beast. This PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers blistering speeds that redefine game load times and overall system responsiveness. It’s built for hardcore gamers and creators who demand the best, compatible even with the PlayStation 5, and offers incredible power efficiency. While a larger investment than a 250GB drive, it represents the pinnacle of Lexar’s current offerings for truly high-performance gaming.
Key Features:
– [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1500TBW
– 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 a smoother transfer speed 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
Pros:
– Phenomenal read/write speeds for lightning-fast loading
– Excellent power efficiency for a high-performance drive
– High endurance rating (TBW) for long-term use
– Perfect for current-gen gaming and demanding applications
– Compatible with PS5 for console gamers
Cons:
– Significantly higher price point than ~250GB SATA drives
– Requires an NVMe M.2 slot and PCIe Gen4 support to reach full speed
– Overkill for basic gaming or non-demanding tasks
User Impressions:
Users are consistently blown away by the NM790’s speed, often noting how it transforms their gaming and professional workflows. Its easy installation (for those with M.2 slots) and reported PS5 compatibility are major pluses. Many appreciate the robust 5-year warranty, adding peace of mind to their premium investment. It’s lauded as a true performance leader.
SANDISK SSD Plus 250GB Internal Solid State Drive – SATA
While not a Lexar, if your primary goal is a reliable 250GB SSD for gaming at an attractive price point, the SanDisk SSD Plus 250GB is a formidable option. SanDisk is a trusted name in storage, and this SATA drive delivers exactly what you’d expect: a solid performance boost over traditional hard drives, improved system responsiveness, and quicker game loading. It’s a fantastic alternative if you can’t find a Lexar 250GB option that fits your exact needs or budget.
Key Features:
– Easy upgrade for fast boots and application launches
– High capacities for applications and large media files (referring to the product line)
– Sequential Read speeds of up to 545MB/s and write speeds of up to 515MB/s (for 1-2TB models, expect similar for 250GB but slightly lower on write)
– Shock-resistant for proven durability – even if you drop your computer
Pros:
– Good read/write speeds for a SATA drive
– Very budget-friendly
– Highly reliable due to SanDisk’s reputation
– Easy to install in most desktops and laptops
– Excellent for a primary boot drive and a few games
Cons:
– Not a Lexar brand, if that’s a strict preference
– Performance is capped by the SATA III interface
– No specific TBW listed for the 250GB model (though SanDisk drives are generally durable)
User Impressions:
Customers often choose the SanDisk SSD Plus for its reputation for reliability and its noticeable performance improvement over HDDs. It’s frequently recommended for older systems needing a cost-effective speed bump. Users appreciate its simplicity and the “install and forget” nature, making it a popular, no-fuss upgrade.
Lexar 128GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
For gamers on the tightest of budgets, or those simply looking for a dedicated OS drive with just enough space for one or two small games, the Lexar 128GB NS100 offers an incredibly affordable entry point into the world of SSDs. While it’s smaller than the ideal 250GB capacity we’re discussing, it retains all the benefits of the NS100 line: faster startups, improved application loads, and reliable performance over an HDD. It’s a great choice if you just need that quick boot drive and already have other storage for your main game library.
Key Features:
– Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
– Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s
– Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
– Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
– [128GB] 60TBW (Total Bytes Written)
– Three-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Extremely budget-friendly
– Reliable Lexar performance
– Great for a dedicated OS drive
– Easy to install in older systems
– Improved system responsiveness
Cons:
– Very limited capacity for gaming
– SATA III speeds are not as fast as NVMe
– You’ll likely need additional storage for your game library
User Impressions:
This 128GB version of the NS100 is often praised by users looking for an inexpensive way to speed up an older computer. They report significant improvements in boot times and general system snappiness. While the capacity is small, customers acknowledge this before purchasing and are happy with its performance as a primary drive for the OS and essential applications.
Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
If you like the value proposition of the Lexar NS100 series but find 250GB a bit too restrictive for your growing game library, the 512GB NS100 is a fantastic upgrade. It offers double the capacity, giving you more room for your operating system and several triple-A titles, all while maintaining the excellent performance and reliability the NS100 line is known for. This is a smart choice for gamers who want more space without jumping to NVMe prices, embodying a great balance of cost, capacity, and performance from Lexar.
Key Features:
– Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
– Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s (slightly faster than the 256GB model)
– Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
– Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
– [512GB] 240TBW (Total Bytes Written) for enhanced endurance
– Three-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Excellent capacity for the price
– Reliable and durable Lexar performance
– Good sequential read speeds for a SATA drive
– Higher endurance (TBW) than smaller NS100 models
– Ideal for a main game drive for many users
Cons:
– Still a SATA III drive, not NVMe
– Might not be enough for massive game libraries
– Not strictly a 250GB drive
User Impressions:
Users frequently highlight the 512GB NS100 as a sweet spot for value and performance. Many appreciate the extra space for their OS and multiple games, reporting seamless upgrades and dramatically faster load times. The slightly improved speeds over the smaller capacities are a bonus, making it a popular choice for mainstream gaming builds and system refreshes.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Gaming SSD
Finding the perfect SSD isn’t just about speed; it’s about balance. Here are a few things to consider:
- SATA vs. NVMe: For budget builds or older systems, a SATA SSD (like the Lexar NS100 series or SanDisk Plus) is a fantastic upgrade. For cutting-edge performance, especially with a modern motherboard, NVMe (like the Lexar NM790) is the way to go.
- Capacity: While we focused on the ~250GB range, consider your needs. Is this just for your OS and one game? Or do you need space for several big titles? Sometimes, stretching to 500GB or even 1TB can offer better long-term value.
- Budget: SSDs have become much more affordable, but prices still vary significantly between SATA and NVMe, and by capacity. Set a realistic budget before you start shopping.
- Form Factor: Most 250GB SSDs are 2.5-inch SATA drives, which fit into standard hard drive bays. NVMe SSDs are M.2 sticks that plug directly into your motherboard. Make sure your system has the right slot.
FAQ Section
Q1: Why should I choose an SSD over an HDD for gaming?
A: SSDs offer significantly faster game load times, smoother texture streaming, quicker system boot-ups, and improved overall system responsiveness compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). They also have no moving parts, making them more durable and silent.
Q2: Is 250GB enough for gaming?
A: A 250GB or 256GB SSD is often enough for your operating system and 2-4 modern games, depending on their size. It’s perfect as a primary boot drive to speed up your PC and house your most-played titles. For a larger game library, you might need a secondary, higher-capacity SSD or an HDD.
Q3: What’s the difference between SATA III and NVMe SSDs?
A: SATA III is an older interface with a maximum theoretical speed of around 600MB/s, while NVMe uses the PCIe interface, offering much higher speeds, often reaching thousands of MB/s. NVMe drives are generally faster but require a compatible M.2 slot on your motherboard.
Q4: Will a faster SSD improve my in-game FPS?
A: Directly, no. A faster SSD primarily reduces load times and improves system responsiveness. Your in-game Frames Per Second (FPS) are determined by your CPU, GPU, and RAM. However, a fast SSD can reduce stutters caused by asset loading in open-world games.
Q5: Are Lexar SSDs reliable for gaming?
A: Yes, Lexar has a strong reputation for producing reliable storage solutions, including SSDs. Their drives often come with decent endurance ratings (TBW) and warranties, making them a trustworthy choice for gamers.
Q6: Can I install a 2.5-inch SATA SSD in my desktop PC?
A: Absolutely! Most desktop PCs have 2.5-inch drive bays (or adapters for 3.5-inch bays) and SATA power/data cables readily available. Installation is usually straightforward.
Q7: What does “TBW” mean for an SSD?
A: TBW stands for “Total Bytes Written” and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance. It indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its reliability might start to degrade. Higher TBW means greater longevity for the drive.
Conclusion
Upgrading to an SSD is one of the most cost-effective ways to revitalize your gaming PC. Whether you’re after the absolute Lexar best 250GB SSD for gaming or a top-performing drive in that capacity range, there’s a fantastic option out there for you.
For the best blend of Lexar branding and the desired capacity, the Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD stands out as a reliable and affordable choice. If you prioritize raw speed and have a modern system, the Lexar 2TB NM790 shows what Lexar is capable of, even if it’s a different capacity class. And for a proven 250GB workhorse that performs admirably, the SanDisk SSD Plus 250GB is a solid contender.
No matter your choice, you’re set to enjoy quicker boot-ups, faster game loads, and a much snappier overall computing experience. Happy gaming!