Hey gamers! Are you tired of staring at loading screens longer than your actual gameplay sessions? If slow load times are cramping your style, it’s probably time for a storage upgrade. A solid-state drive (SSD) is an absolute game-changer, and Lexar has consistently delivered fantastic performance without breaking the bank. Finding the Lexar best affordable SSD for gaming can drastically improve your system’s responsiveness, from booting up Windows to diving into your favorite open-world adventures.
In this guide, we’re breaking down five top Lexar SSDs that offer incredible value, blazing-fast speeds, and robust reliability, perfect for any gaming rig or console. Whether you’re building a new PC, upgrading an old one, or boosting your PS5 storage, there’s a Lexar option here for you. Let’s dive in and find your next gaming essential!
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This 2TB internal NVMe SSD from Lexar’s NM790 series is a powerhouse designed for serious gamers and creative professionals alike. Offering phenomenal PCIe Gen4 speeds, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to dramatically reduce load times and experience smoother gameplay. If you’ve got a motherboard with a built-in M.2 heatsink or a laptop that needs a serious boost, this drive offers top-tier performance without the added cost of an integrated heatsink, making it a strong contender for the Lexar best affordable SSD for gaming at this capacity.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- High endurance: 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 for smoother transfer speeds and seamless performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Single-sided NVMe SSD perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds for rapid game loading and data transfers
- High 2TB capacity means plenty of space for your game library
- Excellent endurance rating ensures long-term reliability
- Power-efficient design is great for laptops and reduces heat output
- PS5 compatibility makes it a versatile upgrade option
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Cons:
- Lacks an integrated heatsink, which might be needed for sustained heavy loads in some systems
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible motherboard to achieve peak speeds
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise its incredible speed, noting significantly faster boot times and game loading. Many appreciate the value it offers for a high-performance 2TB Gen4 drive, though some advise checking motherboard thermal solutions for optimal performance.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Take everything great about the NM790 2TB, and now add a pre-attached heatsink! This version of the Lexar NM790 is specifically engineered to keep your drive cool under pressure, ensuring sustained peak performance during intense gaming sessions. It’s an ideal pick for PS5 owners or PC users whose motherboards don’t come with their own M.2 heatsinks, making it a complete, ready-to-install solution that keeps temperatures in check and frames high. For worry-free, high-performance gaming, this is definitely a top contender for the Lexar best affordable SSD for gaming.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- High endurance: 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 speeds and seamless performance
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Integrated heatsink prevents thermal throttling, ensuring consistent high performance
- Massive 2TB capacity for an extensive game collection
- Exceptional read/write speeds perfect for demanding games and applications
- Plug-and-play compatibility with PS5 and many PC builds
- Excellent power efficiency for a high-performance drive
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Cons:
- The heatsink might be too tall for some compact laptop builds or specific motherboard configurations
- Slightly higher cost than the non-heatsink version, though justified by the thermal solution
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User Impressions: PS5 users particularly love this version for its easy installation and immediate performance boost, praising its ability to keep games running smoothly without any hiccups. PC gamers also appreciate the robust thermal management, especially in systems with less airflow.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If 2TB is a bit overkill for your current needs or budget, the 1TB version of the Lexar NM790 still delivers that same incredible PCIe Gen4 speed without compromising on performance. This internal SSD is perfect for a primary boot drive, your most-played games, or for a laptop upgrade where space might be tighter. You get all the benefits of the NM790 series – lightning-fast loading, excellent power efficiency, and PS5 compatibility – in a more budget-friendly 1TB package, making it a truly appealing Lexar best affordable SSD for gaming.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- High endurance: 1000TBW
- 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
- Single-sided NVMe SSD perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Phenomenal Gen4 speeds at a more accessible 1TB price point
- Ideal for both PC and PS5 gaming storage expansion
- Single-sided design offers broad compatibility, especially for slim laptops
- Excellent power efficiency contributes to cooler operation
- Strong endurance rating for long-term use
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Cons:
- 1TB might feel limiting for gamers with massive libraries in the long run
- No integrated heatsink, so separate thermal management might be needed for sustained heavy use
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User Impressions: Users frequently highlight this drive as an incredible value proposition, delivering top-tier Gen4 performance for less. It’s a popular choice for OS drives and a core selection of games, with many noting its seamless integration into laptops and PS5s.
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
Sometimes, gaming isn’t just confined to your desk. For gamers who are also content creators, streamers, or simply need a robust, portable solution, the Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a unique offering. This isn’t just an SSD; it’s a versatile hub for your on-the-go creative and gaming needs. While not an internal drive for your primary gaming PC, its incredible speed and added functionality make it fantastic for external game storage, quick backups, or even capturing Apple ProRes footage, blurring the lines between work and play in the most effective way.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact design for portability
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (press firmly to insert)
- Supports Apple ProRes footage capture
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports, plus included adapters and cables
- Blazing-fast performance: up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording
- Ready for travel: dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Exceptional portability and rugged durability (IP65 rated, drop-resistant)
- Built-in hub expands connectivity options for peripherals
- Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds are great for external game libraries or quick backups
- Unique wireless Type-C connection adds convenience
- Ideal for creators who game and need robust, portable storage
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Cons:
- Not an internal SSD, so it won’t directly improve internal system load times
- Higher price point due to the added hub functionality and rugged design
- Wireless Type-C connector requires firm insertion for reliable connection
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User Impressions: Users praise its rugged build and the convenience of the integrated hub, finding it perfect for mobile workstations and transferring large files quickly. Gamers who travel or need external console storage find its speed and durability highly valuable.
Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD
Looking for a sleek, super-portable, and fast external drive specifically for gaming on the go or expanding console storage? The Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD hits all the right notes. Its thin, stylish metal design is smaller than a card, yet packs serious speed thanks to USB 3.2 Gen 2. This is perfect for those who want to carry their game library between systems, quickly transfer large game files, or boost storage for consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S without the hassle of internal installation.
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Key Features:
- High-speed Data Transfer: USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Wide Compatibility: iPhone 15 series, 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, 10.5mm thick, fits easily in a pocket
- Includes Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Data Safety First: Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software
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Pros:
- Extremely portable and lightweight design
- Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds for quick game loading from an external source
- Broad compatibility across various gaming consoles and mobile devices (iPhone 15)
- Durable metal casing offers good protection
- Includes data encryption for added security
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Cons:
- Performance may vary depending on the host device’s USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
- Not suitable for directly running PS5 games from it (only PS4 games, PS5 games must be transferred back to internal storage to play)
- No Magsafe support (as noted by manufacturer)
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User Impressions: Users rave about its compact size and impressive transfer speeds, making it a go-to for moving large game files or using as an external game drive for previous-gen console titles. The sleek design and robust build are also frequently praised.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I choose a Lexar SSD for gaming?
A1: Lexar SSDs offer an excellent balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. They provide significantly faster load times compared to traditional hard drives, boast high endurance ratings (TBW), and many models are compatible with popular gaming consoles like the PS5, making them a smart upgrade for any gamer seeking a Lexar best affordable SSD for gaming.
Q2: What’s the difference between an internal and external SSD for gaming?
A2: An internal SSD (like the NM790 series) is installed directly inside your PC or console (e.g., PS5) and offers the fastest possible speeds for booting your system and running games directly. An external SSD (like the Professional Go or ES3) connects via USB and is great for portable storage, expanding console libraries (especially for older generation games), or transferring large files quickly between systems.
Q3: What does PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 mean, and why is it important for gaming?
A3: PCIe Gen4 is the latest generation of the PCIe interface, offering double the bandwidth of Gen3. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication protocol specifically designed for SSDs, making them incredibly fast. M.2 refers to the small form factor of these drives. For gaming, this translates to drastically reduced loading times, faster texture streaming, and an overall smoother gaming experience, especially in modern, demanding titles.
Q4: Do I need a heatsink for my gaming SSD?
A4: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, especially those used for sustained heavy workloads like gaming, a heatsink is highly recommended. It helps dissipate heat, preventing “thermal throttling” where the drive slows down to prevent overheating. Some motherboards have integrated M.2 heatsinks, but if yours doesn’t (or if you’re using a PS5), an SSD with a pre-attached heatsink (like the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink) is a great choice.
Q5: How much SSD storage do I need for gaming?
A5: This depends on your game library. 1TB is a good starting point for a decent collection of modern titles. If you play many large AAA games or want to future-proof your storage, 2TB is often recommended. Lexar offers both 1TB and 2TB options to suit different needs and budgets.
Q6: Can I use Lexar SSDs with my PlayStation 5?
A6: Yes! Several Lexar NVMe SSDs, particularly the NM790 series, are fully compatible with the PlayStation 5 for expanding its internal storage. Make sure to choose a model that meets Sony’s specifications (PCIe Gen4, specific speed and form factor) and ideally includes a heatsink for optimal performance and thermal management.
Q7: What does TBW (Terabytes Written) mean for an SSD?
A7: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance – how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before it’s expected to fail. Higher TBW ratings indicate greater durability and longevity, which is reassuring for gamers who frequently install, uninstall, and update large game files. Lexar SSDs typically offer competitive TBW ratings.
Q8: Are Lexar external SSDs good for competitive online gaming?
A8: While Lexar external SSDs offer impressive speeds (like the 1050MB/s read/write on the ES3), for competitive online gaming on PC, an internal NVMe SSD will always provide the absolute lowest latency and fastest loading. External SSDs are fantastic for general gaming, storing large libraries, or playing games on consoles where direct internal upgrades aren’t feasible for all titles (e.g., PS4 games on PS5).
Choosing the right SSD can genuinely transform your gaming experience, and Lexar makes it easy to find a high-performing, reliable, and Lexar best affordable SSD for gaming. Whether you need an internal powerhouse for your PC or PS5, or a rugged portable drive for on-the-go action, Lexar has a solution that balances speed and value. Happy gaming!