Thinking about building a blazing-fast storage solution with multiple SSDs? You’re in the right place! When it comes to reliable, high-performance solid-state drives, Lexar has consistently delivered top-notch options. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or someone who just demands lightning-quick data access, combining Lexar SSDs in a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configuration can dramatically boost your system’s performance and data redundancy.
But which Lexar SSDs are truly the best for a RAID setup? Choosing the right drives is crucial for maximizing speed, ensuring data integrity, and getting the most bang for your buck. We’ve hand-picked five outstanding Lexar SSDs that are perfect candidates for creating a robust and speedy RAID array, covering various needs and budgets. Let’s dive in and find the Lexar best RAID for SSD solution for you!
1. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
This isn’t your typical internal RAID drive, but it’s a game-changer for content creators who need portable speed and flexibility, making it an excellent companion even for a system running a Lexar RAID. What makes it stand out is its integrated hub, transforming it into a versatile portable workstation. Imagine capturing Apple ProRes footage directly to this drive, then having four additional USB Type-C ports to connect other peripherals. It’s incredibly compact, durable with IP65 rating, and offers impressive transfer speeds, making on-the-go creative work seamless.
- Ultra-compact and highly portable for spontaneous creativity
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (ensure firm insertion)
- Supports Apple ProRes footage capture and storage
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports plus adapters/cables for setup flexibility
- Blazing-fast performance: up to 1050MB/s read, 1000MB/s write
- Dust-proof, water-resistant (IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Exceptional portability and durability for fieldwork
– Integrated hub adds incredible versatility for mobile setups
– Excellent for direct recording of high-res video (e.g., iPhone 17 series pending testing)
– Strong performance for a portable drive
– Great warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
– Not designed for internal RAID configurations
– Wireless Type-C can be finicky if not inserted firmly
– Premium price point for its features
User Impressions: Users love this drive for its convenience and robust build. Content creators, especially those working with iPhone 15 Pro/Max, find the direct recording feature invaluable. The integrated hub often gets praise for decluttering their mobile workstation and providing essential connectivity on the go.
2. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
When it comes to building a high-performance system or a speedy RAID 0 array, the Lexar NM790 is a fantastic choice. This internal NVMe M.2 SSD boasts incredible PCIe Gen4 speeds, pushing up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write. That’s twice as fast as PCIe Gen 3 SSDs! What’s truly impressive is its efficiency; it consumes up to 40% less power than other DRAM cache-enabled Gen4 SSDs, making it ideal for sustained performance without excessive heat. For a Lexar best RAID for SSD contender, its speed and efficiency make it a standout for gaming rigs and professional workstations.
- Exceptional PCIe Gen4 performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW endurance for long-term reliability
- 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 for expanded storage
- Single-sided NVMe SSD perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds dramatically improve load times and transfers
– Excellent power efficiency for cooler operation
– High endurance rating ensures longevity
– Perfect for high-performance gaming and demanding applications
– PS5 compatibility adds versatility
Cons:
– Requires a PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot to achieve full speed
– Not quite as fast as newer Gen5 drives
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) relies on system RAM, which can be a minor bottleneck in some scenarios
User Impressions: Gamers and power users consistently praise the NM790 for its raw speed and value. Many note significant improvements in game load times and application responsiveness. Its power efficiency also gets positive remarks, contributing to a cooler system overall.
3. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Alright, buckle up! If you’re chasing the absolute pinnacle of speed for your system, especially for a RAID setup, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is an undeniable champion. Leveraging PCIe 5.0 technology, this SSD delivers mind-blowing read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s – that’s 200% faster than Gen4! It’s a perfect internal SSD for AI PCs, high-end content creation, and future-proofing your gaming rig. With its advanced controller, DRAM Cache, and DirectStorage support, this drive is built to obliterate bottlenecks and accelerate everything you throw at it. For those building a bleeding-edge system, this is the Lexar best RAID for SSD option when pure speed is the goal.
- PCIe 5.0 technology with blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200% compared to previous generations
- Optimized 6nm controller for superior heat control and efficient performance
- Ideal for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks in model training and real-time data processing
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer speeds and system responsiveness
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for significantly boosted game loads and reduced CPU power consumption
- Great compatibility with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 platforms
Pros:
– Unrivaled PCIe Gen5 speeds for extreme performance
– Future-proof technology for next-gen computing
– Excellent for demanding tasks like AI, 8K video editing, and competitive gaming
– Advanced heat management design
– DRAM cache ensures consistent, top-tier performance
Cons:
– Requires a motherboard with a PCIe Gen5 M.2 slot and a compatible CPU
– Higher cost compared to Gen4 or SATA SSDs
– Might generate more heat than slower drives, potentially requiring an aftermarket heatsink (not specified if one is included)
User Impressions: Early adopters are absolutely thrilled with the sheer speed of the NM1090 PRO. They report drastically reduced load times for heavy applications and games, feeling a noticeable difference in system snappiness. The drive’s ability to handle intensive workloads without breaking a sweat makes it a favorite among professionals.
4. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
Sometimes, you just need a solid, reliable, and affordable upgrade. The Lexar NS100 2.5-inch SATA III SSD fits that bill perfectly. While it won’t hit the multi-gigabyte speeds of NVMe drives, it offers a dramatic improvement over traditional hard drives, making it an excellent choice for breathing new life into older systems or for a cost-effective RAID 1 (mirroring) setup where redundancy is key and extreme speed isn’t the primary concern. Its sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s are plenty fast for everyday computing, and its shock and vibration resistance means it’s much more durable than an HDD.
- 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
- 120TBW endurance
- Three-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Highly affordable way to upgrade from an HDD
– Significantly faster boot times and application loading compared to HDDs
– Excellent reliability and durability due to no moving parts
– Broad compatibility with almost any modern PC or laptop
– Perfect for budget-friendly RAID 1 setups or as a secondary storage drive
Cons:
– Much slower than NVMe SSDs (PCIe Gen4/Gen5)
– Not suitable for high-performance RAID 0 arrays where maximum speed is desired
– Lower capacity options might be limiting for primary drives in modern systems
User Impressions: Users often describe the NS100 as a “no-brainer upgrade” for older PCs. They are consistently surprised by how much snappier their systems become after switching from an HDD. It’s frequently recommended for users on a budget looking for a noticeable performance boost.
5. Lexar 4TB SL500 Portable SSD
Here’s another fantastic portable option from Lexar, though again, not for internal RAID builds. The Lexar SL500 portable SSD is designed for those who need serious external storage speed and capacity. With USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, it can reach blistering speeds of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write – that’s incredibly fast for a portable drive! Its thin, lightweight, and durable metal design makes it perfect for taking your large files, games, or even 4K 60FPS Apple ProRes recordings (directly from iPhone 15 Pro/Max) wherever you go. While not an internal drive for a RAID configuration, its performance showcases Lexar’s capability in delivering high-speed storage solutions, making it an excellent companion to any system.
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance: up to 2000MB/s read, 1800MB/s write
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design for easy portability
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max)
- Wide compatibility: mobile devices, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures for sustained high performance
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software for file protection
- Product dimensions: 3.3” x 2.1” x 0.3”; 0.095 lbs.
- Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Exceptional portable speeds for large file transfers and direct recording
– Slim and robust metal construction is highly travel-friendly
– Broad compatibility with a multitude of devices
– Effective thermal management prevents throttling during heavy use
– Built-in encryption software adds a layer of security
Cons:
– Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port on your host device for maximum speed
– Not suitable for internal RAID arrays
– Performance on Mac and other systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 may be lower
User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the SL500’s speed and compact size. iPhone 15 Pro users especially love its ability to record ProRes video directly. Its durable build and sleek aesthetic also receive high marks, making it a favorite for professionals and power users on the go.
Choosing the Best Lexar SSDs for Your RAID Setup
So, you’ve seen some fantastic options from Lexar, each with its own strengths. When it comes to picking the Lexar best RAID for SSD solution, it really boils down to your specific needs, budget, and system compatibility.
- For ultimate speed and future-proofing: The Lexar NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 is your go-to. If your motherboard supports Gen5, you’ll experience unparalleled performance for gaming, AI, and professional content creation.
- For high performance and great value: The Lexar NM790 PCIe Gen4 is a phenomenal choice. It offers incredible speeds that will satisfy most high-end users and gamers, all while being power-efficient.
- For basic upgrades or budget-friendly redundancy: The Lexar NS100 SATA III SSD is perfect. It’s a reliable, affordable way to boost an older system or create a RAID 1 array for data backup.
- For portable powerhouses (as companions, not RAID drives): The Lexar Professional Go and SL500 portable SSDs offer incredible external performance for content creators and those needing fast, on-the-go storage.
No matter which Lexar SSD you choose, you’re investing in quality and performance. Just remember to ensure your motherboard and RAID controller support the specific type of SSD you’re eyeing to get the most out of your investment!
FAQ Section
Q1: What is RAID and why would I use SSDs for it?
A: RAID stands for “Redundant Array of Independent Disks.” It’s a storage technology that combines multiple physical drives into a single logical unit to improve performance (e.g., RAID 0 for speed) or provide data redundancy (e.g., RAID 1 for mirroring data). Using SSDs in a RAID array dramatically increases overall speed compared to traditional hard drives, leading to faster boot times, quicker application loading, and much snappier file transfers.
Q2: Are Lexar SSDs good for RAID 0 or RAID 1?
A: Absolutely! Lexar SSDs, especially their NVMe models like the NM790 or NM1090 PRO, are excellent candidates for RAID 0 (striping) configurations where maximum speed is desired. Their high read/write speeds can be compounded in a RAID 0 array. For RAID 1 (mirroring), Lexar’s reliable drives, including the more affordable SATA NS100, are great for ensuring data redundancy and peace of mind.
Q3: What’s the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs, and which is better for RAID?
A: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect directly to the motherboard via PCIe lanes, offering significantly higher speeds (thousands of MB/s) compared to SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) SSDs, which connect via the SATA interface (limited to around 550 MB/s). For high-performance RAID arrays, especially RAID 0 where speed is paramount, NVMe SSDs are vastly superior. SATA SSDs are better suited for budget builds, older systems, or RAID 1 configurations where redundancy is prioritized over raw speed.
Q4: How do I choose the right Lexar SSD for my RAID needs?
A: Consider these factors:
1. Performance Goal: Do you need extreme speed (RAID 0 with NVMe Gen5/Gen4) or data redundancy/budget upgrade (RAID 1 with SATA/NVMe)?
2. Motherboard Compatibility: Does your motherboard have M.2 slots for NVMe (and specifically PCIe Gen4/Gen5 support if aiming for the fastest) or only SATA ports?
3. Capacity: How much storage do you need? Remember that RAID 0 halves your total capacity (e.g., two 1TB drives in RAID 0 give 2TB usable), while RAID 1 effectively halves it (two 1TB drives in RAID 1 give 1TB usable).
4. Budget: NVMe Gen5 drives are more expensive than Gen4, which are more expensive than SATA.
Q5: Are portable Lexar SSDs suitable for RAID?
A: Generally, no. Portable SSDs like the Lexar Professional Go or SL500 are designed for external, single-drive use for convenience and high-speed data transfer on the go. RAID configurations are typically built using internal SSDs connected directly to a motherboard’s RAID controller or a dedicated RAID card.
Q6: What benefits do PCIe Gen4/Gen5 SSDs offer for high-performance systems and RAID?
A: PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 SSDs offer exponentially higher bandwidth compared to older generations. In a high-performance system or a RAID 0 array, this translates to:
* Blazing-fast load times: Games, large applications, and operating systems load almost instantly.
* Rapid data transfer: Moving massive files (e.g., 4K/8K video, large datasets) becomes incredibly quick.
* Smoother multitasking: The system remains highly responsive even under heavy loads.
* Enhanced professional workflows: Crucial for content creation, scientific computing, and AI tasks where data access speed is critical.
Q7: Does Lexar offer software for SSD management or data migration?
A: While Lexar’s portable SSDs sometimes come with encryption software like DataShield, Lexar generally relies on operating system tools or third-party utilities for SSD management and data migration. Most SSDs are plug-and-play, and features like TRIM and firmware updates are often handled by the OS or motherboard utilities.