If you’re rocking an AMD Ryzen-powered AM4 motherboard, you know the importance of speedy storage. A blazing-fast M.2 NVMe SSD isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for smooth gaming, quick file transfers, and snappy overall system responsiveness. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Many users are specifically looking for the “Lexar best AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSD” setup, meaning they want top-tier Lexar drives that will truly unleash their AM4 system’s potential.
Well, you’re in luck! While Lexar doesn’t make motherboards, they do craft some phenomenal M.2 SSDs that pair perfectly with your AM4 rig. We’ve done the legwork to bring you a hand-picked selection of the best M.2 SSDs, heavily featuring Lexar’s fantastic offerings, along with a top-tier competitor. These drives are designed to maximize your AM4 motherboard’s capabilities, ensuring you get the performance you deserve, whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one.
Let’s dive into our top picks for supercharging your AM4 system!
Our Top Picks for M.2 SSDs for Your AM4 Motherboard
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This Lexar NM790 is a powerhouse for anyone looking to step up their game without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic choice for gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand rapid data access. What makes it stand out is its incredible balance of speed, efficiency, and compatibility, even extending to the PlayStation 5. It really shows what a modern PCIe Gen4 NVMe drive can do for your AM4 system.
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Key Features:
- 2TB Capacity
- Exceptional performance: Up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW (Terabytes Written) 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 speeds
- 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
- Excellent power efficiency
- High endurance rating
- Broad compatibility, including PS5
- Good value for performance
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Cons:
- Not a Gen5 drive (but Gen4 is more than enough for most)
- May require a motherboard heatsink for sustained peak performance
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User Impressions: Users rave about the NM790’s incredible speed, noting significant improvements in boot times, game loading, and application responsiveness. Many appreciate its low power consumption and robust performance, making it a go-to upgrade for both desktop and laptop users, especially for those who need the Lexar best AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSD experience.
2. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Ready to future-proof your AM4 setup (especially if you’re upgrading to a newer AM5 system down the line or have a compatible AM4 board with PCIe Gen5 support via an adapter)? The Lexar NM1090 PRO is an absolute beast! With PCIe Gen5 technology, it offers mind-blowing speeds that redefine what’s possible for storage. This drive is built for the most demanding tasks, from AI workloads to ultra-fast gaming, delivering unmatched performance for the cutting edge.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200%
- Powerful 6nm controller for optimized heat control and efficient performance
- Ideal for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks, accelerates AI model training and real-time data processing
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer speeds
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for significantly boosted game loads and reduced CPU power consumption
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Pros:
- Next-generation PCIe Gen5 speeds
- Massive performance leap for demanding applications
- Optimized for AI and high-end gaming
- Excellent caching mechanisms
- Future-proof technology
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible slot to achieve full speeds (most AM4 boards are Gen4 max)
- Higher price point
- May generate more heat, necessitating robust cooling
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User Impressions: Early adopters are stunned by the NM1090 PRO’s blistering speeds, calling it a true game-changer for high-performance computing. It’s often highlighted as the ultimate choice for users building top-tier systems or those who simply want the absolute fastest storage available.
3. Lexar M.2 2TB PCIe Gen 4X4 NM790 NVMe SSD
This is another variant of the highly successful Lexar NM790, offering the same stellar 2TB capacity and PCIe Gen4 performance that users have come to love. It’s designed to deliver consistent, high-speed storage, making it an excellent choice for a primary boot drive or a dedicated game library. If you’re seeking a reliable and fast M.2 SSD for your AM4 system, this model continues to impress with its solid engineering and user-friendly features.
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Key Features:
- 2TB Capacity (LNM790X002T-RNNNG)
- PCIe Gen4x4 interface
- High sequential read/write speeds (similar to the first NM790 listed)
- Excellent for gaming, creative work, and everyday computing
- Efficient power usage
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Pros:
- Consistent and reliable Gen4 performance
- Great for upgrades and new builds
- Reputable Lexar quality
- Highly compatible with AM4 motherboards
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Cons:
- Specific features list wasn’t provided for this exact model number, but it’s likely very similar to the first NM790.
- Not a Gen5 drive.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the NM790 series for its plug-and-play ease of installation and the immediate boost in system speed. Many consider it to be the Lexar best AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSD choice when factoring in performance, price, and reliability.
4. Lexar 2TB NM710 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NM710 is an excellent entry point into the world of PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs for your AM4 system. While not as blindingly fast as its NM790 or Gen5 counterparts, it still offers a significant upgrade over PCIe 3.0 drives, boasting speeds over 40% faster. It’s a fantastic value proposition for users who want modern performance without stretching their budget too thin, and its shock-resistant design adds peace of mind.
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Key Features:
- 2TB Capacity
- High-speed PCIe Gen4x4 interface
- Features HMB (Host Memory Buffer) 3.0 and SLC Cache technology
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- More than 40% faster speed than PCIe 3.0 SSDs
- Sequential read speed up to 4850MB/s, sequential write speed up to 4500MB/s
- 1200TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Great performance leap from Gen3
- Cost-effective Gen4 option
- Durable and reliable design
- Comes with a solid 5-year warranty
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Cons:
- Not as fast as the higher-end NM790 or Gen5 drives
- May not be ideal for the most extreme users
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User Impressions: Customers love the NM710 for its excellent price-to-performance ratio. They report noticeable improvements in daily computing tasks and gaming, confirming it’s a solid, reliable upgrade for those looking to transition to PCIe Gen4 without a hefty investment.
5. WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While our focus has been heavily on Lexar (given the user’s implicit search for “Lexar best AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSD”), it’s impossible to discuss top-tier M.2 SSDs for gaming without mentioning the WD_BLACK SN850X. This 4TB monster is Western Digital’s answer to the needs of hardcore gamers and power users. With insane speeds, massive capacity, and optional heatsink, it’s built to transform your gaming PC, providing ridiculously short load times and features specifically designed to enhance your gaming experience.
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Key Features:
- 4TB Capacity, built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND
- Insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
- Optional heatsink version to maintain peak performance
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for drive health monitoring and RGB customization (heatsink versions)
- Game Mode 2.0 for automatic game detection and optimization
- Future-forward features: Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM)
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Pros:
- Top-tier PCIe Gen4 performance
- Massive 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries
- Optional heatsink for optimal thermal management
- Gaming-specific features for enhanced experience
- Renowned Western Digital reliability
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to capacity and brand
- RGB customization only available with heatsink version
- No PCIe Gen5 support (but Gen4 is more than sufficient for current gaming)
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User Impressions: Gamers universally praise the SN850X for its incredible speed, capacity, and its ability to drastically reduce loading screens. The optional heatsink is a frequently lauded feature for those with high-performance builds, solidifying its reputation as one of the best gaming SSDs on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is an M.2 SSD and why should I get one for my AM4 motherboard?
An M.2 SSD is a small form factor solid-state drive that connects directly to your motherboard via a dedicated M.2 slot, typically using the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface. This allows for significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to traditional SATA SSDs or HDDs. For an AM4 motherboard, an M.2 NVMe SSD is crucial to unlock the full potential of your Ryzen processor, providing lightning-fast boot times, rapid game loading, and quick application responsiveness, which greatly improves your overall computing experience.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 SSDs, and which one should I get for AM4?
These generations refer to the version of the PCIe interface used.
* PCIe Gen 3: Offers speeds up to around 3,500 MB/s. Most older AM4 motherboards support this.
* PCIe Gen 4: Doubles the bandwidth of Gen 3, offering speeds up to around 7,000-7,500 MB/s. Most mid-to-high-end AM4 motherboards (like those with B550 or X570 chipsets) fully support PCIe Gen 4, which is currently the sweet spot for performance and value for AM4.
* PCIe Gen 5: Doubles the bandwidth of Gen 4, offering theoretical speeds up to around 14,000 MB/s. Very few AM4 motherboards natively support Gen 5; this is mostly found on newer AM5 (Ryzen 7000 series) and Intel 12th/13th/14th Gen platforms. You can put a Gen 5 SSD into a Gen 4 slot, but it will only run at Gen 4 speeds.
For an AM4 motherboard, a PCIe Gen 4 SSD is generally the best choice, offering excellent performance that fully utilizes your motherboard’s capabilities without overspending on Gen 5 technology that your board can’t fully leverage.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 NVMe SSD on an AM4 motherboard?
For PCIe Gen 4 and especially Gen 5 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended. These high-performance drives can generate a significant amount of heat under heavy loads. If an SSD gets too hot, it can “throttle” (reduce its speed) to prevent damage. Many AM4 motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase aftermarket ones. If your chosen SSD (like some Lexar NM790 models) doesn’t come with one and your motherboard doesn’t have one, consider adding one for sustained peak performance.
Q4: Are Lexar SSDs good quality?
Absolutely! Lexar has a long-standing reputation in the memory and storage industry. They produce high-quality, reliable SSDs that offer competitive performance and endurance ratings. As seen with options like the Lexar best AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSD options we reviewed, they’re a strong contender against other popular brands, offering excellent value and performance.
Q5: Can I use a 2TB M.2 SSD as my main drive for Windows and games?
Yes, a 2TB M.2 SSD is an excellent choice for a main drive. It provides ample space for your operating system, essential applications, and a large library of games, with plenty of room to spare for future installations and files. The speed of an NVMe M.2 drive will ensure your system boots quickly and everything runs smoothly.
Q6: How do I install an M.2 SSD on my AM4 motherboard?
Installing an M.2 SSD is relatively straightforward:
1. Locate the M.2 slot: Your AM4 motherboard will have one or more M.2 slots. Consult your motherboard manual for their exact locations.
2. Remove the standoff screw/heatsink: If there’s a pre-installed heatsink, remove it. You’ll also see a small standoff and screw (or a plastic clip) where the SSD’s end will be secured.
3. Insert the SSD: Gently slide the M.2 SSD into the slot at a slight angle. It should go in smoothly.
4. Secure the SSD: Push the SSD down until it’s flat against the motherboard, then secure it with the screw or clip you removed earlier. If there’s a heatsink, reattach it.
5. Initialize the drive: After booting into Windows, you’ll need to go to Disk Management to initialize and format the new SSD before it can be used.
Q7: What does TBW (Terabytes Written) mean for an SSD?
TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance – essentially, how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before it might start to fail. A higher TBW rating indicates a more durable drive. For example, a 1200TBW rating means the drive is expected to handle 1200 terabytes of data written to it. For most home users, even SSDs with lower TBW ratings will last for many years well beyond their warranty period.