Hey there, fellow gamers! Ever felt that frustrating lag or endless loading screen when you just want to jump into your favorite virtual world? If you’re serious about your gaming rig, you know that a speedy storage drive isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. And when it comes to balancing massive game libraries with blistering performance, a 4TB NVMe SSD is quickly becoming the sweet spot. Today, we’re diving deep to help you find the Lexar best 4TB NVMe SSD for gaming, along with a couple of other stellar options to consider.
Why 4TB, you ask? Simple. Modern games are massive, often eating up 100GB or more each. A 4TB drive gives you ample space for a huge collection of AAA titles, mods, and even your streaming recordings, all while keeping everything lightning-fast. NVMe technology, especially PCIe Gen4 and the emerging Gen5, leaves traditional SATA SSDs in the dust, drastically cutting down load times and improving overall system responsiveness. Let’s check out some top contenders that’ll supercharge your gaming experience.
Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
This Lexar NM790 is a powerhouse for gamers looking for blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds without breaking the bank. It’s engineered to deliver exceptional performance, making it a fantastic choice if you’re upgrading your PC or even your PlayStation 5. What truly sets it apart is its impressive read/write speeds combined with surprisingly efficient power consumption, thanks to its DRAM-less design paired with Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0. This means you get a smooth, responsive gaming experience while keeping your system cooler and more efficient – a win-win!
- Key Features:
- 4TB Capacity
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 3000TBW endurance for long-term reliability
- Up to 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 transfers
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Single-sided NVMe SSD perfect for laptops
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for a Gen4 drive.
- High endurance ensures a long lifespan.
- Very power-efficient, ideal for laptops and cooler builds.
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PS5 compatibility is a huge plus.
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Cons:
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Lacks a built-in heatsink, which might be a consideration for some PS5 users or high-heat PC environments (though a separate one can be added).
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise its speed and value, noting significant improvements in game load times and overall system snappiness. Many appreciate its low power draw, making it a favorite for laptop upgrades.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2…
If you’re eyeing the incredible performance of the Lexar NM790 but want that extra peace of mind when it comes to thermal management, then this version with a pre-installed heatsink is your go-to. It packs all the same raw speed and power efficiency as its sibling, but the integrated heatsink ensures your drive stays cool even during the most intense gaming marathons. This is especially vital for PlayStation 5 owners where space can be tight and cooling crucial, or for PC builds where airflow might be limited. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it solution for peak performance.
- Key Features:
- 4TB Capacity
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 3000TBW endurance
- 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
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Integrated heatsink provides excellent thermal management.
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds suitable for demanding games.
- PS5 ready right out of the box with the heatsink.
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Still very power-efficient despite the added cooling.
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Cons:
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The heatsink might make it too tall for some ultra-compact laptop designs, but it’s perfect for PS5 and most desktop PCs.
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User Impressions: Users love the convenience of the pre-attached heatsink, confirming it keeps temperatures in check during heavy use. It’s frequently recommended for PS5 upgrades due to its performance and ready-to-install design.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe…
The Lexar Play SSD with Heatsink is custom-tailored for the console gamer, particularly PlayStation 5 owners, but it’s just as capable in a PC environment. This drive takes the guesswork out of upgrading your PS5 storage, offering tested and approved compatibility, meaning you can literally play games right off the drive without needing to transfer them. The unique heatsink design isn’t just for show; it’s there to ensure optimal cooling during those intense, hours-long gaming sessions, making it a true plug-and-play solution that enhances your gameplay with reduced load times and seamless transitions.
- Key Features:
- 4TB Capacity with 3200TBW endurance
- Designed to coordinate with your PS5
- 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds
- Tested and approved storage for your PS5 console
- Allows you to play games right off the drive
- Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache deliver improved performance for PC gaming
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Explicitly designed and tested for PS5, offering guaranteed compatibility.
- Heatsink included for optimal thermal performance.
- High endurance and impressive speeds.
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Versatile for both PS5 and PC gaming.
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Cons:
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Might be overkill if you’re solely a PC gamer and already have good case airflow, but the heatsink is always a benefit.
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User Impressions: PS5 users rave about its seamless integration and performance, highlighting the ease of installation and the ability to expand their game library without compromise. PC users also appreciate its speed and reliability.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
Prepare for the future of gaming with the Lexar NM1090 PRO, a true next-generation SSD boasting PCIe Gen5 technology. This isn’t just fast; it’s blisteringly fast, delivering speeds that redefine what’s possible for load times and data processing. If you’re building a top-tier gaming PC with the latest AMD Ryzen or Intel i9 processors and a compatible motherboard, this drive will unleash its full potential. Beyond gaming, its capabilities make it an excellent internal SSD for AI PCs, accelerating model training and real-time data processing. Plus, with Microsoft DirectStorage support, your games will load faster, minimizing delays and conserving CPU power for an even richer experience. If you want the Lexar best 4TB NVMe SSD for gaming that’s ready for tomorrow, this is it.
- Key Features:
- 4TB Capacity
- PCIe 5.0 technology with read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200% compared to previous generations
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage
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Improves system responsiveness and reduces wait times
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Pros:
- Cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 speeds are unmatched.
- Future-proof for upcoming games and applications.
- Significant boost to AI-related tasks and data processing.
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DirectStorage support enhances the gaming experience.
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible motherboard and CPU, which might mean a platform upgrade for some users.
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Typically comes at a higher price point due to being bleeding-edge technology.
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User Impressions: Early adopters are consistently blown away by the incredible speeds, noting near-instantaneous boot-ups and game loads. It’s considered an essential component for high-end, future-proof PC builds.
- See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 4TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State…
While we’re focusing on Lexar, it would be a disservice not to mention the WD_BLACK 4TB SN7100, a formidable competitor in the gaming SSD arena. WD_BLACK drives have a stellar reputation among gamers for their reliability and performance, and the SN7100 continues this legacy. It offers exceptional PCIe Gen4 speeds that are plenty fast for any modern game, and it’s designed with serious gamers in mind, utilizing advanced TLC 3D NAND. What’s more, its impressive power efficiency makes it a fantastic choice for upgrading laptops and even handheld gaming devices, ensuring you get top-tier performance without draining your battery too quickly. If you’re not strictly looking for a Lexar best 4TB NVMe SSD for gaming, this one is an absolute champion.
- Key Features:
- 4TB Capacity
- Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models, typically similar for 4TB)
- Up to 35% faster performance than previous drives
- PCIe Gen4 interface with latest TLC 3D NAND
- Up to 2,400TBW endurance (4TB model)
- Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind
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Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation
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Pros:
- Renowned WD_BLACK reliability and gaming-focused design.
- Excellent PCIe Gen4 speeds for all current games.
- High endurance ensures longevity.
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Fantastic power efficiency, great for portable gaming devices and laptops.
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Cons:
- Doesn’t quite reach the absolute peak speeds of some other high-end Gen4 drives, but the difference is often negligible in real-world gaming.
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No integrated heatsink on this particular model, might need one for PS5 or hot PC environments.
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User Impressions: Gamers trust the WD_BLACK brand, citing consistent performance, easy installation, and durable builds. Many highlight its suitability for powerful gaming laptops due to its efficiency and speed.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I choose a 4TB NVMe SSD specifically for gaming?
A1: Modern games are massive, often requiring 100GB+ per title. A 4TB NVMe SSD provides ample space for a huge game library, DLCs, and recordings without needing to constantly uninstall/reinstall games. NVMe technology significantly reduces load times and improves overall system responsiveness compared to older SATA drives, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience.
Q2: Is a heatsink necessary for a 4TB NVMe SSD, especially for gaming?
A2: For PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate considerable heat during intense operations like gaming. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing thermal throttling (where the drive slows down to prevent overheating) and ensuring consistent peak performance, extending the drive’s lifespan. It’s almost essential for PS5 upgrades.
Q3: What’s the main difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for gaming?
A3: The primary difference is speed. PCIe Gen4 offers read/write speeds typically up to 7,400 MB/s, which is already incredibly fast. PCIe Gen5, the latest standard, doubles that bandwidth, pushing speeds up to 14,000 MB/s or more. While Gen4 is fantastic for current games, Gen5 is future-proofing, ready for upcoming technologies like Microsoft DirectStorage 1.2 and even faster game engines that can leverage the immense bandwidth.
Q4: Can I use these 4TB NVMe SSDs with my PlayStation 5?
A4: Yes, many high-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, like the Lexar NM790 and Lexar Play models reviewed, are compatible with the PlayStation 5. It’s crucial that the drive meets Sony’s specifications (including a heatsink and sufficient read speed, typically 5,500 MB/s or higher). Always double-check the product’s compatibility with PS5.
Q5: How important is the TBW (Terabytes Written) rating for a gaming SSD?
A5: TBW indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifespan before its endurance is expected to decline. For a 4TB gaming SSD, a TBW rating of 2000TBW or more (like the 3000TBW on the Lexar NM790 models) is excellent. While gamers primarily read data, system files and game updates still involve writes. A high TBW ensures your drive will last for many years, even with heavy use.
Q6: Is installing a 4TB NVMe SSD difficult for a beginner?
A6: Not usually! Installing an M.2 NVMe SSD is generally straightforward. For a PC, it involves opening your computer case, locating the M.2 slot on your motherboard, inserting the drive at an angle, and securing it with a small screw. For a PS5, you’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the console’s cover, and install the drive into the designated expansion slot. Many drives, especially those with pre-attached heatsinks, are designed for easy installation.
Q7: Is Lexar a reliable brand for gaming SSDs?
A7: Absolutely! Lexar has been a prominent name in flash memory and storage solutions for decades. They offer a range of SSDs known for their competitive performance, reliability, and value. Many Lexar drives come with solid warranties, reflecting the brand’s confidence in their product quality, making them a trustworthy choice for serious gamers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 4TB NVMe SSD can dramatically transform your gaming setup, eliminating bottlenecks and letting you dive into your favorite titles faster than ever. Whether you prioritize pure speed, optimal cooling, console compatibility, or future-proofing with PCIe Gen5, there’s a fantastic option out there. The Lexar best 4TB NVMe SSD for gaming might just be one of the powerful drives we’ve explored today, offering a perfect blend of performance, capacity, and value.
So, go ahead, pick the drive that best fits your rig and gaming style, and get ready for a truly uncompromised gaming experience! Happy gaming!