Gaming PCs are complex machines, but if there’s one upgrade that consistently delivers a “wow” factor, it’s a super-fast Solid State Drive (SSD). Say goodbye to agonizing load screens and hello to seamless gameplay! When it comes to reliable and high-performance storage, Lexar has carved out a strong reputation, especially for gamers. If you’re looking for the Lexar best 2TB SSD for gaming PC, you’re in the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re diving deep into Lexar’s top 2TB SSD offerings, alongside a worthy competitor, to help you pick the perfect storage solution that will make your gaming rig fly. We’ll explore internal NVMe drives, versatile external options, and even a robust SATA alternative, all designed to give you that competitive edge. Let’s get your games loading at lightning speed!
What Makes a Great Gaming SSD?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on what makes an SSD ideal for gaming:
- Speed: High sequential read/write speeds (MB/s) are crucial for loading large game files quickly. PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs are the current champions here.
- Capacity: 2TB is a sweet spot, offering plenty of room for multiple AAA titles, operating systems, and other applications without constant juggling.
- Durability: No moving parts means SSDs are more resistant to shock and vibration than traditional HDDs.
- Endurance (TBW): Terabytes Written (TBW) indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime. Higher is better for longevity.
- Heat Management: For high-performance NVMe drives, a heatsink can prevent thermal throttling, ensuring sustained speeds during intense gaming sessions.
Now, let’s explore the contenders for the Lexar best 2TB SSD for gaming PC title!
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NM790 SSD is an absolute powerhouse designed for the modern gamer who demands top-tier performance without compromise. This internal M.2 NVMe drive leverages the power of PCIe Gen4, offering blistering speeds that will drastically cut down your game load times and improve overall system responsiveness. It’s built for those who want to experience games at their fastest, whether you’re battling foes on PC or expanding your PlayStation 5 storage.
-
Key Features:
- [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW for impressive 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 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:
- Blazing-fast read/write speeds suitable for the most demanding games
- Excellent power efficiency, great for laptops and reducing heat
- High endurance rating ensures long-term reliability
- PS5 compatible for console gamers
- Backed by a solid five-year warranty
-
Cons:
- Does not include a heatsink, which might be necessary for sustained heavy loads in some PC builds
-
User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the NM790 for its transformative speed, noting significant reductions in load times across a variety of titles. Many appreciate its energy efficiency and value for money, though some advise considering a separate heatsink for high-intensity, long-duration gaming on PCs with limited airflow.
2. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Take everything you love about the standard NM790, add a factory-installed heatsink, and you get this beast. The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is specifically engineered to keep its cool under pressure, ensuring that your gaming experience remains consistently fast and smooth, even during the most intense, prolonged sessions. This version is perfect for PC builders who prioritize thermal management and PS5 owners looking for a hassle-free, high-performance upgrade.
-
Key Features:
- [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW for robust longevity
- 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 enhanced transfer speeds and seamless performance
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
-
Pros:
- Integrated heatsink effectively prevents thermal throttling
- Maintains peak performance even during extended gaming sessions
- Outstanding speed and power efficiency
- Simple installation for PS5 and PC with existing M.2 slots
- High endurance and long warranty for peace of mind
-
Cons:
- Might be slightly thicker due to the heatsink, check compatibility with extremely compact PC cases or laptop designs (though less common for gaming PCs).
-
User Impressions: This version is a fan favorite among PS5 users for its easy plug-and-play installation and immediate performance boost. PC gamers also love the peace of mind the pre-attached heatsink provides, ensuring their drive stays cool and fast without needing additional components.
3. Lexar 2TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe
The Lexar Play SSD with Heatsink is tailor-made for gamers, especially those who split their time between a powerful PC and a PlayStation 5. It boasts similar high-speed capabilities to the NM790 but emphasizes seamless integration and optimal cooling for console gaming, making it a truly versatile choice for enhancing your digital playground. Its striking design also subtly hints at its gaming pedigree.
-
Key Features:
- Designed to coordinate with your PS5, made to enhance your gaming experience.
- 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds ensure reduced load times and deliver seamless gameplay. 2TB: 1600TBW.
- Tested and approved storage for your PS5 console, allowing you to play games right off the drive.
- Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling during intense gaming sessions.
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache deliver improved performance, accelerated data access speeds, and enhanced overall responsiveness when used with a PC.
- Five-year limited warranty
-
Pros:
- Optimized and tested for PS5, ensuring flawless compatibility
- High read/write speeds for rapid game loading
- Integrated heatsink for superior thermal management
- Robust 1600TBW endurance rating
- Equally effective for PC gaming, offering excellent value
-
Cons:
- “Play” branding might feel overly specific if you only game on PC, but performance remains top-tier.
-
User Impressions: This drive is highly lauded by PS5 owners for its true plug-and-play functionality and consistent performance. PC gamers also report excellent speeds and stability, appreciating the built-in cooling that simplifies their build. It’s often cited as a strong contender for the Lexar best 2TB SSD for gaming PC that also serves a PS5.
4. Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
While NVMe drives dominate the high-performance scene, the Lexar NS100 SSD offers a fantastic and cost-effective upgrade for older gaming PCs or systems that don’t have M.2 NVMe slots. This 2.5-inch SATA III drive breathes new life into traditional setups, providing significantly faster boot times, application loading, and overall system responsiveness compared to mechanical hard drives. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers or those seeking reliable secondary storage.
-
Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- [2TB] 960TBW endurance rating
- Three-year limited product support
-
Pros:
- Excellent value for money, more affordable than NVMe options
- Massive performance upgrade over traditional HDDs
- Broad compatibility with almost any modern PC or laptop
- Durable and silent operation
- Decent 960TBW for its class
-
Cons:
- Significantly slower than PCIe Gen3/Gen4 NVMe SSDs (550MB/s vs. 7000+ MB/s)
- Three-year warranty is shorter than NVMe counterparts
-
User Impressions: Users frequently report satisfaction with the NS100 as an HDD replacement, noting dramatic improvements in boot and load times. It’s praised for its reliability and ease of installation, making it a popular choice for revitalizing older systems or as a high-capacity game storage drive where ultimate speed isn’t the only factor.
5. WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While our primary focus is on the Lexar best 2TB SSD for gaming PC, it’s always good to see what the competition offers. The WD_BLACK SN7100 is a formidable NVMe internal gaming SSD from a renowned brand, Western Digital. It’s built from the ground up for serious gamers, providing high-octane performance and robust reliability that makes it a top choice if you’re open to exploring alternatives outside the Lexar ecosystem.
-
Key Features:
- High-octane gaming with speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models)
- Up to 35% faster performance than previous generation
- Purpose-built for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and Western Digital’s next generation TLC 3D NAND
- Available in multiple capacities up to 4TB, offering tons of storage
- Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation
- WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to optimize drive performance
-
Pros:
- Extremely high read/write speeds competitive with top-tier Lexar drives
- Excellent power efficiency, suitable for laptops and handhelds
- Backed by Western Digital’s reputation for quality
- Dedicated dashboard software for optimization
- Robust build quality and next-gen NAND technology
-
Cons:
- Does not include a heatsink, which might be a consideration for high-performance builds
- Pricing can sometimes be at a premium compared to Lexar alternatives
-
User Impressions: This drive is a darling among PC enthusiasts for its raw speed and consistent performance. Users highlight its impressive reliability and the added utility of the WD_BLACK Dashboard for monitoring and fine-tuning. It’s often recommended as a premium choice for core gaming storage.
6. Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read, Storage
Sometimes, the best gaming solution isn’t always internal. The Lexar ES3 External SSD offers a fantastic blend of speed and portability, making it perfect for gamers who need fast, expandable storage for their PC, console, or even on the go. It’s ideal for storing large game libraries that you can easily plug into different devices or for quick backups of your precious game saves.
-
Key Features:
- 9.5X faster than hard disk drives with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Super-fast backups and instant storage expansion
- Built-in, double layer graphite sheets quickly conduct heat, enhancing heat dissipation
- Drop-resistant up to 2 meters for excellent durability
- Plug-and-play compatibility with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable for PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software and Lexar Recovery Tool
-
Pros:
- Impressive external transfer speeds for quick file management
- Rugged, drop-resistant design for portability
- Excellent heat dissipation helps maintain performance
- Wide compatibility across multiple device types
- Bundled security and recovery software adds value
-
Cons:
- External connectivity (USB) means it won’t match internal NVMe speeds for primary OS/game installs
- Not suitable as a primary boot drive for a gaming PC
-
User Impressions: Users love the ES3 for its versatility and robust build. It’s a popular choice for expanding console game libraries, creating portable Steam libraries, or just quickly transferring large files. The encryption software is a bonus for those handling sensitive data.
7. Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible
Pushing the boundaries of external storage, the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD takes speed and sleek design to another level. With incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, this drive is not just for backup – it’s fast enough to run demanding games directly, especially if your PC supports the faster USB standard. Its compact, durable metal design also makes it a perfect companion for the latest iPhone 15 Pro, enabling direct ProRes video recording.
-
Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design easily fits in your pocket
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording – shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Wide compatibility with mobile devices, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, as well as Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, and more
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures even at top speeds
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Five-year limited warranty
-
Pros:
- Extremely fast external transfer speeds (if your system supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2)
- Premium, durable, and ultra-portable design
- Advanced thermal control ensures sustained performance
- Extremely versatile, compatible with a vast array of devices including consoles and iPhones
- Excellent five-year warranty
-
Cons:
- Full speed requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, which isn’t universally available on all PCs
- Premium price point for external storage
-
User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the SL500’s speed and premium feel. iPhone 15 Pro users particularly value its ability to record ProRes video directly. For PC gamers, it’s seen as a powerful external game library or a lightning-fast solution for transferring large files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the difference between an NVMe SSD and a SATA SSD?
A1: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect directly to your motherboard via a PCIe slot, offering significantly faster speeds (thousands of MB/s) compared to SATA (Serial ATA) SSDs, which use a SATA cable and are limited to around 550MB/s. For the Lexar best 2TB SSD for gaming PC, NVMe is generally the top choice for performance.
Q2: Do I really need a 2TB SSD for gaming?
A2: While 1TB might suffice for some, modern AAA games can easily consume 100GB or more each. A 2TB SSD provides ample space for your operating system, several large games, and other applications, reducing the need to constantly uninstall and reinstall titles. It offers a great balance of capacity and performance for a dedicated gaming PC.
Q3: Is a heatsink necessary for my NVMe SSD?
A3: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, especially during intense, prolonged gaming sessions or in systems with poor airflow, a heatsink is highly recommended. It prevents thermal throttling, ensuring your drive maintains its peak speed and longevity. Many motherboards now come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can opt for an SSD with a pre-installed one like the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink.
Q4: Can I use an external SSD for gaming on my PC or console?
A4: Yes, you absolutely can! External SSDs like the Lexar ES3 or SL500 are fantastic for expanding your game library on both PCs and consoles (like PS5 and Xbox Series X|S). While internal NVMe drives are faster for primary OS and demanding PC titles, external SSDs offer portability and quick access to games, often loading faster than traditional external hard drives.
Q5: What does “TBW” mean, and why is it important for an SSD?
A5: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s an endurance rating that indicates how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifetime before its reliability might start to degrade. For a 2TB gaming SSD, higher TBW (e.g., 1500TBW or 1600TBW) means better long-term durability, especially if you frequently install, uninstall, and update large games.
Q6: Are Lexar SSDs reliable for gaming?
A6: Lexar has a long-standing reputation in the memory and storage industry. Their modern SSDs, particularly the NVMe lines like the NM790 and Play series, are designed with gaming in mind, offering competitive speeds, good endurance ratings, and solid warranties, making them a reliable choice for your gaming PC.
Q7: How do I install an M.2 NVMe SSD in my gaming PC?
A7: Installing an M.2 NVMe SSD is usually straightforward. Locate an available M.2 slot on your motherboard, remove the retaining screw, insert the SSD at an angle, and then push it down gently to secure it with the screw. If your drive has a heatsink, make sure it clears any other components. For PS5, the process is similar within the console’s expansion slot.
Final Thoughts on Your Gaming PC Storage
Choosing the Lexar best 2TB SSD for gaming PC ultimately comes down to your specific needs, budget, and system configuration. If raw, internal speed is your priority for lightning-fast boot-ups and game loads, a PCIe Gen4 NVMe like the Lexar NM790 or Lexar Play with Heatsink is your best bet. For those with older systems or tighter budgets, the Lexar NS100 SATA SSD offers a significant upgrade over traditional hard drives. And if portability or expanding your console’s game library is key, Lexar’s external ES3 and SL500 SSDs provide exceptional speed and convenience.
No matter which Lexar 2TB SSD you choose, you’re investing in a powerful upgrade that will dramatically improve your gaming experience. Happy gaming!