Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you on the hunt for the Lexar best 120gb ssd for gaming? You’re not alone! Many budget-conscious or savvy system builders look for that sweet spot of performance and value. While 120GB might seem a tad small for today’s massive game files, it can still be a fantastic option for a dedicated operating system drive, a handful of your favorite indie titles, or as an upgrade for an older machine.
Lexar has a solid reputation for reliable storage solutions, and their SSDs are no exception. We’re going to dive deep into some of Lexar’s top SSD offerings, ranging from those budget-friendly, smaller capacities to the blazing-fast NVMe drives perfect for competitive gaming. Let’s figure out which Lexar SSD will give your gaming rig the boost it deserves!
Understanding SSDs for Gaming
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why an SSD is crucial for gaming. Solid State Drives (SSDs) significantly reduce load times, make game worlds stream faster, and generally improve system responsiveness compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). For gamers, this means less waiting and more playing! When looking for the Lexar best 120gb ssd for gaming, consider your primary use case: Is it for your OS? A specific game? Or just general system snappiness?
The Top 7 Lexar SSDs for Gamers
Here are our picks for the best Lexar SSDs that could be a game-changer for your setup, including options that might stretch beyond 120GB but offer exceptional value for gaming performance.
1. Lexar 128GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
If you’re strictly aiming for a Lexar best 120gb ssd for gaming (or very close to it!), the 128GB NS100 is likely what you’ve been looking for. This drive is a fantastic entry-level option for upgrading an older laptop or desktop, breathing new life into it with faster boot times and quicker application loads. It’s perfect for housing your operating system and essential programs, giving your entire system a noticeable speed boost. While its capacity might not hold many modern AAA titles, it excels as a snappy boot drive.
- 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
- [128GB] 60TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance
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Three-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent for budget builds or OS drives
- Significant upgrade over traditional HDDs
- Durable due to no moving parts
- Good for older systems with SATA ports
- Cons:
- Limited capacity for modern games
- Slower than NVMe SSDs
User Impressions: Many users praise this drive for its ease of installation and the immediate performance improvement it brings to older machines. It’s often chosen for secondary PCs or as a boot drive where space isn’t the main concern.
2. Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe…
Alright, if you’re not strictly confined to the 120GB capacity and want serious gaming performance, the Lexar 4TB Play SSD is an absolute beast! Designed with your PS5 in mind, but equally fantastic for high-end PC gaming, this NVMe drive offers mind-blowing speeds that virtually eliminate load times. The included heatsink is a massive plus, ensuring your drive stays cool even during the most intense gaming marathons. This is for the serious gamer who needs tons of space and wants the fastest possible experience.
- Designed to coordinate with your PS5, the Lexar PLAY 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD is made to enhance your gaming experience.
- 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds ensure reduced load times and deliver seamless gameplay.
- 4TB: 3200TBW endurance.
- 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.
- Can be used not only for PS5 but also for PC gaming. HMB and SLC Dynamic cache deliver improved performance.
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast PCIe Gen 4 speeds
- Massive 4TB capacity for endless games
- PS5 compatible and approved
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal performance
- Excellent for high-performance PC gaming
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- Requires a compatible PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot
User Impressions: Gamers rave about the insane speed and the sheer convenience of having 4TB of blazing-fast storage for their digital game libraries. PS5 users particularly appreciate its plug-and-play compatibility and the included heatsink.
3. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2…
The Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD is another incredible option for gamers who need a balance of high performance and generous capacity. Boasting exceptional read and write speeds, it’s twice as fast as many PCIe Gen 3 SSDs, making those loading screens a thing of the past. The integrated heatsink is a thoughtful addition, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining consistent performance during long gaming sessions. This drive is a powerhouse for serious PC gaming and a perfect upgrade for your PlayStation 5.
- [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW 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 and seamless performance
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Extremely high read/write speeds for gaming
- 2TB capacity is great for a large game library
- Included heatsink is vital for sustained performance
- Energy efficient design
- PS5 and PC gaming compatible
- Cons:
- Still a premium investment
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot
User Impressions: Users frequently highlight the incredible speed gains they experience, especially with game loading and large file transfers. The heatsink is often mentioned as a major plus for sustained performance and reliability.
4. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
If 2TB is a bit much but you still demand top-tier performance, the Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD is an outstanding choice. This drive delivers the same lightning-fast PCIe Gen 4 speeds as its larger sibling, making it a fantastic option for hardcore gamers and creative professionals alike. Its 1TB capacity is a sweet spot for many, offering ample space for a good collection of modern games. Plus, its single-sided design makes it perfect for slim laptops, ensuring you get high performance even in compact gaming machines.
- [1TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1000TBW 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 is perfect for laptops
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast PCIe Gen 4 speeds at a 1TB capacity
- Energy efficient and compatible with PS5
- Ideal for laptops due to its single-sided design
- Excellent for demanding games and applications
- Cons:
- No integrated heatsink (may need to buy separately for some uses)
- Still requires a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot
User Impressions: This drive is highly praised for its speed-to-price ratio at the 1TB mark. Laptop gamers particularly love its slim profile and the dramatic performance boost it provides, while PS5 owners find it a straightforward and powerful storage upgrade.
5. Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible…
Looking for flexible storage that can go wherever your gaming takes you? The Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD is an absolute gem. This external SSD boasts incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, making it super fast for transferring games, footage, or large files on the go. Its slim, durable metal design is perfect for slipping into a pocket, and it’s widely compatible with consoles like PS4, PS5, Xbox, and even the latest iPhones for Pro Res recording. This isn’t an internal drive for your primary gaming PC, but it’s fantastic for expanding console storage or transferring games quickly between devices.
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording – shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max
- Wide compatibility with mobile devices, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, and more
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Product dimensions and weight: 3.3” x 2.1” x 0.3”; 0.095 lbs.
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent portability and durable build
- Very high external transfer speeds (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2)
- Wide compatibility with gaming consoles and mobile devices
- Thermal control design maintains performance
- Includes encryption software for data security
- Cons:
- Performance is limited by the external interface
- Not suitable as a primary internal PC gaming drive
User Impressions: Users love the SL500 for its compact size, robust build, and impressive transfer speeds for an external drive. Console gamers find it a super convenient way to expand their game library, while content creators appreciate its Pro Res recording capabilities.
6. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports…
For content creators who also game, or gamers who need versatile external storage with extra connectivity, the Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a standout. This ultra-compact device isn’t just a fast external SSD; it also integrates a hub with four USB Type-C ports, making it incredibly flexible. It’s dust-proof, water-resistant, and drop-resistant, so it can handle being on the move. While primarily geared towards creative work like 4K recording, its blazing speeds also make it great for carrying around a few games to play on different systems or for quick backups.
- Ultra-compact for spontaneous creativity anytime, anywhere
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector frees you from tangled, cumbersome cables
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage and store with ease
- Portable SSD plus a hub with four USB Type-C ports, adapters, and cables for ultimate flexibility
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording and swift backups
- Ready for travel – dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices is currently in progress
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Unique integrated hub for expanded connectivity
- Rugged and durable design (IP65 rated)
- Great for creative professionals and mobile setups
- Fast transfer speeds for external storage
- Highly portable and versatile
- Cons:
- Less direct focus on purely internal gaming PC use
- Speeds are lower than internal NVMe drives
User Impressions: Reviewers are particularly impressed with the integrated hub feature, which adds immense utility for professionals on the go. Its ruggedness and quick speeds make it a favorite for outdoor shoots and travel, doubling as reliable storage for games or media.
7. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
Rounding out our list is the Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD, a step up in capacity from the 128GB version while still offering that excellent value proposition. If you’re looking for a good balance of affordability and space, and perhaps want to install your OS plus a couple of your most-played games, this 256GB model is a strong contender. It delivers the same reliable, faster-than-HDD performance as its smaller sibling, making it a solid internal SSD upgrade for any laptop or desktop with a SATA III port. It’s not quite the Lexar best 120gb ssd for gaming in terms of exact capacity, but it’s a very close, highly practical alternative.
- 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
- [256GB] 120TBW endurance
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Three-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- More usable space than 128GB for a few games
- Cost-effective performance upgrade
- Reliable and durable with no moving parts
- Easy installation for SATA-equipped systems
- Cons:
- Still limited capacity for a vast game library
- Slower than NVMe options
User Impressions: This 256GB version is frequently recommended for those who need a bit more breathing room than a 128GB drive provides without breaking the bank. Users find it significantly improves system responsiveness and boot times, making it a popular choice for secondary gaming PCs or non-primary game storage.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Lexar Gaming SSDs Answered
Getting an SSD for gaming can bring up a lot of questions, especially when you’re trying to find the Lexar best 120gb ssd for gaming or similar storage solutions. Let’s tackle some common queries.
Q1: Is a 120GB SSD enough for gaming in 2024?
A: For modern AAA games, 120GB is generally not enough. Many new titles can take up 80GB-150GB or more of storage space individually. However, a 120GB or 128GB SSD is perfect for your operating system (OS) and essential applications, making your PC feel incredibly snappy. You can then use a larger HDD or a secondary, higher-capacity SSD for your games. For indie games or older titles, 120GB can hold a decent library.
Q2: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs for gaming?
A: SATA SSDs (like the Lexar NS100 series) use the SATA III interface and typically offer read speeds around 500-550MB/s. NVMe SSDs (like the Lexar NM790 or Play series) use the PCIe interface and are significantly faster, with modern PCIe Gen 4 drives reaching 7000MB/s or more. For gaming, NVMe SSDs will provide faster game load times and smoother asset streaming, but SATA SSDs are still a huge upgrade over HDDs and perfectly fine for many gamers, especially on a budget.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my gaming SSD?
A: For high-performance NVMe SSDs, especially PCIe Gen 4 drives like the Lexar NM790 or Play, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate significant heat under heavy load (like gaming), and a heatsink helps dissipate that heat, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down your drive. Some motherboards come with integrated heatsinks, or you can purchase SSDs with pre-attached ones.
Q4: Can I use an external Lexar SSD for gaming on a PC or console?
A: Yes, you absolutely can! External SSDs like the Lexar SL500 or Professional Go are excellent for expanding game storage on PCs, PS4s, PS5s, and Xbox consoles. While internal NVMe drives offer the fastest load times for PS5 games, external SSDs are great for playing PS4/Xbox One games or storing PS5/Xbox Series X|S games for quick transfer. They’re also super convenient for moving games between different setups.
Q5: What does TBW mean, and how important is it for gaming SSDs?
A: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it indicates the total amount of data that can be written to an SSD over its lifespan before its warranty may be voided or its reliability starts to decline. For gaming, unless you’re constantly installing, uninstalling, and rewriting games daily, you’re unlikely to hit the TBW limit of most modern SSDs. Lexar drives generally have very robust TBW ratings, so it’s not a major concern for the average gamer.
Q6: How do I install a Lexar SSD in my gaming PC or console?
A: For 2.5-inch SATA SSDs (like the NS100), you’ll typically mount them in a drive bay and connect them via a SATA data cable and a SATA power cable from your power supply. For M.2 NVMe SSDs (like the NM790 or Play), they plug directly into an M.2 slot on your motherboard and are secured with a small screw. PS5 installation for NVMe drives is similar, involving removing the console’s side plate and inserting the drive into the designated slot. Always consult your motherboard or console manual for specific instructions.
Q7: Should I prioritize speed or capacity for a gaming SSD?
A: Ideally, you want both! However, if you have to choose, capacity often takes precedence for modern gaming. A 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSD provides a great balance of speed and space for a large game library. If your budget is tight, a smaller, faster NVMe drive for your OS and a few favorite games, complemented by a larger, slower SATA SSD or HDD for less frequently played titles, can be a cost-effective solution.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after the Lexar best 120gb ssd for gaming to give an old system a kick or you’re ready to embrace the lightning-fast speeds of a PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drive, Lexar has a fantastic range to choose from. For those truly sticking to a 120GB capacity, the 128GB NS100 is your go-to for an OS drive. But for a broader and more future-proof gaming experience, consider the NVMe options like the NM790 or Play series.
No matter your choice, upgrading to a Lexar SSD will dramatically improve your gaming experience, slashing load times and making your entire system feel snappier. Happy gaming!