Is your gaming laptop feeling sluggish? Are those loading screens for your favorite AAA titles stretching into eternity? It might be time for an upgrade, and a Solid State Drive (SSD) is often the best place to start. Specifically, a high-performance SSD can dramatically improve your system’s responsiveness, game loading speeds, and overall gaming experience. When it comes to reliable and fast storage, Lexar has carved out a solid reputation, offering a range of SSDs perfect for gamers.
But with so many options, how do you pick the Lexar best SSD for gaming laptop? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, reviewing some of the top Lexar SSDs that can turn your gaming rig into a speed demon. Whether you’re looking for an internal upgrade or a lightning-fast external drive for your game library, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Why Upgrade Your Gaming Laptop with a Lexar SSD?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why an SSD is a game-changer for laptops, especially for gaming:
- Blazing Fast Load Times: Say goodbye to long loading screens. Games, applications, and even your operating system will boot up significantly faster.
- Improved Responsiveness: Your entire system will feel snappier, making multitasking smoother and gaming more fluid.
- Durability: Unlike traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resistant to drops and bumps – great for portable gaming laptops.
- Better Power Efficiency: SSDs consume less power than HDDs, which can translate to slightly longer battery life for your gaming sessions on the go.
Now, let’s look at the best Lexar SSDs to supercharge your gaming laptop!
Top Internal Lexar SSDs for Gaming Laptops
These drives are designed to replace or supplement your laptop’s existing internal storage, offering the most significant performance boost.
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
If you’re looking for an absolute powerhouse to turbocharge your gaming laptop, the Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink is a fantastic choice. This beast isn’t just fast; it’s designed to stay cool under pressure thanks to its integrated heatsink, which is crucial for maintaining peak performance during intense gaming sessions. With its incredible read and write speeds, you’ll be loading games and transferring massive files in the blink of an eye. This is easily one of the top contenders for the Lexar best SSD for gaming laptop if your system can accommodate a heatsink.
Key Features:
– 2TB storage capacity
– Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother performance
– Compatible with PlayStation 5 (great for console gamers too!)
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Phenomenal speed for gaming and large file transfers
– Heatsink prevents thermal throttling, ensuring consistent performance
– Energy efficient design
– High endurance (1500TBW)
– PS5 compatibility adds versatility
Cons:
– Heatsink might be too tall for some ultra-thin gaming laptops
– Might be overkill for casual gamers
User Impressions:
Users rave about the NM790’s incredible speed, noting significant improvements in boot times and game loading. The heatsink is often praised for keeping temperatures in check, even during prolonged use. Many consider it a premium upgrade worth every penny for a serious gaming rig.
2. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
For gamers who need top-tier performance but require a drive that’s guaranteed to fit into virtually any modern gaming laptop, the 1TB Lexar NM790 without a heatsink is a superb option. This single-sided NVMe SSD offers nearly identical blistering speeds to its heatsink-equipped sibling, making it a perfect, no-fuss upgrade for systems with limited space. It’s designed specifically with hardcore gamers and creators in mind, ensuring your system keeps pace with your demands without the bulk.
Key Features:
– 1TB storage capacity
– Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– Single-sided design, ideal for laptops and compact systems
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smooth transfer speeds
– Compatible with PlayStation 5
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Outstanding speed for fast game loading and system responsiveness
– Slim, single-sided design ensures wide laptop compatibility
– Energy-efficient operation
– High endurance (1000TBW for 1TB model)
– Great value for performance
Cons:
– No integrated heatsink (rely on laptop’s cooling or aftermarket solution if needed)
– 1TB might not be enough for extremely large game libraries for some users
User Impressions:
Customers love how easy this drive is to install and the immediate performance boost it delivers. Many highlight its exceptional speed and the fact that it runs cool enough even without a heatsink in well-ventilated laptops. It’s often recommended as a prime example of the Lexar best SSD for gaming laptop due to its blend of speed and compatibility.
3. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This is the bigger brother to the 1TB NM790, offering a generous 2TB of storage capacity while maintaining the same incredible PCIe Gen4 speeds. If you’re tired of constantly uninstalling games to make room for new ones, this 2TB version is your knight in shining armor. It boasts the same single-sided design, making it highly compatible with most gaming laptops. This capacity, combined with its raw speed, makes it arguably the Lexar best SSD for gaming laptop for those who prioritize both ample storage and top-tier performance without a heatsink.
Key Features:
– 2TB storage capacity
– Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– Single-sided design, perfect for laptops
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for seamless performance
– Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
– Compatible with PlayStation 5
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Massive 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries
– Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds
– Excellent laptop compatibility due to single-sided design
– Energy-efficient
– High durability (1500TBW)
Cons:
– No integrated heatsink
– Premium price point for the 2TB capacity
User Impressions:
Reviewers frequently praise the NM790 2TB for its fantastic balance of speed and storage. Many gamers appreciate not having to worry about storage limitations anymore, reporting noticeably faster game loads and smoother overall system operation. Its reliability and ease of installation are also common highlights.
4. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
While not a PCIe Gen4 speed demon, the Lexar 256GB NS100 SATA III SSD is an excellent and cost-effective upgrade for older gaming laptops or as a secondary storage drive. If your laptop doesn’t support NVMe or you’re looking to replace a traditional hard drive in a budget-friendly way, the NS100 offers a significant performance boost over HDDs. You’ll still enjoy much faster boot times, quicker application loading, and improved data transfers compared to conventional spinning drives.
Key Features:
– 256GB storage capacity
– 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:
– Affordable entry into SSD performance
– Dramatically faster than traditional HDDs
– Highly durable and reliable
– Wide compatibility with older laptops and desktops
– Low power consumption
Cons:
– Significantly slower than NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs
– 256GB capacity is quite small for modern gaming
– Not suitable as a primary drive for a large game library
User Impressions:
Users often purchase the NS100 for older laptops or as an OS drive to breathe new life into an aging system. They report remarkable improvements in boot times and general system responsiveness. It’s highly regarded for its reliability and excellent value for money, making it a solid choice for a specific upgrade niche.
Versatile External Lexar SSDs for Gaming
While the above are internal options, external SSDs can be incredibly useful for gamers, offering portable storage for your game library, faster game transfers, or even direct play for some titles, especially when combined with consoles or PCs that can boot from external drives.
5. Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read, Storage
The Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD is a robust and speedy portable storage solution perfect for gamers who need extra space on the go or a fast backup for their massive game files. With speeds up to 9.5x faster than hard disk drives, it’s fantastic for quickly moving games between devices or expanding your console’s storage. Its built-in heat dissipation features mean it can handle those blazing-fast transfers without breaking a sweat, ensuring durability and consistent performance.
Key Features:
– 2TB storage capacity
– Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
– 9.5x faster than HDDs for quick transfers
– Built-in double layer graphite sheets for excellent heat dissipation
– Drop-resistant up to 2 meters for durability
– Plug-and-play compatibility with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable
– Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption and Lexar Recovery Tool
Pros:
– High capacity for an extensive game library
– Very fast transfer speeds for an external drive
– Excellent thermal management for sustained performance
– Rugged, drop-resistant design
– Wide device compatibility (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone)
– Data encryption and recovery tools included
Cons:
– Not as fast as internal PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives
– While good for external storage, less direct impact on laptop internal game load times
User Impressions:
Customers frequently highlight the ES3’s impressive speed for an external drive, making it ideal for backing up large Steam libraries or moving video files. Its durable build and sleek design are also big positives, with many appreciating the peace of mind offered by the drop resistance.
6. Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible
Stepping up the external SSD game, the Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD offers incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, with read speeds of up to 2000MB/s. This makes it a fantastic choice for console gamers (PS5, Xbox X|S) who want to store and even play games directly from an external drive, or PC gamers who need ultra-fast portable storage for their most frequently played titles. Its thin, lightweight, and durable metal design means you can easily slip it into your pocket and take your games anywhere.
Key Features:
– 1TB storage capacity
– Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance: up to 2000MB/s read, 1800MB/s write
– Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design
– Supports Apple Pro Res recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro)
– Wide compatibility (mobile devices, iPhone 15/16, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5)
– Unique Thermal Control Design for optimal temperatures
– Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play
– Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Exceptional external transfer speeds, near internal SSD performance
– Extremely portable and stylish design
– Excellent thermal management to prevent slowdowns
– Broad compatibility across various gaming and mobile devices
– Ideal for fast game transfers and direct console gaming
– Robust data encryption included
Cons:
– Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for maximum speed (otherwise speeds may be lower)
– 1TB might be limiting for a massive, multi-platform game collection
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by the SL500’s speed and compact form factor. Many specifically praise its performance when connected to a PS5 or Xbox, allowing games to load quickly. Its premium feel and reliability make it a top choice for a high-performance external gaming storage.
7. Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible
The 2TB Lexar SL500 Portable SSD takes everything great about the 1TB version and doubles the storage, making it the ultimate portable game vault. With the same breathtaking USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds (up to 2000MB/s read), you can store an enormous collection of games, applications, and media, and access them with lightning speed. Whether you’re a content creator handling massive video files or a hardcore gamer with an ever-growing library, this 2TB SL500 offers the perfect blend of capacity, speed, and portability.
Key Features:
– 2TB storage capacity
– Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance: up to 2000MB/s read, 1800MB/s write
– Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design
– Supports Apple Pro Res recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro)
– Wide compatibility (mobile devices, iPhone 15/16, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5)
– Unique Thermal Control Design for optimal temperatures
– Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play
– Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Huge 2TB capacity for extensive game and media libraries
– Blazing-fast external transfer speeds, rivaling internal SSDs
– Sleek, pocket-friendly, and durable design
– Excellent thermal management for peak performance
– Versatile compatibility for all your gaming and creative needs
– Strong data security features
Cons:
– Maximum speed requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port
– Higher price point due to capacity and speed
User Impressions:
The 2TB SL500 is highly praised for its ability to store massive amounts of data and transfer it incredibly quickly. Users appreciate its robust build quality and the peace of mind that comes with Lexar’s reputation. It’s often cited as the go-to external drive for professionals and serious gamers who need speed, space, and portability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got more questions about upgrading your gaming laptop’s storage? We’ve got answers!
Q1: What’s the main difference between NVMe PCIe Gen4 and SATA SSDs?
A1: The biggest difference is speed and the interface they use. NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs (like the NM790 series) use the PCIe lanes in your system, offering incredibly high read/write speeds, often reaching thousands of MB/s. SATA SSDs (like the NS100) use the older SATA interface, which is significantly slower, typically topping out around 550MB/s. For a modern gaming laptop, NVMe PCIe Gen4 is definitely the way to go for the best performance.
Q2: Do I need a heatsink for my gaming laptop’s NVMe SSD?
A2: It depends on your laptop and the specific SSD. High-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs can generate a lot of heat, and if your laptop’s cooling system isn’t robust, a heatsink can help prevent thermal throttling, ensuring consistent performance. However, many thin gaming laptops don’t have space for a bulky heatsink, and some SSDs (like the single-sided NM790) are designed to run efficiently enough without one, relying on the laptop’s internal airflow. Always check your laptop’s clearance before buying an SSD with an integrated heatsink.
Q3: How much storage do I really need for gaming?
A3: For modern gaming, 1TB is a good starting point if you only install a few large titles at a time. However, many AAA games now easily exceed 100GB, so 2TB is quickly becoming the sweet spot for a comfortable game library without constant uninstalls. If you’re a hardcore gamer with many titles installed, even 4TB might be desirable.
Q4: Can I use an external SSD for gaming on my laptop?
A4: Yes, you absolutely can! External SSDs like the Lexar ES3 or SL500 are fantastic for storing your game library, especially if your laptop’s internal storage is limited. While playing directly from an external SSD is generally slower than an internal NVMe drive, modern external SSDs with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (like the SL500) offer excellent speeds that can be comparable to or even better than some internal SATA drives. They’re also great for moving games between different PCs or consoles.
Q5: What is “TBW” and why is it important for an SSD?
A5: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance – how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before it might start experiencing issues. A higher TBW rating indicates a more durable and longer-lasting drive. For gamers, who are constantly writing and rewriting game files, a good TBW rating (like the 1000TBW or 1500TBW on the NM790 series) provides peace of mind that your investment will last.
Q6: Is it difficult to upgrade my gaming laptop’s SSD?
A6: It varies by laptop model. Many modern gaming laptops are designed with user-friendly access panels for SSD upgrades. You’ll typically need a small screwdriver and sometimes a spudger tool. However, it’s always recommended to consult your laptop’s manual or look up a specific guide for your model on YouTube to ensure you follow the correct procedure and don’t void your warranty. If you’re unsure, professional installation is an option.
Q7: Does an SSD improve FPS (Frames Per Second) in games?
A7: Directly, no. An SSD won’t increase your raw FPS. FPS is primarily dependent on your CPU and GPU. However, an SSD significantly reduces load times, texture pop-in, and can make open-world games feel smoother by loading assets much faster. This indirectly enhances the experience of gaming, even if the frame rate number stays the same.
Final Thoughts on Lexar SSDs for Your Gaming Laptop
Upgrading to a high-quality SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your gaming laptop. Lexar offers some truly excellent options, from the blistering-fast internal NM790 series, perfect for primary game storage, to the incredibly portable and speedy external SL500, ideal for expanding your library on the go.
The Lexar best SSD for gaming laptop ultimately depends on your specific needs: space constraints, budget, and desired performance. But with any of these Lexar drives, you’re not just upgrading a component; you’re fundamentally enhancing your entire gaming experience. Say goodbye to frustrating load screens and hello to instant action!