Is your trusty desktop PC starting to feel a bit sluggish? Does it take ages to boot up, load applications, or transfer large files? You’re not alone! Many older systems suffer from slow traditional hard drives (HDDs), but there’s a super-effective, relatively inexpensive solution: upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD). And when it comes to reliable performance, Lexar has some fantastic options that could be the Lexar best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC.
Lexar has built a solid reputation for producing high-quality memory and storage solutions. Their SSDs are known for offering a great balance of speed, durability, and value, making them an excellent choice whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or just looking for a snappier everyday computing experience. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into 7 top Lexar SSDs, helping you pick the perfect one to revitalize your desktop.
Why Upgrade to a Lexar SSD?
Before we jump into the products, let’s quickly touch on why an SSD upgrade, particularly a Lexar one, is such a game-changer for your desktop:
- Blazing-Fast Speed: SSDs don’t have moving parts, meaning they can access data almost instantly. This translates to incredibly fast boot times, quicker application loading, and snappier file transfers.
- Enhanced Durability: Without delicate mechanical components, SSDs are much more resistant to drops, shocks, and vibrations – perfect for a long-lasting desktop component.
- Improved System Responsiveness: Everything from browsing the web to opening multiple programs feels smoother and more immediate.
- Energy Efficiency: SSDs consume less power than HDDs, which can contribute to a cooler and quieter PC.
- Lexar Reliability: Lexar offers competitive warranties and a track record of dependable products, giving you peace of mind with your upgrade.
Types of Lexar SSDs for Your Desktop
When looking for the Lexar best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC, you’ll primarily encounter two types of internal drives:
- SATA III (2.5-inch SSDs): These look like traditional laptop hard drives and connect via a SATA cable. They’re super compatible with almost any desktop that uses SATA connections (which is most of them!) and offer a significant speed boost over HDDs. They’re often the most budget-friendly option for a primary boot drive or secondary storage.
- NVMe M.2 (PCIe Gen4 SSDs): These are smaller, stick-like drives that plug directly into an M.2 slot on your motherboard. They use the PCIe interface, offering incredibly faster speeds than SATA SSDs, ideal for high-performance tasks, gaming, and content creation. You’ll need a modern motherboard with an M.2 slot to take advantage of these.
We’ll also look at some external Lexar SSDs that, while not internal desktop upgrades, can significantly enhance your desktop’s capabilities by providing lightning-fast, portable storage.
Let’s get to the reviews!
1. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to inject new life into an older desktop or simply want a snappy boot drive without breaking the bank, the Lexar 256GB NS100 is a fantastic starting point. This 2.5-inch SATA III SSD offers a significant leap in performance over traditional hard drives, making your everyday computing experience far more enjoyable. It’s a prime example of a great entry-level Lexar best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC for general use.
Key Features:
– 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 (Terabytes Written)
– Three-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Excellent value for money
– Noticeably faster boot and app load times compared to HDDs
– Highly durable due to no moving parts
– Easy to install in most desktops
Cons:
– Limited capacity for a primary drive if you have many large games or files
– SATA speeds are slower than NVMe alternatives
User Impressions:
Customers frequently praise the NS100 for its immediate impact on PC performance, noting how quickly their systems boot up after the upgrade. It’s often recommended as a budget-friendly option for bringing older machines back to life, with users appreciating its reliability.
2. Lexar 128GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
For those on a super-tight budget or needing a dedicated drive just for their operating system and essential applications, the Lexar 128GB NS100 offers all the benefits of its larger sibling in a more compact capacity. It’s the ultimate starter SSD to experience the dramatic difference an SSD can make. Think of it as the ultimate accelerator for your system’s core functions, making it a viable candidate for the Lexar best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC if capacity isn’t your main concern.
Key Features:
– 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
– Three-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Extremely affordable entry point into SSD technology
– Dramatically improves OS and core application speed
– Perfect as a dedicated boot drive
– Durable and reliable
Cons:
– Very limited storage space, not suitable for extensive game libraries or large files
– SATA speed limitations compared to NVMe
User Impressions:
Users love this SSD for its affordability and the instant performance boost it gives to older PCs. Many use it specifically for their Windows installation, reporting vastly improved boot times and overall system snappiness. It’s often seen as a smart, economical upgrade.
3. Lexar 480GB NQ100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
Stepping up in capacity and performance within the SATA realm, the Lexar 480GB NQ100 is an excellent choice for a well-rounded internal drive. With nearly 500GB of space, it’s capacious enough for your operating system, a good selection of games, and essential software, all while delivering snappy SATA III speeds. It builds on the reliability of Lexar’s SATA lineup, making it a strong contender for the Lexar best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC if you’re sticking with SATA.
Key Features:
– Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
– Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s
– Experience better performance and reliability than with a traditional hard drive
– Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
– [480GB] 168TBW
– Three-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Good balance of capacity and affordability
– Slightly faster read speeds than the NS100 series
– Robust and reliable, ideal for a primary drive
– Simple plug-and-play installation
Cons:
– Still limited by SATA III interface speeds compared to NVMe
– May require a 2.5-inch drive bay or adapter for some desktop cases
User Impressions:
Reviewers highlight the NQ100’s solid performance for its price, praising its improved loading times for games and software. Its capacity is often cited as a sweet spot for many users who want more than a boot drive but don’t need a terabyte of SSD storage.
4. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
Now we’re talking serious speed! The Lexar 1TB NM790 is a powerhouse PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD designed for those who demand top-tier performance from their desktop. With blistering read/write speeds, this drive is perfect for hardcore gamers, professional content creators, and anyone who wants their system to feel instantaneously responsive. If your motherboard has an M.2 slot, this is arguably the Lexar best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC for pure performance.
Key Features:
– [1TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1000TBW
– 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 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed 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:
– Phenomenal read and write speeds, significantly reducing load times
– Excellent power efficiency for a high-performance drive
– High durability (1000TBW) and a long warranty
– Ideal for demanding applications, gaming, and 4K video editing
Cons:
– Requires a compatible M.2 slot and PCIe Gen4 support on your motherboard
– Higher price point than SATA SSDs
User Impressions:
Users are blown away by the speed of the NM790, often reporting real-world performance close to the advertised specs. Gamers notice drastically reduced load screens, while creative professionals praise its ability to handle large files and demanding workflows with ease. Its PlayStation 5 compatibility is also a huge plus for console gamers.
5. Lexar 2TB Armor 700 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB…
While the primary focus for upgrading a desktop PC often leans towards internal drives, external SSDs like the Lexar 2TB Armor 700 are incredibly powerful for expanding your desktop’s storage capabilities, enhancing workflow for creative professionals, or creating a blazing-fast external game library. This portable drive offers rugged protection and exceptional speed, seamlessly complementing your internal setup with high-speed, portable storage.
Key Features:
– Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of 2000MB/s max read/write speeds for accelerated data transfers
– Rated IP66 to protect against both water and dust, the rugged design is built to withstand up to 3-meter drops and falls, making it perfect for the outdoors and extreme environments
– Supports Apple Pro Res recording – shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (magnetic ring sold separately)
– Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures even at top speeds, so high performance is always retained
– Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone 15/16 series, cameras, gaming consoles, and more
– Includes Lexar DataShield, a 256-bit AES encryption advanced security solution
– Includes a Type-C and USB-A all-in-one cable
– Product dimensions and weight: 3.39” x 2.14” x 0.52”; 0.18 lbs.
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Extremely fast external transfer speeds
– Incredibly durable and rugged, ideal for mobile professionals or outdoor use
– Cross-device compatibility (PC, Mac, mobile, consoles)
– Includes robust 256-bit AES encryption for data security
Cons:
– Not an internal desktop upgrade in the traditional sense
– Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port on your desktop for maximum speed
User Impressions:
Users rave about the Armor 700’s incredible speed, making quick work of large file transfers. Its rugged design is a major selling point for those who need to transport critical data, and its compatibility with various devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro for video recording, makes it highly versatile.
6. Lexar 1TB NQ780 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
The Lexar 1TB NQ780 is another excellent PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD, offering a fantastic blend of high performance and smart features for desktop users. It delivers quick boot-ups and rapid game loading, making it a compelling option for those upgrading to a modern, fast storage solution. With its single-sided design, it’s also a great choice for laptop users, but truly shines when you’re looking for a Lexar best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC with an M.2 slot.
Key Features:
– Delivers read/write speeds up to 6500/2500 MB/s for fast gameplay and boot-ups
– High-quality 8-channel Gen 4 controller provides better sustained write performance while HMB and SLC cache technologies improve performance and user experience and reduce latency
– Great for laptops too thanks to its single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control
– Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool lets you perform firmware updates, manage the drive and its data, and monitor drive health
– A 5-year limited warranty offers peace of mind
Pros:
– Very fast PCIe Gen4 speeds for gaming and productivity
– Features like HMB and SLC cache enhance sustained performance
– Includes Lexar’s DiskMaster software for easy management
– Single-sided design ensures broad compatibility
– Solid 5-year warranty
Cons:
– Write speeds are lower than the top-tier NM790, though still very fast
– Requires an M.2 slot on your motherboard
User Impressions:
Customers highlight the NQ780’s snappy performance for everyday tasks and gaming, often commenting on the smooth experience. The included DiskMaster tool is a nice bonus for monitoring drive health, and its compatibility with both desktops and modern laptops is often praised.
7. Lexar 4TB Armor 700 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB…
For those who need massive, super-fast, and highly durable external storage, the Lexar 4TB Armor 700 Portable SSD is an absolute beast. Like its 2TB sibling, this drive isn’t an internal desktop upgrade, but it dramatically enhances your desktop’s utility by offering an immense pool of incredibly fast external storage. Whether you’re a video editor working with massive files, a gamer with an overflowing library, or simply someone who needs robust backup, this is an outstanding choice.
Key Features:
– Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of 2000MB/s max read/write speeds for accelerated data transfers
– Rated IP66 to protect against both water and dust; the rugged design is built to withstand up to 3-meter drops and falls making it perfect for the outdoors and extreme environments
– Supports Apple Pro Res recording – shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (magnetic ring sold separately)
– Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures even at top speeds, so high performance is always retained
– Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone 15/16 series, cameras, gaming consoles, and more
– Includes Lexar DataShield, a 256-bit AES encryption advanced security solution
– Includes a Type-C and USB-A all-in-one cable
– Product dimensions and weight: 3.39” x 2.14” x 0.52”; 0.18 lbs.
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Enormous 4TB capacity in a portable format
– Extreme read/write speeds (2000MB/s) for demanding tasks
– Unrivaled ruggedness (IP66, 3-meter drop resistance)
– Broad compatibility and advanced security features
– Excellent thermal management for sustained performance
Cons:
– Premium price due to capacity and features
– Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for peak performance
User Impressions:
Customers are particularly impressed with the 4TB Armor 700’s combination of massive storage, speed, and durability. It’s a favorite among video professionals and photographers who need to move and store huge projects securely. Gamers also appreciate using it for an external library, enjoying near-internal drive loading speeds.
How to Choose the Lexar Best SSD for Upgrading a Desktop PC
Picking the right SSD for your desktop upgrade boils down to a few key considerations:
- Motherboard Compatibility:
- SATA: Almost all desktops have SATA ports. If you have an older system or no M.2 slot, a 2.5-inch SATA SSD like the NS100 or NQ100 is your go-to.
- NVMe M.2: For modern desktops, check your motherboard for an M.2 slot. If it supports PCIe Gen4, you can unleash incredible speeds with drives like the NM790 or NQ780.
- Capacity Needs:
- 128GB-256GB: Great for a dedicated boot drive (OS + essential apps).
- 480GB-1TB: Good for a boot drive plus some games and software.
- 2TB+: Ideal for extensive game libraries, large media files, or professional workflows.
- Performance Desired:
- SATA SSDs: Offer a huge boost over HDDs for everyday tasks.
- NVMe M.2 SSDs: Provide cutting-edge speed for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking.
- Budget: SSDs come at various price points. SATA drives are generally more affordable per GB than NVMe. Portable SSDs can also vary greatly depending on capacity and speed.
- Usage Type (Internal vs. External):
- Internal: For replacing your main drive or adding fast internal storage.
- External (Portable): For adding fast, portable storage, backing up files, or expanding your game library without opening your PC.
Conclusion
Upgrading your desktop PC with a Lexar SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to its overall performance. From the budget-friendly, yet highly effective, SATA drives like the NS100 and NQ100, to the lightning-fast PCIe Gen4 NVMe powerhouses like the NM790 and NQ780, Lexar offers a solution for every need and budget. Even their rugged portable SSDs can greatly enhance your desktop experience by providing rapid external storage.
No matter which you choose, you’re investing in faster boot times, quicker application loading, and a more responsive, enjoyable computing experience. So, stop waiting for your PC and start experiencing true speed. It’s time to find the Lexar best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC that fits your unique setup and unleash its full potential!
FAQ Section
Q1: What’s the biggest difference between a SATA SSD and an NVMe M.2 SSD?
A1: The main difference is speed and connection. SATA SSDs use the older SATA III interface, maxing out around 550MB/s. NVMe M.2 SSDs use the PCIe interface, offering significantly higher speeds, often in the thousands of MB/s, and connect directly to your motherboard via a smaller M.2 slot. NVMe is generally much faster for demanding tasks.
Q2: Can I use both a SATA SSD and an NVMe M.2 SSD in my desktop?
A2: Absolutely! Many modern desktops can accommodate both. You might use an NVMe SSD as your primary boot drive and for frequently played games, while a SATA SSD could serve as a secondary drive for general storage, less-demanding games, or backups.
Q3: Is it difficult to install a Lexar SSD in a desktop PC?
A3: For most users, it’s quite straightforward. SATA SSDs connect with a power cable from your PSU and a data cable to your motherboard. NVMe M.2 SSDs simply slot into an M.2 port on your motherboard and are secured with a small screw. If you’re replacing your main drive, you’ll need to transfer your operating system, which can be done with cloning software or a fresh Windows installation.
Q4: Do Lexar SSDs come with cloning software?
A4: While Lexar doesn’t always bundle proprietary cloning software, many Lexar SSDs are compatible with popular third-party cloning tools like Macrium Reflect Free or MiniTool Partition Wizard, which can help you migrate your data from your old drive to the new SSD. Some of their NVMe drives do come with their own management software like Lexar DiskMaster.
Q5: How much storage capacity do I really need for an SSD?
A5: It depends on your usage.
– 128GB-256GB: Sufficient for just your operating system and essential programs if you have a separate HDD for files.
– 480GB-1TB: A good balance for the OS, several games, and common applications. This is often the sweet spot for many users.
– 2TB+: Ideal for power users, gamers with vast libraries, and content creators dealing with large media files.
Q6: Can upgrading to an SSD improve my gaming performance?
A6: Yes, significantly! While an SSD won’t directly increase your FPS, it will dramatically reduce game loading times, texture pop-in, and level transitions. This results in a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience, getting you into the action faster.
Q7: What is TBW (Terabytes Written) and why is it important for an SSD?
A7: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and indicates how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifespan before its reliability might start to degrade. A higher TBW rating means the drive is rated for more writes and is generally more durable for heavy-use scenarios. Lexar offers competitive TBW ratings, backed by their warranties.