So, you’re on the hunt for the perfect storage upgrade to supercharge your gaming rig, and you’ve likely landed on this page because you’re searching for a Lexar best 480gb ssd for gaming pc. And why not? A solid-state drive (SSD) is an absolute game-changer for loading times, overall system responsiveness, and an incredibly smoother gaming experience. Gone are the days of staring at loading screens – with an SSD, you’ll be dropping into your favorite virtual worlds in a flash.
While a 480GB capacity offers a great balance between space for a few core games and affordability, Lexar, a trusted name in flash memory, also offers a fantastic range of other SSDs designed with gamers in mind, from lightning-fast NVMe drives to versatile portable options. In this article, we’re going to dive deep into some of the top gaming SSDs available today, focusing on Lexar’s excellent offerings, including their best 480GB SSDs and other powerful alternatives that might just be the perfect fit for your setup.
Let’s get your PC ready to dominate!
What to Look for in a Gaming SSD
Before we jump into the reviews, here’s a quick rundown of what makes a good gaming SSD:
- Speed: Sequential read/write speeds are crucial for faster game loading and data transfers. NVMe (PCIe Gen4, Gen3) drives are much faster than SATA.
- Capacity: 480GB/512GB is a sweet spot for an OS drive and a handful of large games. Larger capacities like 1TB or 2TB are great for extensive game libraries.
- Form Factor: 2.5-inch SATA drives fit into traditional hard drive bays, while M.2 NVMe drives are compact sticks that plug directly into your motherboard.
- Durability: SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resilient to drops and bumps than traditional HDDs. Look for good TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings for longevity.
- Reliability: A good warranty gives you peace of mind.
Now, let’s check out the contenders!
1. Lexar 480GB NQ100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
This is often touted as a top contender when you’re looking for a Lexar best 480gb ssd for gaming pc, especially if you’re upgrading an older system or simply need a reliable, cost-effective boost. The NQ100 series delivers a noticeable performance upgrade over traditional hard drives, making your system feel snappier and your games load quicker, all while fitting neatly into a standard 2.5-inch drive bay. It’s a great choice for breathing new life into a laptop or desktop without breaking the bank.
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Key Features:
- Upgrades laptops or desktops for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s.
- Better performance and reliability than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- [480GB] 168TBW endurance rating.
- Three-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for money.
- Significant speed improvement over HDDs.
- Easy to install in most systems.
- Durable and reliable with no moving parts.
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Cons:
- SATA III speeds are slower than NVMe drives.
- 480GB might be limiting for very extensive game libraries.
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User Impressions: Gamers and everyday users alike praise the NQ100 for its straightforward installation and immediate impact on system speed. Many highlight its affordability as a major plus, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious upgrades.
2. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
If raw speed is what you crave, the Lexar NM790 is an absolute powerhouse. While not a 480GB drive, this 1TB NVMe SSD showcases what Lexar can do in high-performance storage. It’s designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators who demand the fastest load times and seamless data handling. Its incredible PCIe Gen4 speeds and PlayStation 5 compatibility make it a fantastic choice for future-proofing your gaming setup.
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Key Features:
- [1TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- 1000TBW endurance rating.
- 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 and seamless performance.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, perfect for laptops.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast read and write speeds.
- Excellent for next-gen gaming and demanding applications.
- Low power consumption for better efficiency.
- PS5 compatible for console gamers.
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Cons:
- Requires a compatible M.2 slot (PCIe Gen4).
- Higher price point due to advanced performance.
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User Impressions: Users are consistently blown away by the speed of the NM790, noting significantly reduced load times in games and applications. Its PS5 compatibility is a huge hit, making it a top choice for console and PC enthusiasts alike.
3. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
While 256GB might not be enough for a vast game library, the Lexar NS100 256GB drive is an excellent entry-level option for anyone looking to ditch their old hard drive. It’s perfect for a primary boot drive, drastically improving startup times and overall system responsiveness. If you’re building a budget gaming PC or just need a speedy home for your operating system and a couple of essential games, this reliable SATA III SSD gets the job done.
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Key Features:
- Upgrades laptops or desktops 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 rating.
- Three-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Very affordable way to upgrade from an HDD.
- Great for a boot drive and essential applications.
- Solid reliability and durability.
- Easy 2.5-inch form factor installation.
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Cons:
- Limited capacity for modern game sizes.
- SATA III speeds are not as fast as NVMe.
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User Impressions: Customers love the NS100 for its immediate impact on their system’s snappiness, especially for older computers. It’s frequently recommended as a superb budget upgrade for general use and light gaming.
4. Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
This 512GB version of the NS100 is arguably the closest you’ll get to a Lexar best 480gb ssd for gaming pc if you prefer the traditional 2.5-inch SATA form factor. It offers that sweet spot of capacity for your operating system, several AAA titles, and essential applications, all with the speed and reliability you’d expect from an SSD. It’s a fantastic choice for gamers who want a solid upgrade without needing the bleeding-edge performance of NVMe.
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Key Features:
- Upgrades laptops or desktops 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.
- [512GB] 240TBW endurance rating.
- Three-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent capacity for most gamers’ needs.
- Reliable and durable with good TBW rating.
- Cost-effective performance boost.
- Easy installation in 2.5-inch drive bays.
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Cons:
- SATA III interface is slower than NVMe.
- May not be enough for all modern large game installs simultaneously.
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User Impressions: Users highly recommend the 512GB NS100 as a major improvement over HDDs, citing significantly faster boot times and game loads. Its balance of price, performance, and capacity makes it a go-to choice for many.
5. Patriot Memory Burst Elite SATA 3 480GB SSD 2.5 Inch…
While our main focus is on Lexar, this Patriot Burst Elite 480GB SSD is a strong alternative if you’re specifically eyeing a 480GB drive for your gaming PC. It offers comparable performance to other SATA III drives, providing a substantial upgrade over mechanical hard drives. It’s a no-frills, reliable option that emphasizes core SSD benefits like faster loading and improved system responsiveness at an attractive price point.
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Key Features:
- Latest SATA 3 Controller.
- Capacity: 480GB.
- Interface: SATA III 6Gb/s.
- Static and Dynamic Wear Leveling for extended drive life.
- Bad Block Management for data integrity.
- Low Power Management for efficiency.
- Form Factor: 2.5″.
- Warranty: 3 Years.
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Pros:
- Solid 480GB capacity for games and OS.
- Cost-effective solution for HDD replacement.
- Reliable SATA III performance.
- Good features for drive longevity (wear leveling, bad block management).
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Cons:
- SATA III speeds are limited compared to NVMe.
- Not a Lexar product (if brand loyalty is a factor).
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User Impressions: Many users appreciate the Patriot Burst Elite for its affordability and reliable performance. It’s often praised as a simple, effective upgrade for older systems or as a secondary drive for game storage.
6. Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe…
For the serious gamer with an extensive library and a keen eye on future-proofing, the Lexar 4TB Play SSD is a magnificent beast. While far from 480GB, its sheer capacity, combined with its integrated heatsink and PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe speeds, makes it a premium choice for both PC gaming and PS5 storage. This is an investment in lightning-fast load times and virtually limitless space for all your digital adventures.
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Key Features:
- Designed to coordinate with your PS5, enhancing your gaming experience.
- 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds for reduced load times.
- [4TB] 3200TBW endurance rating.
- Tested and approved storage for PS5 console.
- Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling.
- Can be used for both PS5 and PC gaming.
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache deliver improved performance and accelerated data access.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Massive 4TB capacity.
- Extremely fast PCIe Gen 4 NVMe speeds.
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management.
- Fully PS5 compatible for seamless game storage and play.
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Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Requires a motherboard with a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot.
- Overkill for users with small game libraries.
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User Impressions: Gamers with this drive rave about the elimination of loading screens and the sheer amount of storage it provides. Its plug-and-play compatibility with the PS5 and the included heatsink are frequently highlighted as major advantages.
7. Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible…
Rounding out our list is something a bit different: the Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD. While not an internal drive and much larger than 480GB, its incredible speed and versatility make it a fantastic accessory for gamers on the go or those needing fast external storage for game backups, media, or even direct recording from devices like the iPhone 15 Pro. Its sleek design and robust features make it a truly premium portable storage solution.
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Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance: up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write.
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design.
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max).
- Wide compatibility: mobile devices, iPhone 15/16, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5.
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures and sustained performance.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast external transfer speeds.
- Highly portable and durable.
- Broad compatibility across many devices, including consoles.
- Ideal for content creation and quick file transfers.
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Cons:
- Not an internal upgrade for your PC.
- Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 for maximum speed.
- Higher cost than typical external HDDs.
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User Impressions: Users praise the SL500’s lightning-fast transfers and robust build quality, finding it indispensable for professional work, gaming backups, and creative projects. Its compact size and broad compatibility are frequently mentioned as standout features.
Conclusion
Whether you were specifically looking for a Lexar best 480gb ssd for gaming pc or are now considering other capacities and form factors, Lexar clearly offers a compelling range of SSDs for every type of gamer. From the reliable and cost-effective SATA drives like the NQ100 and NS100 that offer a significant upgrade over traditional hard drives, to the blazing-fast NVMe options like the NM790 and 4TB Play for cutting-edge performance, there’s a Lexar drive designed to enhance your gaming experience.
Choosing the right SSD boils down to your budget, your system’s compatibility, and how much storage you truly need. No matter which Lexar SSD you pick, you’re investing in faster load times, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive PC. Happy gaming!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why should I choose an SSD over an HDD for gaming?
A1: SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional HDDs. This translates to much quicker game loading times, faster map rendering, and a more responsive operating system. While HDDs offer cheaper storage per gigabyte, the performance boost from an SSD is invaluable for gaming.
Q2: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A2: SATA SSDs (like the Lexar NQ100 or NS100) connect via the SATA III interface, offering speeds up to around 550MB/s. NVMe SSDs (like the Lexar NM790 or 4TB Play) connect via the PCIe interface, which is much faster, with Gen3 NVMe reaching up to 3500MB/s and Gen4 NVMe exceeding 7000MB/s. NVMe drives are ideal for cutting-edge gaming and demanding tasks.
Q3: Is 480GB/512GB enough capacity for a gaming PC?
A3: A 480GB or 512GB SSD is an excellent size for a primary drive, holding your operating system, essential applications, and a few of your most played AAA games. However, modern games can be very large (often 50GB-150GB+), so if you have a massive game library, you might consider a 1TB or larger SSD, or a combination of an SSD for core games and an HDD for bulk storage.
Q4: Can I install an NVMe SSD in any gaming PC?
A4: No, NVMe SSDs require a compatible M.2 slot on your motherboard. Older motherboards might only support SATA M.2 or not have an M.2 slot at all. Make sure to check your motherboard’s specifications before purchasing an NVMe drive. Most modern gaming motherboards will have at least one M.2 slot supporting NVMe.
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’s expected to fail. A higher TBW rating generally means the drive is more durable and will last longer, especially under heavy usage. For gaming, a decent TBW rating ensures your drive will handle numerous game installs and updates without issue.
Q6: Are Lexar SSDs compatible with PlayStation 5?
A6: Yes, some Lexar NVMe SSDs, like the Lexar NM790 and the Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink, are specifically designed and tested for compatibility with the PlayStation 5, offering significant storage expansion and fast load times for your console games. Always check the specific product details for PS5 compatibility.
Q7: How do I install a 2.5-inch SATA SSD?
A7: Installing a 2.5-inch SATA SSD is relatively straightforward. You’ll typically mount it in an available 2.5-inch drive bay in your PC case (or use an adapter for a 3.5-inch bay), connect a SATA data cable from the SSD to your motherboard, and a SATA power cable from your power supply to the SSD. Then, format the drive in your operating system.