Are you a serious gamer whose laptop just can’t keep up with those epic loading screens or frustrating in-game stutters? It might not be your graphics card or RAM, but rather your trusty old storage holding you back. Upgrading to a high-performance M.2 NVMe Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful improvements you can make for your gaming laptop. It’s like giving your rig a nitro boost!
When it comes to picking the Lexar best M.2 SSD for laptop gaming, you’re looking for blazing-fast speeds, rock-solid reliability, and enough capacity to house your ever-growing game library. But Lexar isn’t the only player in town. Other brands like WD_BLACK also offer phenomenal options that deserve a spot on your shortlist. We’ve dug deep to bring you a curated list of 7 top M.2 SSDs that will transform your gaming experience, focusing heavily on Lexar’s excellent offerings while also spotlighting some other strong contenders. Let’s dive in!
Why an M.2 NVMe SSD is a Game-Changer for Laptops
Traditional hard drives (HDDs) and even older SATA SSDs simply can’t compete with the raw speed of NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) M.2 SSDs, especially those leveraging PCIe Gen4 technology. These drives connect directly to your laptop’s motherboard, bypassing SATA bottlenecks and offering sequential read and write speeds that are several times faster. This means:
- Lightning-fast game loading: Say goodbye to long waits!
- Seamless level transitions: No more jarring pauses.
- Quicker boot times: Get into the action faster.
- Smoother multitasking: Run Discord, OBS, and your game without a hitch.
- Reduced in-game stuttering: Especially for open-world titles that constantly load assets.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the lag and embrace fluid, responsive gameplay, an M.2 NVMe SSD upgrade is definitely in your future.
Our Top Picks for Laptop Gaming M.2 SSDs
Here are our hand-picked selections, including several excellent Lexar options and other high-performers perfect for making your laptop a gaming beast.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NM790 series is a serious contender for the title of Lexar best M.2 SSD for laptop gaming, and this 2TB model truly shines. It’s designed for those who demand peak performance without breaking the bank, offering incredible speeds that’ll make your games load in a flash. Its single-sided design makes it perfectly suited for the often-cramped confines of a laptop chassis, ensuring compatibility while delivering a powerful upgrade.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW endurance rating for long-term reliability
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs, significantly boosting load times
- 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 performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (a good indicator of high performance)
- Single-sided NVMe SSD – ideal for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds redefine laptop gaming
- Excellent power efficiency extends battery life during gaming
- High endurance rating ensures durability
- Laptop-friendly single-sided design
- Great value for performance
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Cons:
- Lacks a dedicated hardware DRAM cache (relies on HMB)
- No integrated heatsink (though often not needed for laptops)
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise its incredible speed and how it transforms their laptop’s performance. Many note the significant reduction in loading times and overall system responsiveness, calling it a fantastic upgrade for the price point.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
If you’re worried about thermal throttling during intense gaming sessions, this version of the Lexar NM790 comes pre-equipped with a heatsink. While laptops typically have less space for bulky heatsinks, some larger gaming laptops might accommodate it, or external enclosures can benefit greatly. It delivers the same phenomenal speeds as its non-heatsink sibling, but with the added peace of mind that your drive will stay cool under pressure, ensuring consistent performance.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity with exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1500TBW
- Includes a factory-attached heatsink for superior thermal management
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs, greatly enhancing game loading
- 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 for seamless transfers
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 for versatility
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Built-in heatsink for sustained peak performance
- Top-tier PCIe Gen4 speeds for gaming
- Energy-efficient design
- High TBW rating for longevity
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Cons:
- The heatsink might be too tall for some slimmer gaming laptops
- Slightly higher cost due to the integrated heatsink
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the added heatsink for peace of mind, especially in systems with less airflow or when pushing the drive hard. They confirm the incredible speeds and stable performance even during extended gaming.
- See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While our focus is on the Lexar best M.2 SSD for laptop gaming, we simply can’t ignore the impressive offerings from WD_BLACK, a brand synonymous with gaming storage. The SN7100 is purpose-built for serious on-the-go gamers, offering robust performance and excellent power efficiency. It’s a fantastic alternative that brings Western Digital’s renowned reliability to your gaming setup, ensuring your games run smoothly and load quickly.
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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 WD_BLACK SSDs
- PCIe Gen4 interface and Western Digital’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND
- Available in multiple capacities up to 4TB
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation – ideal for laptops
- WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for optimizing drive performance
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Pros:
- Excellent speeds for demanding games
- Designed specifically for laptop and handheld gaming
- High power efficiency extends battery life
- Reputable Western Digital reliability
- Dedicated dashboard software for optimization
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Cons:
- Performance, while great, is slightly below the top-tier Gen4 drives like the Lexar NM790 in raw sequential numbers.
- Dashboard software is Windows-only.
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User Impressions: Gamers love the SN7100’s consistent performance and impressive power efficiency, making it a favorite for laptop upgrades. They highlight its reliability and how it keeps their systems responsive even during heavy use.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If 2TB is overkill for your needs but you still want blistering speed, the 1TB version of the Lexar NM790 is an absolute powerhouse. It delivers the same exceptional PCIe Gen4 performance as its larger sibling, making it an outstanding choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency in a more compact capacity. This is another strong contender for the title of Lexar best M.2 SSD for laptop gaming for those with tighter budgets or smaller storage requirements.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity for a solid game library
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1000TBW
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs, drastically reducing load times
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smooth and seamless performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (shows its high-performance credentials)
- Single-sided NVMe SSD perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Top-tier PCIe Gen4 speeds in a 1TB form factor
- Excellent power efficiency for laptop battery life
- Single-sided design ensures broad laptop compatibility
- Strong endurance rating
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Cons:
- 1TB might feel limiting for very large game collections over time
- Lacks a dedicated hardware DRAM cache
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend the 1TB NM790 for its incredible speed and value. It’s a popular choice for those upgrading older laptops or wanting a primary drive that’s super quick without breaking the bank.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB NM710 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
For gamers seeking a fantastic balance between performance and value, the Lexar NM710 is a compelling option. While its speeds are slightly lower than the NM790, it still offers a significant upgrade over PCIe Gen3 drives and is more than capable of handling modern games with ease. This 2TB model provides ample space and strong Gen4 performance, making it a smart choice for many laptop gamers looking for a reliable, fast storage solution.
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Key Features:
- High-speed PCIe Gen4x4 interface
- Features HMB (Host Memory Buffer) 3.0 and SLC Cache technology
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- More than 40% faster speed than PCIe 3.0 SSDs
- 2TB capacity with sequential read speed up to 4850MB/s, sequential write speed up to 4500MB/s
- 1200TBW endurance rating
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio
- Substantial upgrade from PCIe Gen3 SSDs
- Robust and durable construction (no moving parts)
- Generous 2TB capacity for games and media
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Cons:
- Not as fast as the top-tier Gen4 drives (like the NM790 or WD_BLACK SN850X)
- Still relies on HMB rather than dedicated DRAM
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User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the NM710 as a great budget-friendly Gen4 option. They note its solid performance for gaming and everyday tasks, making it a reliable choice for a cost-effective upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
If you’re building a no-compromise gaming laptop or simply want the absolute best performance money can buy, the WD_BLACK SN850X is an undisputed champion. This drive delivers mind-blowing speeds that will truly transform your PC or workstation, offering ridiculously short load times and cutting-edge features. It’s an investment in speed and reliability, and a stellar choice for anyone prioritizing top-tier gaming performance.
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Key Features:
- TRANSFORM YOUR PC with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write
- Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND
- Optional heatsink version to help maintain peak performance (check laptop compatibility)
- WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for health monitoring, RGB customization (heatsink versions), and Game Mode 2.0
- Future-forward features: Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM)
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Pros:
- Among the fastest PCIe Gen4 SSDs available
- Huge capacity options (up to 8TB)
- Optional heatsink for thermal stability
- Feature-rich WD_BLACK Dashboard enhances gaming
- Advanced technologies for optimal performance
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Cons:
- Premium price point
- Heatsink version might not fit all laptops
- Dashboard features are Windows-only
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User Impressions: This drive consistently receives rave reviews for its unparalleled speed and performance. Gamers report instantaneous load times and incredibly smooth gameplay, often calling it the best upgrade they’ve ever made.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar M.2 2TB PCIe Gen 4X4 NM790 NVMe SSD
Rounding out our list is another iteration of the Lexar NM790 series, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier choice for laptop gaming. This 2TB model (LNM790X002T-RNNNG) is simply a confirmation of the NM790’s consistent excellence and widespread availability. It reinforces that the NM790 is a leading contender when considering the Lexar best M.2 SSD for laptop gaming, offering a powerful blend of speed, efficiency, and reliability for demanding users.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity delivering incredible performance (up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write)
- PCIe Gen 4X4 NVMe interface for superior data transfer rates
- Designed with power efficiency in mind, great for laptops
- High TBW rating for robust longevity
- Five-year limited warranty provides peace of mind
- Ideal for competitive gamers and content creators
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Pros:
- Consistently high performance across different listings of the NM790
- Excellent choice for a primary game drive in laptops
- Solid reliability and warranty
- Strong performance-to-cost ratio
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Cons:
- (As a general NM790 point) relies on HMB rather than dedicated DRAM
- No integrated heatsink on this specific model/listing
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User Impressions: Customers frequently rate the NM790 very highly for its impressive speed, especially noting its impact on game loading and system responsiveness. It’s often recommended as a go-to upgrade for modern gaming laptops.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ Section
Q1: What makes an M.2 NVMe SSD “best” for gaming laptops?
A1: The “best” M.2 NVMe SSD for gaming laptops offers a combination of ultra-fast read/write speeds (ideally PCIe Gen4 with 7000+ MB/s reads), high capacity (1TB or 2TB minimum), strong endurance (TBW), and good power efficiency. Fast speeds drastically reduce game loading times and in-game asset streaming, while high capacity lets you store more titles. Good power efficiency is a bonus for laptop battery life.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 SSDs, and why does it matter for gaming?
A2: PCIe Gen4 SSDs offer roughly double the theoretical bandwidth of Gen3 drives. For gaming, this translates to significantly faster loading screens, smoother texture streaming in open-world games, and reduced stuttering. While Gen3 is still good, Gen4 is becoming the standard for high-end gaming laptops and offers a more future-proof experience.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my laptop’s M.2 SSD?
A3: Most gaming laptops have limited space, and often a bulky heatsink won’t fit. Modern NVMe SSDs, especially power-efficient ones like the Lexar NM790 series, are designed to operate effectively within a laptop’s thermal limits without an added heatsink. If your laptop has excellent airflow and space, a heatsink can help maintain peak performance during extremely long, intense sessions, but it’s often not strictly necessary for most users in a laptop environment.
Q4: What is Host Memory Buffer (HMB) and why is it important for some SSDs?
A4: Host Memory Buffer (HMB) allows a DRAM-less SSD to use a small portion of your computer’s system RAM as a cache. This helps improve performance, especially random read/write operations, making these drives feel much faster and more responsive than older DRAM-less models. It’s a clever way to keep costs down while still delivering excellent performance, particularly for drives like the Lexar NM790.
Q5: How much SSD storage do I really need for gaming on a laptop?
A5: For a dedicated gaming laptop, we recommend at least 1TB, but 2TB is increasingly becoming the sweet spot. Modern AAA games can easily take up 100GB or more, and your game library can quickly fill up a 500GB drive. A 2TB SSD gives you plenty of room for multiple large titles, your operating system, and other applications without constant juggling.
Q6: Can I install these SSDs in my PlayStation 5?
A6: Several SSDs on this list, like the Lexar NM790 series and the WD_BLACK SN850X, explicitly state compatibility with the PlayStation 5. This is a good indicator of their high performance and thermal characteristics, as the PS5 has strict requirements for expansion SSDs. Always double-check the specific model’s compatibility and ensure you meet any heatsink requirements for console installation.
Q7: What is TBW, and why does it matter for an SSD?
A7: TBW stands for Terabytes Written, and it’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance – essentially, how much data can be written to the drive before its warranty or expected lifespan is exceeded. Higher TBW numbers (like the 1500TBW for the 2TB Lexar NM790) indicate a more durable and long-lasting drive, which is great for gamers who frequently install, uninstall, and update large games.
Conclusion
Upgrading your laptop’s storage to a high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the most significant upgrades you can make for gaming. Whether you lean towards the exceptional value and speed of the Lexar best M.2 SSD for laptop gaming with the NM790 series, or you opt for the absolute top-tier performance of a WD_BLACK SN850X, you’re guaranteed to experience a noticeable difference. Faster load times, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive system await.
Remember to check your laptop’s specifications for M.2 slot compatibility and available space before making your choice. Happy gaming, and enjoy those lightning-fast loads!