Hey there, fellow gamers! If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the hunt for ways to make your gaming rig faster, smoother, and more responsive. And let’s be real, a solid-state drive (SSD) is one of the quickest wins you can score. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Specifically, when it comes to finding the Lexar best SSD for gaming Reddit communities are buzzing about, it can feel like a quest in itself.
Lexar has a strong reputation for reliable memory solutions, and their SSD lineup is no exception. They offer a range of drives that promise to slash load times, speed up game installations, and generally make your gaming experience more enjoyable. We’ve dug deep into the specs, crunched the numbers, and even checked out what actual users (including many from Reddit) are saying to bring you the lowdown on the best Lexar SSDs for gaming. Whether you’re upgrading your PC, boosting your PlayStation 5, or just looking for some extra portable storage for your massive game library, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in and find your next gaming storage upgrade!
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
This drive isn’t just fast; it’s a beast designed to keep its cool under pressure. The Lexar NM790 with a built-in heatsink is practically custom-made for serious gamers and PlayStation 5 owners who demand top-tier performance without worrying about thermal throttling. With blistering read and write speeds, you’ll be loading into your favorite virtual worlds faster than ever before, making it a strong contender for the Lexar best SSD for gaming Reddit users frequently recommend for high-performance builds.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries
- Exceptional read/write speeds up to 7400MB/s and 6500MB/s respectively
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management and sustained performance
- 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
- PlayStation 5 compatible
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds drastically reduce load times
- Heatsink prevents throttling during intense gaming sessions
- PS5 compatibility makes it an excellent console upgrade
- Impressive endurance with 1500TBW
- Power efficient
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Cons:
- Might be overkill for casual gamers or older systems
- Heatsink may not fit in all cramped PC builds
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User Impressions: Gamers absolutely rave about the speed, noting how quickly games load and how seamlessly large files transfer. PS5 users particularly appreciate the easy installation and noticeable performance boost. The integrated heatsink gets a lot of praise for maintaining stable temperatures even under heavy load, a crucial aspect for long gaming marathons.
2. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If you’re eyeing the incredible speed of the NM790 but your motherboard already has its own M.2 heatsinks, or you need a drive for a laptop, this version of the Lexar NM790 is your go-to. It packs all the same raw power and efficiency as its heatsink-equipped sibling but comes in a sleek, single-sided design. This makes it incredibly versatile, fitting into tight spaces without compromising on the blistering PCIe Gen4 speeds that make gaming so much more enjoyable.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Exceptional read/write speeds up to 7400MB/s and 6500MB/s respectively
- 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 enhanced performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- PlayStation 5 compatible
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds for rapid loading and data transfers
- Excellent for laptops due to single-sided design
- PS5 compatible for console expansion
- Highly power efficient
- Great value for high performance
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Cons:
- No built-in heatsink, so ensure your system has adequate cooling
- Might require a separate heatsink for sustained heavy use in some desktop setups
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User Impressions: This NM790 model is a favorite for PC builders who prefer their motherboard’s integrated M.2 heatsinks or laptop users needing high-speed storage. Users consistently report significant improvements in game load times and overall system responsiveness. Many consider it a superb choice for a primary game drive, often highlighted in discussions about the Lexar best SSD for gaming Reddit communities are talking about.
3. Lexar 1TB NQ780 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Looking for a solid PCIe Gen4 upgrade without breaking the bank? The Lexar NQ780 delivers impressive speeds that significantly outperform older Gen3 drives, offering a fantastic balance of performance and value. It’s a great choice for gamers who want faster boot-ups and quicker game loads but don’t necessarily need the absolute bleeding edge of the NM790 series. Its single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control also make it a smart pick for gaming laptops.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity
- Delivers read/write speeds up to 6500/2500 MB/s
- High-quality 8-channel Gen 4 controller
- HMB and SLC cache technologies improve performance and reduce latency
- Single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control, great for laptops
- Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool for firmware updates and drive health monitoring
- 5-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Noticeable performance upgrade over Gen3 SSDs
- Excellent value for a Gen4 NVMe drive
- Ideal for laptops due to its compact design
- Includes useful management software
- Reliable with a solid warranty
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Cons:
- Write speeds are lower than the NM790 series
- May not be the absolute fastest for competitive gamers
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User Impressions: This drive is often praised for its “sweet spot” performance – fast enough to make a huge difference in gaming and everyday tasks, but at a more accessible price point. Laptop users especially love its compatibility and efficient power usage. It’s frequently recommended on forums as a practical and dependable Gen4 upgrade.
4. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports
While not an internal drive for your gaming PC, this Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with a built-in hub offers a unique solution for gamers who need versatile, high-speed external storage. Think of it as your mobile gaming library or a fantastic way to back up game captures. Its ultra-compact design, blazing-fast transfer speeds, and IP65 dust/water resistance make it perfect for carrying your data on the go, whether you’re moving large game files or recording 4K footage from your console.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity
- Ultra-compact and portable design
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector with integrated hub (four USB Type-C ports)
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Ready for travel: dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Highly portable and durable
- Integrated hub adds incredible versatility for peripherals
- Fast enough for large game transfers and external console storage (for PS4/Xbox One games)
- Excellent for content creators who also game
- Robust build quality with IP65 rating
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Cons:
- Not suitable as a primary internal gaming drive
- Speeds are lower than internal Gen4 NVMe drives
- More focused on creative professionals, though useful for gamers
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User Impressions: Users love the convenience of the integrated hub and the drive’s rugged portability. While serious PC gamers won’t use this as their main drive, it’s highly valued for backing up game installs, carrying large media files, or even as an external drive for older console generations. Its fast transfer speeds make it a standout for anyone needing quick access to data on the move.
5. Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible
If you need a portable SSD that’s seriously fast and sleek, the Lexar SL500 is a fantastic choice. With USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, it delivers incredibly quick read and write speeds, making it ideal for transferring massive game files, capturing high-res gameplay footage directly from an iPhone 15 Pro, or expanding your console storage. Its thin, durable metal design means it can slip into any pocket, making it the perfect companion for gamers on the go or those who frequently move large data sets between devices.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity
- 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 ProRes recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max)
- Wide compatibility: mobile devices, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5
- Unique Thermal Control Design for optimal temperatures
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Exceptional portable speeds for quick transfers
- Broad compatibility with gaming consoles and mobile devices
- Sleek, durable, and pocket-friendly design
- Thermal control ensures consistent performance
- Data encryption adds security
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Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port to achieve maximum speeds
- Still slower than internal NVMe Gen4 drives for primary gaming
- Not a direct replacement for an internal gaming drive
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User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by the SL500’s speed, especially when used with compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports. Console gamers find it excellent for storing older-gen games or archived current-gen titles, while content creators love its ProRes recording capability. Its robust build and compact size also receive high marks for portability and reliability.
6. Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
For gamers running on an older system with a traditional hard drive, or those looking for an affordable secondary drive for their less-demanding games and applications, the Lexar NS100 SATA III SSD is an absolute game-changer. While it won’t hit NVMe speeds, it provides a monumental leap in performance over HDDs, dramatically cutting down boot times, application loads, and game loading screens. It’s a cost-effective way to inject new life into an aging rig, offering solid reliability and good capacity.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer 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
- 960TBW endurance
- Three-year limited product support
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Pros:
- Massive upgrade from a traditional HDD
- Excellent value for money per GB
- Reliable and durable with no moving parts
- Easy installation in most laptops and desktops
- Good capacity for general storage and many games
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Cons:
- Significantly slower than NVMe SSDs
- Not ideal for modern, demanding games that benefit from Gen4 speeds
- Shorter warranty than Lexar’s NVMe offerings
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User Impressions: This drive is a hero for budget-conscious gamers and those looking to revitalize older machines. Users consistently report a night-and-day difference compared to their old hard drives, with snappier system responses and quicker game loads. It’s frequently recommended on Reddit as the go-to solution for anyone still stuck on an HDD, providing impressive value for the performance jump.
7. Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports
This is the 2TB version of the innovative Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with an integrated hub, offering even more space for your digital life. Like its 1TB counterpart, it’s designed for unparalleled flexibility and portability. For gamers, this means a massive amount of external storage for your console game library (especially for older generation titles or archiving current-gen games) or for quickly transferring large PC game files between systems. Its robust design ensures your data is safe wherever your adventures take you.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity – double the storage of the 1TB model
- Ultra-compact for spontaneous creativity anytime, anywhere
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector with four USB Type-C ports in the hub
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Ready for travel – dust-proof, water-resistant (IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Huge 2TB capacity for extensive game and media libraries
- Integrated hub is incredibly useful for connecting multiple devices
- Highly durable and portable with IP65 rating
- Fast enough for large file transfers and external console gaming
- Perfect for creative professionals who also need game storage
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Cons:
- Not suitable as an internal primary gaming drive
- Speeds are limited compared to internal NVMe solutions
- Price point reflects its unique features and capacity
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the ample 2TB storage combined with the versatility of the hub. It’s considered an excellent choice for those with large data needs who are constantly on the move, whether they’re archiving game footage, carrying their entire Steam library installer folder, or expanding console storage. The build quality and ruggedness are consistently highlighted as major positives.
Making Your Choice: The Right Lexar SSD for Your Gaming Needs
When it comes to picking the Lexar best SSD for gaming Reddit users frequently discuss, it really boils down to your specific needs and setup.
- For ultimate performance in a modern PC or PS5: The Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink or the Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD (no heatsink) are your champions. They offer incredible PCIe Gen4 speeds that will make game load times a distant memory.
- For a solid Gen4 upgrade on a budget or for laptops: The Lexar 1TB NQ780 SSD hits a fantastic balance of speed and affordability.
- For external, portable storage for consoles or large file transfers: The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD offers excellent speed in a sleek package, while the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub (in both 1TB and 2TB) adds incredible versatility with its integrated hub.
- For upgrading an older system still running an HDD: The Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD SATA III will deliver a transformative boost in speed and responsiveness at a very reasonable price.
No matter which Lexar SSD you choose, you’re investing in a reputable brand known for reliability. Upgrading to an SSD is one of the most impactful changes you can make to your gaming experience, and with Lexar, you’re in good hands. Happy gaming!
FAQ Section
Q1: What’s the main difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs for gaming?
A1: The main difference is speed. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs, especially those using the PCIe Gen4 interface, are significantly faster than SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) SSDs. NVMe drives can achieve read/write speeds upwards of 7000 MB/s, while SATA drives are capped around 550 MB/s. For gaming, faster NVMe drives mean drastically reduced game load times and quicker asset streaming, leading to a smoother experience in modern games.
Q2: Do I really need a heatsink for my gaming SSD?
A2: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended, especially if you’re doing sustained gaming or heavy workloads. These drives can generate a lot of heat, and if they get too hot, they’ll “throttle” their performance to cool down, which means slower speeds. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, ensuring your SSD maintains its peak performance. Many motherboards now come with integrated M.2 heatsinks.
Q3: Can I use a portable SSD for gaming?
A3: Yes, you can! Portable SSDs like the Lexar SL500 or Professional Go can be excellent for storing and playing games, especially for consoles like the PS4, PS5 (for PS4 games or archival), or Xbox. For PC, they are great for quickly transferring large game files or for carrying a library of less-demanding games. However, for the absolute fastest performance on your main PC, an internal NVMe drive is usually superior.
Q4: Is Lexar a good brand for gaming SSDs?
A4: Absolutely! Lexar has been a trusted name in flash memory for years, and their SSDs are known for their reliability, competitive performance, and often, excellent value. Many Reddit users and tech enthusiasts recommend Lexar for both casual and serious gaming builds, particularly their NVMe Gen4 drives like the NM790 series.
Q5: What does PCIe Gen4 mean for gaming?
A5: PCIe Gen4 refers to the fourth generation of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express interface. For SSDs, it means double the bandwidth compared to PCIe Gen3. This increased bandwidth directly translates to much faster read and write speeds for your SSD, which significantly reduces game loading times, improves asset streaming in open-world games, and speeds up game installations and patches.
Q6: How much storage do I need for gaming?
A6: This depends on how many games you play and their file sizes. Most modern AAA games can take up 50GB to well over 100GB each.
* 500GB: Good for a few games and your OS. You’ll manage space often.
* 1TB: A popular sweet spot for many gamers, allowing for a decent library.
* 2TB+: Ideal for serious gamers with extensive libraries, allowing you to install many large titles without worrying about space. Considering the ever-growing size of games, 2TB is becoming the new standard for a primary gaming drive.
Q7: Will an SSD improve my frame rates (FPS) in games?
A7: No, an SSD will not directly improve your frame rates (FPS) during gameplay. FPS is primarily determined by your CPU, GPU, and RAM. However, an SSD will dramatically reduce game loading times, level transitions, and texture pop-in, making the overall gaming experience much smoother and more enjoyable. It means less waiting and more playing!