Is your PC feeling sluggish? Do games take forever to load, or file transfers crawl at a snail’s pace? It’s probably time to upgrade your storage, and a solid-state drive (SSD) is the fastest, most effective way to breathe new life into your machine. When it comes to reliable performance and cutting-edge technology, Lexar has consistently proven itself. Many users agree that Lexar is the best SSD brand for PC users looking for a significant performance boost.
Lexar has a long-standing reputation for quality memory solutions, and their SSD lineup is no exception. They offer a diverse range of drives, from lightning-fast internal NVMe options perfect for gaming rigs and creative workstations to robust, portable external SSDs ideal for content creators on the go. Their commitment to innovation means you’re getting reliable, high-speed storage designed to meet the demands of modern computing.
Let’s dive into some of Lexar’s top SSD offerings that truly make them a contender for the Lexar best SSD brand for PC users across various needs. We’ve picked out 7 fantastic options to help you decide.
Our Top 7 Lexar SSD Picks
1. Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read, Storage…
This external SSD is a game-changer for anyone who needs blazing-fast storage on the move. Imagine transferring massive video files or backing up your entire photo library in mere minutes. With speeds significantly faster than traditional hard drives, the ES3 is built for efficiency and durability. Its robust design, featuring double-layer graphite sheets for heat dissipation and a drop-resistant casing, ensures your data stays safe even during demanding tasks or accidental bumps. It’s truly a powerhouse for super-fast backups and instant storage expansion.
- 9.5X faster than hard disk drives with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Built-in double layer graphite sheets for enhanced heat dissipation
- Drop-resistant up to 2 meters for excellent durability
- Plug-and-play compatibility with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable
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Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software and Lexar Recovery Tool
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Pros: Exceptional speed, highly portable, very durable, excellent heat management, includes security software, broad device compatibility.
- Cons: External drives typically have a higher cost per GB than internal ones.
User Impressions: Users love the ES3 for its incredible speed and robust build, making it perfect for professionals who handle large files and need dependable external storage for various devices. Many highlight its ease of use and peace of mind with the encryption features.
See it on Amazon here
2. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
If you’re looking to give an older laptop or desktop a new lease on life without breaking the bank, the Lexar NS100 SATA III SSD is your go-to. This 2.5-inch internal drive offers a significant upgrade over traditional hard disk drives, slashing boot times, speeding up application loads, and making your entire system feel snappier. It’s a fantastic, reliable, and affordable way to experience the benefits of solid-state storage.
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop for faster startups and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s
- More reliable than traditional hard drives with no moving parts
- Shock and vibration resistant
- 120TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating
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Three-year limited warranty
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Pros: Very affordable performance upgrade, significantly faster than HDDs, durable with no moving parts, easy to install in most systems.
- Cons: Slower than NVMe SSDs, smaller capacity options might be limiting for some users.
User Impressions: Many users praise the NS100 as an incredibly cost-effective solution for older machines, noting drastic improvements in system responsiveness and boot times. It’s often recommended as a first SSD upgrade.
See it on Amazon here
3. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
For those demanding top-tier performance for gaming, content creation, or professional applications, the Lexar NM790 is an absolute powerhouse. This PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers breathtaking speeds that are twice as fast as previous Gen3 drives, ensuring your system runs smoothly even with the most demanding tasks. It’s also designed with incredible power efficiency and features Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for seamless performance, making it a stellar choice for modern PCs and even PlayStation 5 owners.
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs; 1000TBW endurance
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfer speeds
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5; single-sided design perfect for laptops
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros: Extremely fast Gen4 speeds, excellent power efficiency, PS5 compatible, high endurance, suitable for high-performance laptops.
- Cons: Requires a motherboard with PCIe Gen4 support to reach full speeds.
User Impressions: Gamers and professionals rave about the NM790’s incredible speed, noting significantly faster loading times for games and applications, and smooth handling of intensive workloads like video editing. Its PS5 compatibility is a huge plus.
See it on Amazon here
4. Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
Stepping into the future, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is for those who want nothing but the absolute best in speed and performance. Harnessing the power of PCIe 5.0, this SSD delivers blistering read/write speeds that will make Gen4 drives look modest. It’s an ideal internal SSD for next-gen gaming PCs, especially those with AMD Ryzen or Intel i9 processors, and is perfectly suited for emerging AI PCs due to its ability to accelerate AI model training and data processing. With DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache, it promises minimal wait times and maximum responsiveness.
- PCIe 5.0 technology with read/write speeds up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200% for AMD Ryzen and Intel i9
- Powerful 6nm controller for optimized heat control
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache enhance data transfer speeds
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Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for significantly boosted game loads
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Pros: Unrivaled Gen5 performance, future-proof for AI and cutting-edge gaming, excellent thermal optimization, boosts game loads with DirectStorage.
- Cons: Premium price point, requires a very latest motherboard with PCIe Gen5 support to function.
User Impressions: Early adopters are blown away by the NM1090 PRO’s sheer speed, describing it as a truly next-generation experience for gaming and high-demand applications. Its potential for AI tasks is also highly valued.
See it on Amazon here
5. Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD,…
This sleek and stylish Lexar ES3 external SSD is the perfect companion for anyone needing reliable, fast storage that literally fits in their pocket. Weighing only 42g and just 10.5mm thick, it’s smaller than a credit card yet packs a serious punch with USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds. Whether you’re an iPhone 15 user, an Android enthusiast, a photographer, or a gamer, its wide compatibility and included data encryption make it an incredibly versatile and secure portable storage solution.
- High-speed Data Transfer: USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Wide Compatibility: iPhone 15 series, Android, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, etc.
- On The Go: Thin, stylish, durable metal design, weighs 42g and only 10.5mm thick
- Comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
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Includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software
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Pros: Extremely portable and lightweight, sleek design, very fast transfer speeds, excellent cross-device compatibility (including iPhone 15), robust data encryption.
- Cons: Performance can be lower if the host device doesn’t support USB 3.2 Gen 2; Magsafe is not available in this version.
User Impressions: Customers love the ES3 for its compact size and high performance, making it an indispensable tool for traveling and quickly transferring files between various devices. The iPhone 15 compatibility is a major highlight.
See it on Amazon here
6. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports…
For the professional content creator, photographer, or videographer, the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a dream come true. This innovative device not only provides blazing-fast portable storage but also integrates a versatile hub with four USB Type-C ports, giving you ultimate flexibility on location. Its wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector frees you from cable clutter, while its rugged, IP65-rated design ensures it can withstand the rigors of any shoot. Supporting Apple ProRes footage, it’s built for seamless 4K recording and swift backups.
- Ultra-compact design for spontaneous creativity
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector
- Captures brilliant Apple ProRes footage with ease
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports, adapters, and cables
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for 4K recording
- Ready for travel – dust-proof, water-resistant (IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros: Unique integrated hub, exceptional durability (IP65 rated), Apple ProRes support, wireless convenience, very fast for demanding media.
- Cons: More specialized features might be overkill or pricier for casual users.
User Impressions: Professional users can’t get enough of this SSD’s versatility, especially the integrated hub which simplifies their mobile workflow significantly. The ruggedness and ProRes support are highly valued for field use.
See it on Amazon here
7. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2…
Taking the incredible performance of the NM790 to the next level, this version comes equipped with a dedicated heatsink. This crucial addition ensures that your drive maintains peak performance even under sustained, heavy workloads, preventing thermal throttling that can slow down other high-speed drives. With a massive 2TB capacity and the same exceptional Gen4 speeds, it’s an ideal choice for serious gamers, PC enthusiasts, and content creators who demand maximum throughput and stability for their systems, especially those looking for a robust PS5 storage upgrade.
- 2TB capacity with exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW endurance rating
- Designed with a heatsink to keep your rig cool for better performance and power efficiency
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfer speeds
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros: High capacity, blazing-fast Gen4 speeds, integrated heatsink for sustained performance, excellent power efficiency, PS5 compatible, high endurance.
- Cons: The heatsink might make it too tall for some ultra-compact PC cases or laptop bays.
User Impressions: Users highly recommend this version for high-performance builds, praising the heatsink for keeping temperatures low during intense gaming sessions or video rendering. The 2TB capacity is perfect for extensive game libraries or large media projects.
See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Whether you’re building a brand-new, cutting-edge gaming rig, giving an older laptop a new lease on life, or needing robust portable storage for creative projects, Lexar offers a solid-state drive solution that’s tough to beat. Their diverse product range, commitment to speed, durability, and innovation truly makes a strong case for Lexar best SSD brand for PC users seeking an upgrade. With options from budget-friendly SATA drives to the extreme performance of PCIe Gen5, there’s a Lexar SSD tailor-made for your specific needs, promising faster boot times, quicker application loads, and an overall snappier computing experience.
Ready to supercharge your PC? Explore Lexar’s fantastic range of SSDs and experience the difference yourself!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why should I choose a Lexar SSD over a traditional HDD?
A1: Lexar SSDs offer significantly faster speeds (for boot-up, application loading, and file transfers), greater durability (no moving parts making them more resistant to drops), less noise, and improved power efficiency compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). This translates to a much snappier and more responsive PC experience.
Q2: What’s the difference between an NVMe SSD and a SATA SSD?
A2: SATA SSDs connect via the older SATA interface and typically reach speeds up to 550MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect directly to the motherboard via the PCIe interface, offering much higher speeds, often ranging from 3,500MB/s for Gen3 up to 14,000MB/s for Gen5 drives. NVMe is ideal for gaming, content creation, and other demanding tasks, while SATA is a great, affordable upgrade for older systems.
Q3: Are Lexar SSDs compatible with gaming consoles like the PS5?
A3: Yes, several Lexar NVMe SSDs, such as the NM790 and NM790 with heatsink, are compatible with the PlayStation 5. It’s important to choose an SSD that meets Sony’s specified performance and physical size requirements, including often requiring a heatsink. Always check the product specifications and PS5 requirements.
Q4: How do I know which Lexar SSD is right for my PC?
A4: Consider your PC’s age, your budget, and your primary use.
* Older PCs/Budget Upgrade: A 2.5-inch SATA SSD (like the NS100) is a great, affordable choice.
* Modern PCs/Gaming/Content Creation: An M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen3 or Gen4 SSD (like the NM790) will offer a huge performance boost.
* Cutting-edge PCs/AI/Extreme Gaming: A PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD (like the NM1090 PRO) provides the absolute best performance.
* Portable Storage: An external SSD (like the ES3 or Professional Go) is perfect for on-the-go file transfers and backups.
Q5: Do Lexar external SSDs need separate power?
A5: Most Lexar portable external SSDs, including the ES3 and Professional Go series, are bus-powered, meaning they draw power directly from the device they’re connected to (like your PC, laptop, or smartphone) via the USB cable. They typically do not require a separate external power adapter, making them very convenient for travel and mobile use.
Q6: What is TBW (Terabytes Written) and why is it important for SSDs?
A6: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is an endurance rating for SSDs. It indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive before its reliability may start to degrade. A higher TBW rating means the SSD is designed to handle more write operations over its lifespan, making it more durable for heavy users, professionals, or servers. Lexar SSDs often boast impressive TBW ratings for long-term reliability.
Q7: Is it difficult to install an internal Lexar M.2 NVMe SSD?
A7: Installing an M.2 NVMe SSD is generally straightforward for most users with a basic understanding of PC hardware. It involves opening your PC case, locating the M.2 slot on your motherboard, inserting the SSD, and securing it with a small screw. You might need to initialize the drive in Windows Disk Management afterward. Lexar often provides guides, and many online tutorials can walk you through the process step-by-step.