Looking to supercharge your desktop computer? Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful changes you can make, and a 2TB capacity offers ample space for your operating system, games, applications, and large files. When it comes to reliable and high-performance storage, Lexar is a brand that frequently comes to mind. But with so many options, how do you pick the Lexar best 2tb ssd for desktop computer that perfectly fits your needs?
Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a content creator, or just someone who wants a snappier PC experience, finding the right 2TB SSD can significantly improve boot times, application loading, and overall system responsiveness. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into 10 excellent 2TB SSD options, heavily featuring Lexar’s fantastic lineup, to help you make an informed decision. We’ll cover everything from blazing-fast NVMe drives to dependable SATA options, so let’s get started and find the perfect storage solution for your desktop!
1. Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
If you’re looking for a straightforward, cost-effective upgrade to breathe new life into an older desktop or a secondary drive, the Lexar NS100 is an excellent choice. This 2.5-inch SATA III SSD offers a significant performance boost over traditional hard drives, ensuring quicker boot-ups and faster application loading. It’s a solid, reliable workhorse perfect for general computing tasks and everyday use without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
* 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
* [2TB] 960TBW (Terabytes Written) rating for durability
* Three-year limited product support
Pros:
* Significant speed improvement over HDDs
* Durable due to no moving parts
* Easy installation for 2.5-inch bays
* Cost-effective upgrade solution
* Reliable Lexar quality
Cons:
* Slower than NVMe SSDs
* Requires a SATA data and power cable
User Impressions: Users frequently praise the NS100 for its easy installation and noticeable speed improvements, particularly for older systems. Many highlight its excellent value for money as a primary boot drive or secondary storage.
2. Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read, Storage…
While primarily an external drive, the Lexar ES3 offers incredible portability and speed, making it a fantastic companion for desktop users who need super-fast external storage or frequent large file transfers between systems. Its robust design, excellent heat dissipation, and built-in encryption software ensure your data is not only fast but also secure and protected. This drive is a great pick if you often move large projects or game libraries.
Key Features:
* 9.5X faster than hard disk drives with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
* Super-fast backups and instant storage expansion
* Built-in, double-layer graphite sheets for enhanced heat dissipation
* Drop-resistant up to 2 meters for protection
* Plug-and-play compatibility with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable
* Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption and Lexar Recovery Tool
Pros:
* Blazing-fast external transfer speeds
* Excellent durability and drop resistance
* Effective thermal management
* Wide compatibility (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone)
* Enhanced data security features
Cons:
* External drive, not for internal system upgrades
* Performance can vary based on the host USB port
User Impressions: Customers love the ES3 for its compact size, impressive speed, and sturdy build quality. The included encryption and recovery tools are frequently mentioned as valuable additions for data safety.
3. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
Now we’re talking serious speed! The Lexar NM790 is a powerhouse PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD, delivering exceptional performance that’s 2x faster than previous Gen3 drives. Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and content creators, this drive boasts incredible read/write speeds, making it an ideal choice for a primary drive in a modern desktop computer. Its efficiency and Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology ensure smooth, responsive performance without compromise. This is definitely a contender for the Lexar best 2tb ssd for desktop computer if speed is your top priority.
Key Features:
* [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
* 1500TBW 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 transfer speeds
* Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
* Compatible with PlayStation 5; single-sided design for laptops
Pros:
* Extremely high sequential read/write speeds
* Excellent for gaming, 4K video editing, and demanding applications
* Power-efficient operation
* High endurance rating for longevity
* PS5 compatible (great for desktop users who also game on console)
Cons:
* Requires an M.2 slot on a compatible motherboard
* May benefit from aftermarket heatsink for sustained heavy loads (though power efficient)
User Impressions: Users are consistently blown away by the speed of the NM790, noting significantly faster game load times and application responsiveness. Its value proposition for the performance it offers is often highlighted.
4. Lexar 2TB Armor 700 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, USB…
The Lexar Armor 700 is a portable SSD built for extreme environments and users who demand the fastest external speeds available. With USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, it can reach blistering read/write speeds, making it perfect for shooting high-resolution video directly to the drive (like with the iPhone 15 Pro) or for super-quick transfers of massive files. Its IP66 rating for water and dust resistance, combined with extreme drop protection, truly sets it apart.
Key Features:
* Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of 2000MB/s max read/write speeds
* Rated IP66 for water and dust protection
* Rugged design withstands up to 3-meter drops
* Supports Apple ProRes recording up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max
* Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures
* Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, cameras, gaming consoles
* Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption
* Comes with Type-C and USB-A all-in-one cable
* Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
* Exceptional external transfer speeds
* Extremely durable and weather-resistant
* Ideal for professional photographers/videographers and outdoor use
* Effective thermal management
* Wide device compatibility
Cons:
* Premium price point for external storage
* Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for maximum speed
User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the Armor 700’s ruggedness and incredible speed, especially when used for professional media workflows. The ability to record ProRes directly from iPhones is a game-changer for many.
5. Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible…
For those who need top-tier external performance in a sleek, pocket-friendly design, the Lexar SL500 is an outstanding choice. It matches the incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds of the Armor 700 but in a more refined, thinner metal chassis. Perfect for creatives on the go or desktop users who value both speed and aesthetics, this portable SSD also supports Apple ProRes recording and includes robust data encryption.
Key Features:
* 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 in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max
* Wide compatibility with mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5
* Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures
* Equipped with a Type-C data cable
* Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
* Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
* Extremely high external transfer speeds
* Ultra-slim and portable design
* Excellent thermal management for sustained performance
* Broad compatibility across devices
* Strong data security with encryption
Cons:
* Not as ruggedized as the Armor 700
* Full speeds require a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port
User Impressions: Users appreciate the SL500’s minimalist design coupled with its blistering speeds. It’s often chosen by those needing a high-performance external drive for creative work or quick backups where portability is key.
6. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2…
If the Lexar NM790 caught your eye but you’re worried about thermal throttling during intense, prolonged use, then the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is the answer. This version takes the already stellar performance of the standard NM790 and adds an integrated heatsink, ensuring optimal temperatures and consistent high performance, even during demanding gaming sessions or heavy content creation tasks. This makes it an even stronger contender for the Lexar best 2tb ssd for desktop computer, especially for gaming PCs and workstations.
Key Features:
* [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
* 1500TBW endurance rating
* 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
* 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
* Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
* Top-tier PCIe Gen4 NVMe speeds
* Integrated heatsink for superior thermal management
* Excellent for high-performance gaming and professional applications
* Power-efficient operation
* PS5 compatible
Cons:
* Heatsink might prevent installation in ultra-slim laptops or specific motherboard M.2 slots with built-in heatsinks
* Slightly higher cost than the non-heatsink version
User Impressions: Gamers and power users consistently praise the heatsink version of the NM790 for maintaining peak performance without thermal issues. The “set it and forget it” aspect of having a pre-installed heatsink is a big plus.
7. Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports…
The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a truly unique and versatile solution for creative professionals. It combines high-speed portable storage with the convenience of a built-in USB-C hub, freeing you from cable clutter. Ideal for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs to manage data and connect peripherals on the fly, its rugged design and seamless 4K recording capabilities make it an indispensable tool.
Key Features:
* Ultra-compact, wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector
* Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage with ease
* Includes a hub with four USB Type-C ports, adapters, and cables
* Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording
* Ready for travel: dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter
* Five-year limited warranty
* Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
Pros:
* Innovative design with integrated USB-C hub
* Excellent for content creators needing portable storage and connectivity
* Fast transfer speeds for 4K video
* Durable and travel-ready (IP65 rated)
* Reduces cable clutter
Cons:
* Not an internal desktop upgrade
* Price might be higher due to the integrated hub feature
* Requires a compatible USB-C port
User Impressions: Users love the Professional Go for its innovative design and convenience. Professionals particularly appreciate the hub functionality, which streamlines their workflow on location or at their desktop.
8. Lexar 1.92TB NQ100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
The Lexar NQ100 offers a solid, reliable, and slightly more budget-friendly alternative for upgrading your desktop. While technically 1.92TB, it still provides near 2TB capacity and delivers the significant speed and reliability benefits of an SSD over a traditional hard drive. It’s an excellent option for users who want to upgrade to faster boot times and quicker application loads without needing the absolute bleeding-edge performance of NVMe.
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
* [1920GB] 672TBW endurance rating
* Three-year limited warranty
Pros:
* Cost-effective way to boost system performance
* Much faster and more reliable than HDDs
* Easy to install in any 2.5-inch bay
* Durable and silent operation
* Good endurance for its class
Cons:
* Slightly less capacity than full 2TB drives
* Slower than NVMe SSDs
User Impressions: Customers find the NQ100 to be a great value, offering a noticeable speed boost for everyday computing. It’s often recommended for revitalizing older PCs or as a secondary storage drive.
9. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
For those building the ultimate desktop rig and demanding future-proof performance, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is a game-changer. This PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD pushes the boundaries of speed with staggering read/write speeds, accelerating load times by 200% compared to previous generations. It’s purpose-built for high-end gaming, AI PCs, and intense data processing, leveraging DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for unmatched responsiveness. This is truly an elite contender for the Lexar best 2tb ssd for desktop computer for next-gen performance.
Key Features:
* PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s
* Accelerates load times by 200% – great with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9
* Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control
* Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training
* DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache enhance data transfer speeds
* Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to boost game loads and minimize delays
Pros:
* Unrivaled PCIe Gen5 speeds
* Future-proof performance for upcoming applications and games
* Exceptional for AI workloads and professional computing
* Advanced caching for superior responsiveness
* Optimized thermal control
* DirectStorage support for enhanced gaming
Cons:
* Requires a motherboard with PCIe Gen5 M.2 slots (currently high-end platforms)
* Premium price point
* May require a robust cooling solution (though it has an optimized controller)
User Impressions: Early adopters of the NM1090 PRO are thrilled with its cutting-edge performance, reporting instantaneous load times and incredible responsiveness in even the most demanding applications. It’s seen as an essential component for high-end builds.
10. PNY CS900 2TB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid…
While this guide heavily focuses on Lexar, the PNY CS900 2TB SSD is another popular and reliable option for desktop users seeking an affordable SATA III upgrade. It offers competitive sequential read/write speeds that significantly outperform traditional hard drives, making it a strong contender for improving system responsiveness. If you’re open to other reputable brands, the PNY CS900 provides a similar boost in performance and reliability as the Lexar SATA options.
Key Features:
* Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for super-fast OS boot times and application loads
* Exceptional performance offering up to 550MB/s seq. read and 530MB/s seq. write speeds
* Superior performance and up to 50% faster boot up time as compared to traditional hard-drives (HDD)
* Ultra-low power consumption
* 3 Year Warranty
* 24/7 US based technical support
Pros:
* Cost-effective performance upgrade
* Faster boot times and application loads than HDDs
* Low power consumption
* Reliable performance for everyday tasks
* Good customer support
Cons:
* Slower than NVMe SSDs
* Limited to SATA III interface speeds
User Impressions: PNY CS900 users frequently commend its straightforward installation and the immediate performance boost it brings to their desktop computers. It’s often chosen for its balance of affordability and dependable speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the main difference between SATA SSDs and NVMe SSDs for a desktop computer?
A1: The main difference lies in speed and interface. SATA SSDs connect via a SATA III port and typically offer speeds up to 550MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs use the PCIe interface, which is much faster, with modern Gen4 and Gen5 NVMe drives reaching speeds from 7,000MB/s to over 14,000MB/s. NVMe drives are significantly faster for tasks like gaming, video editing, and large file transfers.
Q2: Do I need a special motherboard to use an NVMe SSD?
A2: Yes, to use an NVMe SSD, your motherboard needs to have an M.2 slot that supports NVMe (often labeled PCIe 3.0 x4, PCIe 4.0 x4, or PCIe 5.0 x4). Most modern desktop motherboards released in the last few years come with at least one M.2 slot, if not more. Always check your motherboard’s specifications.
Q3: Is 2TB enough storage for a desktop computer?
A3: For most users, 2TB is a fantastic amount of storage. It’s ample space for your operating system, a large library of games, numerous applications, and plenty of photos, videos, and documents. For extreme content creators with massive 8K video files, you might consider adding a secondary storage drive, but for a primary boot drive, 2TB is usually more than sufficient.
Q4: How important is a heatsink for an NVMe SSD?
A4: For PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink can be very important. These drives generate more heat due to their incredible speeds. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing thermal throttling (where the drive slows down to cool itself) and ensuring sustained peak performance, especially during heavy workloads or prolonged gaming sessions.
Q5: Can I install an external SSD inside my desktop computer?
A5: No, external SSDs like the Lexar ES3 or Armor 700 are designed for external connectivity via USB and cannot be installed internally in a standard desktop drive bay. They are great for portable storage, backups, or expanding storage quickly, but not for internal system upgrades.
Q6: What does “TBW” mean for an SSD?
A6: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance. It indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive before its reliability might start to degrade. For example, a 1500TBW rating means you can write 1500 terabytes of data to the drive over its lifetime. For most users, modern SSDs have incredibly high TBW ratings that far exceed typical usage, so they’ll last many years.
Q7: Will upgrading to a Lexar 2TB SSD improve my gaming performance?
A7: Absolutely! While an SSD won’t directly improve your frame rate (that’s largely dependent on your CPU and GPU), it will drastically reduce game load times, map loading times, and asset streaming, making your overall gaming experience much smoother and more enjoyable. It’s a noticeable quality-of-life improvement for any gamer.