Hey there, tech enthusiasts and PC builders! Are you tired of waiting ages for your computer to boot up or for applications to load? If so, it’s time to upgrade your system’s brain – its boot drive! A solid-state drive (SSD), especially an M.2 NVMe SSD, is the ultimate upgrade for snappier performance. And when it comes to balancing performance with affordability, Lexar often hits that sweet spot. But with so many options, how do you pick the Lexar best affordable M.2 SSD for boot drive that’s right for you?
We’ve done the heavy lifting and scoured Lexar’s lineup to bring you the top 5 contenders. We’ll break down their features, pros, cons, and what users are saying, so you can make an informed decision and get your PC flying!
Why an M.2 NVMe SSD for Your Boot Drive?
Gone are the days of slow, spinning hard drives for your operating system. An M.2 NVMe SSD uses the PCIe interface, which is significantly faster than traditional SATA connections. This means lightning-fast boot times, quicker application launches, and an overall more responsive computing experience. For your main operating system, system files, and frequently used programs, an M.2 drive is a game-changer. Lexar offers some fantastic options that combine cutting-edge technology with prices that won’t break the bank.
Our Top 5 Lexar Best Affordable M.2 SSDs for Your Boot Drive
1. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This 1TB powerhouse is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to seriously boost their system’s speed without draining their wallet. The NM790 series is known for delivering incredible PCIe Gen4 performance, making it an ideal choice for a primary boot drive. It’s engineered to offer exceptional data transfer speeds that are twice as fast as older Gen3 SSDs, ensuring your system boots in a flash and applications load almost instantly. Plus, its efficient design means less power consumption, which is great for both desktops and laptops.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity, perfect for an OS and many applications.
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- 1000TBW endurance rating for long-term reliability.
- 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 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Single-sided NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Blazing fast Gen4 speeds at an attractive price point.
- Excellent endurance (TBW) for extended use.
- Energy efficient, ideal for battery life in laptops.
- PS5 compatible for console gamers.
- Reliable 5-year warranty.
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Cons:
- Might still run warm under heavy, sustained loads without a motherboard heatsink.
- Not the absolute bleeding edge of Gen5 technology (but much more affordable).
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise this drive for its incredible value, noting how dramatically it improves boot times and overall system responsiveness. Many were surprised by the high speeds it delivers for its price, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers and content creators alike. It truly stands out as a strong contender for the Lexar best affordable M.2 SSD for boot drive.
See it on Amazon here
2. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If 1TB just isn’t cutting it for your operating system, all your essential software, and a few demanding games, then the 2TB version of the NM790 is exactly what you need. It offers all the incredible speed benefits of its 1TB sibling – the same lightning-fast PCIe Gen4 performance – but doubles the storage capacity. This makes it a fantastic option for power users, gamers, or anyone who just wants plenty of room without compromising on speed or affordability. Think of it as having your cake and eating it too, with plenty of storage for years to come.
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Key Features:
- Generous 2TB capacity for extensive storage needs.
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- Higher 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 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Single-sided NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent capacity-to-price ratio for Gen4 NVMe.
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds for rapid boot-ups and game loading.
- Enhanced 1500TBW endurance ensures longevity.
- Energy efficient operation.
- Versatile compatibility, including PS5 and laptops.
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Cons:
- Still benefits from a motherboard heatsink for optimal thermal management.
- Not quite the peak performance of PCIe Gen5 (but again, more wallet-friendly).
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User Impressions: Reviewers consistently highlight the perfect balance of speed, capacity, and price with this 2TB model. Many users appreciate not having to worry about running out of boot drive space while enjoying the snappy performance. It’s frequently recommended for main system drives, especially by gamers who want to keep their favorite titles on the fastest storage.
See it on Amazon here
3. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
For those serious about sustained performance, especially under heavy workloads like intense gaming sessions or video editing, the Lexar 2TB NM790 with a built-in heatsink is a game-changer. This model takes all the fantastic speed and capacity benefits of the standard 2TB NM790 and adds an essential cooling solution right out of the box. A heatsink prevents thermal throttling, meaning your drive can maintain its top speeds for longer, ensuring consistent performance even when pushed to its limits. This is a crucial consideration for anyone building a high-performance PC or upgrading a PS5.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity with integrated heatsink for superior thermal management.
- 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 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Integrated heatsink ensures optimal sustained performance and prevents throttling.
- Blazing fast Gen4 speeds with generous 2TB capacity.
- High endurance rating for peace of mind.
- Ideal for demanding applications and long gaming sessions.
- Perfect for PS5 upgrades, no need for aftermarket cooling.
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Cons:
- The heatsink might make it unsuitable for some extremely compact laptop or motherboard M.2 slots.
- Slightly higher price than the non-heatsink version (but worth it for the added cooling).
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User Impressions: Gamers and content creators absolutely love the built-in heatsink, reporting cooler operating temperatures and consistent benchmark results even during prolonged use. PS5 owners, in particular, find this model to be a hassle-free and high-performance upgrade, praising its plug-and-play nature for console expansion. It’s often cited as the definitive Lexar best affordable M.2 SSD for boot drive option for performance enthusiasts.
See it on Amazon here
4. Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Stepping into the future, the Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO is for those who demand the absolute bleeding edge of speed. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a leap to PCIe Gen5 technology, delivering mind-boggling read/write speeds that are double that of Gen4 drives! If you’re running a high-end system with an AMD Ryzen 7000 series or Intel i9 12th/13th/14th Gen CPU, this SSD will unlock its full potential. It’s especially potent for AI PCs, drastically reducing bottlenecks and accelerating demanding tasks like AI model training and real-time data processing. Prepare for game loads that are almost non-existent!
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity utilizing cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 technology.
- Blistering speeds: up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s read/write.
- Accelerates load times by 200% compared to Gen4.
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for a smoother experience and more efficient performance.
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training, inferencing, and real-time data processing.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds to reduce wait times and improve system responsiveness.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, conserve CPU power, and enrich the gaming experience.
- Ideal with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 platforms.
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Pros:
- Phenomenal, next-generation PCIe Gen5 speeds.
- Significantly boosts performance for AI and high-end computing.
- Advanced caching for superior responsiveness.
- Future-proofs your system with cutting-edge technology.
- Excellent for competitive gaming with DirectStorage support.
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Cons:
- Requires a motherboard with PCIe Gen5 M.2 slots (check compatibility!).
- Higher price point due to being cutting-edge technology.
- Likely requires an aftermarket heatsink for optimal sustained Gen5 performance.
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User Impressions: Early adopters and performance junkies are blown away by the sheer speed of the NM1090 PRO. They report unprecedented boot times and instantaneous loading in the most demanding games and applications. While acknowledging the need for compatible hardware and often an additional heatsink, users feel the performance uplift is well worth the investment for a truly future-proof system.
See it on Amazon here
5. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
For the ultimate performance and capacity combination, look no further than the Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO. This is the big brother to the 1TB Gen5 drive, offering all the groundbreaking speed benefits of PCIe 5.0 technology, but with a massive 2TB of storage. This drive isn’t just about faster boot times; it’s about transforming your entire computing experience. Imagine having your OS, all your favorite games, large creative projects, and AI datasets all residing on storage that can hit read speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s! This is the crème de la crème for power users building top-tier systems.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity with revolutionary PCIe 5.0 technology.
- Unmatched speeds: up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s read/write.
- Accelerates load times by 200% compared to Gen4.
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for a smoother experience and more efficient performance.
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training, inferencing, and real-time data processing.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds to reduce wait times and improve system responsiveness.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, conserve CPU power, and enrich the gaming experience.
- Optimized for AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 processors.
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Pros:
- Unrivaled PCIe Gen5 performance and substantial 2TB capacity.
- Ideal for extreme gaming, professional content creation, and AI workloads.
- Maximized system responsiveness with advanced caching.
- Highest available speeds on the market for consumer SSDs.
- Future-proof investment for high-end builds.
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Cons:
- Premium price tag reflecting its cutting-edge status.
- Strictly requires a compatible PCIe Gen5 motherboard.
- Definitely needs an efficient heatsink for sustained performance, often included with compatible motherboards.
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User Impressions: Users building cutting-edge rigs with Gen5 motherboards are ecstatic about the performance jump this drive provides. They rave about the near-instantaneous load times and the feeling of a truly unconstrained system. While it’s a significant investment, those who can leverage its full potential consider it an indispensable component for the ultimate PC experience. If you’re building a high-end system and looking for the absolute Lexar best affordable M.2 SSD for boot drive in the Gen5 category, this is it.
See it on Amazon here
Choosing Your Lexar Best Affordable M.2 SSD for Boot Drive
So, which one’s right for you? If you’re on a budget but still want stellar performance, the NM790 1TB or 2TB models are fantastic choices. For those with a PS5 or a desktop needing extra thermal management, the NM790 with a heatsink is a no-brainer. And if you’re building a top-tier PC with a compatible motherboard and want the absolute fastest speeds available, the NM1090 PRO Gen5 drives are worth every penny. No matter your choice, upgrading to a Lexar M.2 SSD will dramatically enhance your system’s responsiveness and overall enjoyment!
FAQ: All Your Burning Questions About Lexar M.2 SSDs Answered!
Q1: What exactly is an M.2 SSD?
A: An M.2 SSD is a small form factor solid-state drive that connects directly to your motherboard via a dedicated M.2 slot. Unlike traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, M.2 drives, especially NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) ones, can utilize the much faster PCIe interface, leading to significantly higher data transfer speeds.
Q2: Why should I use an M.2 NVMe SSD as my boot drive?
A: Using an M.2 NVMe SSD as your boot drive drastically improves your computer’s performance. You’ll experience lightning-fast boot-up times, quicker application loading, seamless multitasking, and overall greater system responsiveness compared to traditional hard drives or even SATA SSDs. It’s the single best upgrade for day-to-day usability.
Q3: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs?
A: PCIe generations refer to the version of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express interface. Each new generation doubles the bandwidth of the previous one. Gen4 SSDs offer speeds up to around 7000-7500 MB/s, while cutting-edge Gen5 SSDs can reach speeds of 10,000 MB/s and even up to 14,000 MB/s. Gen5 requires a compatible motherboard and CPU (e.g., Intel 12th/13th/14th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000 series).
Q4: Do I really need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: For most casual users, a heatsink isn’t strictly necessary, as modern motherboards often come with integrated M.2 heatsinks. However, for sustained heavy workloads like intensive gaming, large file transfers, or video editing, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling, ensuring your SSD maintains its peak performance without slowing down. If your motherboard doesn’t have one, opting for a drive with a built-in heatsink (like the Lexar NM790 with heatsink) is a great idea.
Q5: How much storage capacity do I need for a boot drive?
A: For a boot drive containing just your operating system and essential applications, 500GB is a good starting point. However, 1TB is highly recommended for most users, as it provides ample space for the OS, many programs, and even a few demanding games without quickly filling up. If you’re a heavy gamer or content creator, 2TB or more ensures you won’t have to manage space constantly.
Q6: Are Lexar M.2 SSDs compatible with the PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, many Lexar M.2 SSDs, including the NM790 series, are compatible with the PlayStation 5. Sony recommends a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD with a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster and a heatsink. The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is particularly well-suited for PS5 expansion due to its performance and integrated cooling solution.
Q7: What does “TBW” mean for an SSD?
A: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s an endurance rating that indicates how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifespan before its warranty or expected reliability might be impacted. A higher TBW rating means the drive is designed to handle more data writes, making it more durable for heavy usage over time. Lexar drives generally offer excellent TBW ratings.
Q8: What is Host Memory Buffer (HMB) and DRAM Cache?
A: Both HMB and DRAM Cache are technologies designed to improve SSD performance by temporarily storing frequently accessed data or mapping tables. DRAM cache is dedicated memory on the SSD itself, offering excellent performance. HMB, on the other hand, allows the SSD to use a small portion of your system’s main RAM (Host Memory) as a cache, achieving similar performance benefits without the added cost of dedicated DRAM on the SSD, making drives like the NM790 more affordable yet fast.