Are you tired of staring at loading screens longer than you’re actually playing? In today’s fast-paced gaming world, a sluggish storage drive can be the biggest bottleneck in your system. That’s where a high-quality Solid State Drive (SSD) comes into play, transforming your gaming experience from frustrating to fantastic. And when it comes to reliable, lightning-fast storage, Lexar is a name that often pops up for gamers looking to upgrade.
Choosing the Lexar best SSD for games means less waiting and more playing. These drives aren’t just about faster boot times; they drastically cut down game load times, reduce texture pop-in, and ensure your system feels incredibly responsive even during the most demanding titles. We’ve scoured Lexar’s impressive lineup to bring you five of their top contenders, perfect for every type of gamer, from casual adventurers to competitive pros. Let’s dive in and find the perfect upgrade for your gaming rig!
1. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
This Lexar NM790 model is a true game-changer, especially if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that keeps its cool under pressure. The integrated heatsink isn’t just for show; it actively dissipates heat, ensuring your SSD maintains peak performance even during marathon gaming sessions. With blistering Gen4 speeds, it’s designed to slice through load times and deliver an incredibly smooth experience, whether you’re battling foes on your PC or exploring new worlds on your PlayStation 5.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1000TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Designed with a heatsink 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
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Pros:
- Built-in heatsink for optimal thermal management
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds for rapid game loading
- Excellent power efficiency for cooler operation
- Fully compatible with PlayStation 5
- High endurance (TBW) ensures long-term reliability
- Generous five-year warranty for peace of mind
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Cons:
- 1TB might be limiting for gamers with extensive libraries
- Not a Gen5 drive, if you’re looking for the absolute cutting edge
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise this SSD for its effortless installation and immediate performance boost. Many PS5 users highlight its seamless compatibility and how it makes a noticeable difference in game loading and asset streaming. The heatsink is often lauded as a lifesaver, keeping temperatures in check without extra effort.
2. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If you’re a hardcore gamer or a creative professional who needs serious storage space without sacrificing speed, the 2TB Lexar NM790 is a powerhouse. This drive delivers the same incredible Gen4 performance as its heatsink-equipped sibling but offers double the capacity, making it ideal for those massive game libraries or extensive media projects. Its single-sided design also makes it a fantastic fit for gaming laptops, ensuring you get top-tier performance on the go.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1500TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance
- 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 NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity for extensive game collections
- Lightning-fast Gen4 speeds for superior performance
- Excellent endurance rating (1500TBW) for longevity
- Power-efficient design helps keep systems cool
- Laptop-friendly single-sided design
- PS5 compatible, perfect for console storage expansion
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Cons:
- No integrated heatsink, so consider your system’s airflow
- Still Gen4, not the absolute latest Gen5 technology
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User Impressions: Customers love the generous storage combined with the blazing speed. Many users comment on how quickly their entire game library loads, and professionals appreciate the rapid transfer speeds for large files. Laptop users specifically highlight its easy fit and noticeable performance upgrade.
3. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
For those who prioritize raw speed and efficiency but don’t require the 2TB capacity, this 1TB version of the Lexar NM790 is a stellar choice. It packs all the punch of its larger counterpart, delivering the same phenomenal Gen4 read and write speeds that will make your games launch in a flash and keep your system running buttery smooth. This drive is a strong contender for the Lexar best SSD for games if you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one and want a balance of performance and value.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1000TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance
- 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 NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 read/write speeds for competitive gaming
- Strong endurance (1000TBW) for durability
- Energy-efficient design helps reduce system heat
- PS5 ready, offering seamless console expansion
- Excellent for both desktop PCs and compatible laptops
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Cons:
- No integrated heatsink, might need a motherboard’s heatsink or aftermarket solution
- 1TB can fill up quickly with modern game sizes
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User Impressions: This drive is frequently praised for its “snappy” performance and how it instantly improves game load times and overall system responsiveness. Users often mention its great value proposition for the speed it offers, making it a popular choice for gaming PC builds.
4. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Welcome to the future of gaming storage! The Lexar NM1090 PRO is an absolute beast, harnessing the power of PCIe Gen5 technology to deliver speeds that were once unimaginable. If you’ve got a compatible AMD Ryzen or Intel i9 system, this drive will blow you away with up to 14,000MB/s read speeds, literally cutting load times by 200%. It’s not just fast; with DRAM and SLC Dynamic Cache, a powerful 6nm controller, and support for Microsoft DirectStorage, this is arguably the Lexar best SSD for games if you want the ultimate, no-compromise gaming experience and are future-proofing your rig.
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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 for a smoother experience
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, and conserve CPU power
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Pros:
- Unrivaled PCIe Gen5 speeds for groundbreaking performance
- Dramatically reduced game load times and enhanced system responsiveness
- Optimized heat control with advanced 6nm controller
- Supports Microsoft DirectStorage for a truly next-gen gaming experience
- DRAM and SLC Dynamic Cache ensure sustained high performance
- Future-proof technology for the latest gaming PCs and AI applications
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Cons:
- Requires a compatible PCIe Gen5 motherboard (newer systems only)
- Premium price point due to cutting-edge technology
- May require robust cooling solutions due to high performance
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User Impressions: Early adopters are absolutely thrilled, calling it a “game changer” for loading times and overall system fluidity. Users report that even the most demanding titles launch almost instantly, and multitasking feels incredibly seamless. It’s considered an investment, but one that pays off in raw speed.
5. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports
While internal SSDs are the go-to for primary game storage, sometimes you need speed on the go. The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD is a fantastic solution for gamers who travel, attend LAN parties, or simply want to back up their game libraries with ease. This isn’t just a portable drive; it’s a versatile tool with an integrated 4-port USB-C hub, making it perfect for not only storing games but also for creative content, recording Apple ProRes footage, and expanding connectivity wherever you are. Its rugged, IP65-rated design means it can handle the bumps and spills of life on the move.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact and portable design
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector with integrated 4-port USB-C hub
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Supports seamless 4K recording and Apple ProRes footage capture
- Dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Includes adapters and cables for ultimate flexibility
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Extremely portable for gaming on the move or backups
- Integrated 4-port USB-C hub adds valuable connectivity
- Fast external transfer speeds (up to 1050MB/s)
- Highly durable with IP65 rating and drop resistance
- Versatile for both gaming backups and content creation
- Five-year warranty for reliability
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Cons:
- Slower than internal NVMe SSDs (different use case)
- Primarily an external storage solution, not for main system drive
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices is in progress (minor note)
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User Impressions: Users love the convenience and robustness of this portable SSD. Gamers find it excellent for carrying their favorite titles between machines or for quick backups. Content creators especially praise the integrated hub and its ability to handle demanding video formats, making it a flexible asset for a tech-savvy gamer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lexar SSDs for Gaming
Q1: What makes Lexar SSDs good for gaming?
A1: Lexar SSDs excel in gaming due to their high read and write speeds, significantly reducing game load times and improving overall system responsiveness. Their NVMe PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 drives offer exceptional throughput, ensuring smooth gameplay, faster asset loading, and less stuttering, which is crucial for modern titles. Many also come with features like heatsinks or are designed to be power-efficient, maintaining optimal performance during intense sessions.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for gaming?
A2: PCIe Gen4 SSDs offer impressive speeds (typically up to 7400 MB/s read), providing a huge leap over older Gen3 drives. PCIe Gen5 SSDs, like the Lexar NM1090 PRO, are the latest generation, doubling those speeds (up to 14,000 MB/s read). For gaming, Gen5 reduces load times even further and is essential for technologies like Microsoft DirectStorage, which relies on extremely fast storage to enhance performance and reduce CPU overhead. While Gen4 is excellent, Gen5 is for enthusiasts seeking the absolute peak of current performance and future-proofing.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my gaming SSD?
A3: For high-performance NVMe PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate significant heat under heavy load, and thermal throttling can reduce their performance. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, ensuring the SSD maintains its optimal speed and longevity. Some motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can opt for an SSD that includes one, like the Lexar 1TB NM790 with Heatsink.
Q4: Can I use these Lexar SSDs with a PlayStation 5?
A4: Yes, several Lexar NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs, including the NM790 series, are fully compatible with the PlayStation 5’s expansion slot. They meet or exceed Sony’s recommended speed requirements, allowing you to significantly expand your PS5’s storage for more games with virtually identical load times to the console’s internal drive. Ensure you check the specific model for PS5 compatibility, especially for those with integrated heatsinks.
Q5: How much storage do I need for gaming?
A5: This largely depends on your gaming habits. Modern AAA games can easily take up 50-150 GB each.
* 1TB is a good starting point for most gamers, allowing for several large titles and various smaller ones.
* 2TB offers much more breathing room, letting you install a substantial game library without constantly uninstalling games.
* If you play a wide variety of games or are a content creator, 2TB or even higher (if available in a single drive) is often preferred.
Q6: What is NVMe, and why is it important for gaming?
A6: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication protocol specifically designed for SSDs. It allows for much faster data transfer between the SSD and your system’s CPU compared to older SATA interfaces. For gaming, NVMe is crucial because it drastically reduces load times for games, maps, and textures, making your gaming experience much smoother and more immersive. It leverages the high bandwidth of PCIe lanes to unleash the full potential of modern SSDs.
Q7: Can I use an external SSD for gaming?
A7: Yes, you can use an external SSD for gaming, especially for backing up your game library or playing less demanding titles. While internal NVMe SSDs offer the best performance, external portable SSDs like the Lexar Professional Go provide excellent speeds for an external drive and are incredibly convenient for portability. They’re great for carrying your game library to different PCs or consoles, though they typically won’t match the raw speed of internal PCIe Gen4/Gen5 drives.
Level Up Your Game with Lexar
Choosing the right SSD is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your gaming setup. With Lexar’s range of high-performance NVMe drives, you’re not just buying storage; you’re investing in a faster, smoother, and more enjoyable gaming experience. Whether you opt for the robust Gen4 speeds of the NM790 series or leap into the future with the blazing Gen5 NM1090 PRO, there’s a Lexar best SSD for games waiting to transform your playtime. Say goodbye to frustrating load screens and hello to uninterrupted action!