Tired of agonizingly long load screens and sluggish game performance? In the fast-paced world of gaming, a top-tier Solid State Drive (SSD) isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. For serious gamers looking to upgrade their rig, a 1TB SSD strikes the perfect balance between ample storage for your ever-growing game library and blistering speed. When it comes to reliable, high-performance storage, Lexar has consistently delivered cutting-edge solutions.
If you’re on the hunt for the Lexar best 1TB SSD for gaming, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve meticulously reviewed Lexar’s top offerings to help you find the perfect drive to supercharge your gaming experience. From internal NVMe powerhouses that slash load times to portable external drives perfect for console gaming or on-the-go action, Lexar has a solution that fits your needs. Let’s dive in and discover which drive will give you the edge!
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
This internal NVMe M.2 SSD is a true workhorse designed to elevate your gaming and creative workflows. With incredibly fast read and write speeds, the NM790 ensures you’re spending less time waiting for games to load and more time immersed in the action. It’s built for those who demand uncompromising speed and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for a primary game drive. Its single-sided design also makes it a fantastic fit for laptops, ensuring even portable gaming rigs can benefit from its prowess.
- Key Features:
- 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 for smoother transfer speeds and seamless performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, perfect for laptops
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds significantly reduce game load times
- Excellent power efficiency keeps systems cooler and extends battery life in laptops
- High endurance rating ensures durability
- PS5 compatibility makes it a versatile choice
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Single-sided design is ideal for compact systems and laptops
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Cons:
- Lacks a built-in heatsink, which might be a concern for sustained heavy workloads without proper system airflow
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Requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible motherboard to achieve advertised speeds
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the NM790 for its noticeable speed improvements, reporting much faster game launches and level loading. Many appreciate its energy efficiency, especially for laptop use. Some users, however, recommend pairing it with a third-party heatsink if installed in systems with less-than-optimal cooling for prolonged intense gaming sessions.
Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD,…
When portability meets performance, you get the Lexar ES3. This sleek, compact external SSD is your go-to solution for taking your game library on the road, easily connecting to consoles like the PS5 or Xbox, or expanding storage for your mobile devices. Its robust metal design and incredibly light weight mean you can slip it into your pocket and have high-speed storage wherever you need it, making it a fantastic companion for the traveling gamer or content creator.
- Key Features:
- High-speed Data Transfer: USB 3.2 Gen 2 with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Wide Compatibility: iPhone 15 series, Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming consoles, and more
- On The Go: Thin, stylish, durable metal design, weighs 42g, 10.5mm thick
- Comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
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Data Safety First: Includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software
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Pros:
- Excellent portability and durable metal construction
- High-speed external transfers are great for quick game backups or playing directly from the drive
- Broad compatibility with various gaming consoles and mobile devices
- Data encryption adds an extra layer of security for your valuable game saves and files
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Plug-and-play simplicity
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Cons:
- Performance may be lower on systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 (e.g., older Macs)
- Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models (for direct recording/storage)
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Magsafe is not available in this version
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User Impressions: Users love the ES3 for its incredible portability and ease of use across different devices, especially for console gaming. Many highlight the quick transfer speeds for moving large game files. The sleek design and lightweight nature are also frequently praised, making it a solid choice for those who need reliable storage on the move.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2…
Take the exceptional performance of the NM790 and add a dedicated heatsink, and you get this beast. The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is specifically engineered for sustained, high-intensity gaming and demanding applications. The integrated heatsink is a game-changer, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring your drive maintains peak performance even during the most marathon gaming sessions or heavy data transfers. This is the go-to for gamers who want to install and forget, knowing their SSD will stay cool under pressure.
- Key Features:
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- 1000TBW 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 and seamless performance
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Integrated heatsink ensures sustained peak performance without thermal throttling, crucial for gaming
- Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds for rapid game loading
- High efficiency and low power consumption
- Ideal for PS5 storage expansion, meeting its speed and cooling requirements
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Robust five-year warranty provides peace of mind
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Cons:
- The heatsink might make it incompatible with some ultra-thin laptops or motherboards with pre-installed heatsinks
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Requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible motherboard for optimal performance
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User Impressions: PC and PS5 gamers alike rave about the NM790 with Heatsink for its ability to maintain incredible speeds without overheating. Many report a noticeable difference in system stability during prolonged gaming. The convenience of a pre-attached heatsink is a big plus, saving users the hassle of finding a compatible third-party cooler.
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports…
This isn’t just a portable SSD; it’s a portable creative hub designed for professionals and serious hobbyists who need flexible, high-speed storage on the fly. The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub offers blazing-fast speeds for recording high-resolution footage like Apple ProRes directly from your iPhone 15 Pro, but its utility extends to gaming too. Its unique integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports means you can connect other peripherals while keeping your storage solution compact and cable-free, making it surprisingly versatile for certain gaming setups or streaming.
- Key Features:
- Ultra-compact for spontaneous creativity anytime, anywhere
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (press firmly for full insertion)
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage and store with ease
- Portable SSD plus a hub with four USB Type-C ports, along with included adapters and cables
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording and swift backups
- Ready for travel –dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices is currently in progress
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Integrated hub adds incredible versatility for connecting multiple devices
- Highly durable with IP65 dust/water resistance and drop resistance
- Fast read/write speeds suitable for direct game recording or quick transfers
- Ultra-compact and cable-free design enhances portability
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Excellent for content creators who also game, offering a unified solution
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Cons:
- Primarily aimed at content creation, its hub features might be overkill for a pure gaming focus
- Wireless connector requires firm insertion, which might feel less secure initially
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Compatibility with iPhone 17 series is still in progress (though supports 15 Pro/Max)
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User Impressions: Content creators absolutely adore this drive for its hub functionality and robust build. Gamers appreciate its speed for transferring large game files and its ruggedness for on-the-go storage. The cable-free design is a major win for minimalist setups, though some note the specific insertion method takes a bit of getting used to.
Lexar 1TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible…
If raw external speed is your top priority, the Lexar SL500 is here to impress. Boasting incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance, this portable SSD delivers speeds that rival some internal drives, making it ideal for playing demanding games directly from the drive or rapidly transferring massive game libraries between systems. Its remarkably thin and durable metal design makes it an aesthetic and practical choice for gamers who demand both performance and style in their portable storage.
- 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 easily fits in your pocket
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording – shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Wide compatibility with mobile devices, iPhone 15/16 series, laptops, cameras, as well as Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, and more
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures even at top speeds
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Product dimensions and weight: 3.3” x 2.1” x 0.3”; 0.095 lbs.
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Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Phenomenal external speeds (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2) ideal for demanding games and large file transfers
- Excellent thermal control ensures sustained high performance
- Extremely thin and lightweight, making it highly portable
- Broad compatibility with gaming consoles and modern mobile devices
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Data encryption adds security for sensitive files
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Cons:
- Full speeds require a system with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support, which isn’t universally available yet
- Not designed for internal PC installation
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More expensive than standard external USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives due to higher performance
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User Impressions: Gamers and content creators are blown away by the SL500’s speed, often commenting on how quickly large files transfer and how smooth gaming is directly from the drive. Its slim profile is also a major talking point, making it a favorite for minimalist setups or frequent travel. Users also appreciate the built-in thermal management, ensuring it doesn’t overheat during intensive tasks.
Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
Future-proof your gaming rig with the Lexar NM1090 PRO, a beast leveraging cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 technology. This SSD isn’t just fast; it’s outrageously fast, delivering speeds that redefine game loading and system responsiveness. Designed for the most demanding users, including those with high-end AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 processors, and even for AI applications, this drive ensures absolutely minimal bottlenecks. If you’re building a new, top-tier gaming PC, this is the Lexar best 1TB SSD for gaming that will put you at the forefront of performance.
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/10,000 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, inferencing, and real-time data processing
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds
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Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, conserve CPU power, and enrich the gaming experience
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Pros:
- Unparalleled PCIe Gen5 speeds for the ultimate gaming experience
- Drastically reduced game load times and enhanced system responsiveness
- Optimized heat control with a 6nm controller
- DRAM and SLC cache provide superior data handling
- Future-proof technology compatible with upcoming gaming innovations like DirectStorage
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Ideal for high-end gaming PCs and professional workstations
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen5 compatible motherboard, which is still quite new and typically more expensive
- May generate more heat than Gen4 drives under heavy load, potentially requiring robust cooling
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Overkill for systems not equipped to handle Gen5 speeds
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User Impressions: Early adopters of PCIe Gen5 hardware are astounded by the NM1090 PRO’s performance, calling it a game-changer for boot times and application loading. They note that the speed difference is genuinely perceptible, especially for large, modern games. While recognizing the need for compatible hardware, users find it to be a worthwhile investment for a high-end build.
Lexar 1TB NQ780 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal…
The Lexar NQ780 is a strong contender for gamers looking for a reliable and high-performing PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD without necessarily needing the absolute top-tier speeds of the NM790 or Gen5 drives. It offers a fantastic balance of speed, efficiency, and features, making it an excellent all-around choice for system upgrades. Its single-sided design also makes it very laptop-friendly, ensuring versatile application across different gaming platforms, from desktops to portable gaming machines.
- Key Features:
- Delivers read/write speeds up to 6500/2500 MB/s for fast gameplay and boot-ups
- High-quality 8-channel Gen 4 controller for better sustained write performance
- HMB and SLC cache technologies improve performance, user experience, and reduce latency
- Great for laptops thanks to its single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control
- Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool for firmware updates, drive management, and health monitoring
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A 5-year limited warranty offers peace of mind
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Pros:
- Solid PCIe Gen4 speeds for significantly improved game loading and system responsiveness
- Excellent sustained write performance due to its 8-channel controller
- Intelligent Power Control makes it ideal for energy-efficient laptops
- Single-sided design ensures broad compatibility, especially for slim devices
- Lexar DiskMaster tool provides useful utilities for maintenance
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Generous five-year warranty
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Cons:
- Write speeds are lower than some other premium Gen4 drives (e.g., NM790)
- Lacks a pre-attached heatsink, which may require separate purchase for optimal thermal management in some desktop builds
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Not suitable for PlayStation 5 due to its specified speed requirements
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend the NQ780 as a fantastic value-for-money Gen4 SSD, highlighting its speedy boot-ups and game loading times for its price point. Laptop users particularly appreciate its single-sided design and efficient power management. The included DiskMaster software is often cited as a helpful bonus for managing the drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is an SSD better than an HDD for gaming?
A1: SSDs (Solid State Drives) offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). This translates directly into quicker game load times, faster texture streaming, and overall smoother gameplay, reducing stuttering and improving responsiveness in even the most demanding titles.
Q2: What is NVMe, and why is it important for a gaming SSD?
A2: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication protocol designed specifically for SSDs to take full advantage of their speed capabilities. It allows SSDs to communicate directly with the CPU, bypassing traditional bottlenecks. For gaming, NVMe SSDs (especially PCIe Gen4 and Gen5) drastically reduce load times, letting you jump into action almost instantly.
Q3: Is 1TB enough storage for gaming?
A3: For most gamers, 1TB offers a sweet spot. It provides enough space for several large AAA titles, plus your operating system and other applications. If you have an exceptionally massive game library or frequently install many new games, you might consider two 1TB SSDs or a larger 2TB drive.
Q4: Can I use an external Lexar SSD for gaming on my console or PC?
A4: Absolutely! External Lexar SSDs like the ES3 or SL500 are excellent for expanding storage on consoles like the PS4, PS5 (for PS4 games, or as extended storage for PS5 titles that can be moved back to internal for play), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. On PC, they’re great for carrying your game library between different systems or for quick backups. Just ensure your console/PC supports the necessary USB standard for optimal performance.
Q5: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5, and how does it affect gaming?
A5: PCIe Gen5 offers roughly double the theoretical bandwidth of PCIe Gen4 (e.g., 14,000MB/s vs. 7,000MB/s). For current-generation gaming, Gen4 is already incredibly fast and more than sufficient for most titles. Gen5 is more future-proof, especially for upcoming games leveraging technologies like Microsoft DirectStorage, which can fully utilize these ultra-high speeds to further reduce load times and improve asset streaming.
Q6: Do I need a heatsink for my Lexar 1TB NVMe SSD?
A6: For PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended for sustained heavy workloads like long gaming sessions or large file transfers. It helps prevent thermal throttling, ensuring your drive maintains its peak performance. Some Lexar drives, like the NM790 with Heatsink, come with one pre-installed for convenience.
Q7: How do I choose the best Lexar 1TB SSD for my gaming setup?
A7: Consider your platform: internal M.2 NVMe for PC/PS5, or external for portability/console storage. For internal, check your motherboard’s PCIe generation (Gen4 or Gen5). If you game intensely, a heatsink is beneficial. Finally, balance your budget with the desired speed and features, as higher speeds often come with a higher price tag.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SSD is paramount to a fluid and enjoyable gaming experience, and Lexar offers some fantastic options for those seeking the Lexar best 1TB SSD for gaming. Whether you’re after the unparalleled, future-proof speed of the PCIe Gen5 NM1090 PRO, the balanced, cool performance of the NM790 with Heatsink, or the versatile portability of the SL500, there’s a Lexar drive designed to meet your specific needs.
Upgrading your storage with one of these high-performance Lexar SSDs will not only dramatically cut down your game load times but also improve overall system responsiveness, letting you dive into your favorite virtual worlds faster than ever before. Don’t let slow storage hold you back – it’s time to level up your rig!