In today’s fast-paced digital world, a 17-inch laptop offers a fantastic balance of screen real estate for productivity, immersive entertainment, and even gaming. But to truly get the most out of such a machine, an SSD (Solid State Drive) isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. Faster boot times, quicker application loading, and snappier overall performance are just some of the benefits. And when it comes to reliable, high-performance storage, Lexar is a name that often comes up.
While Lexar is renowned for its excellent storage solutions, they don’t actually make full laptops. However, their SSDs are perfect for enhancing your current 17-inch laptop or pairing with a new one to create what feels like the Lexar best 17 inch SSD laptop for your money. In this article, we’ll dive into some of Lexar’s top SSDs, perfect for upgrading or expanding your 17-inch device, and we’ll also spotlight a budget-friendly 17-inch SSD laptop option. Let’s find out how to maximize your portable powerhouse!
Revitalize Your 17-Inch Laptop: Top Lexar Internal SSDs
An internal SSD upgrade is one of the most impactful ways to breathe new life into an aging 17-inch laptop or supercharge a brand-new one. Lexar offers a range of options that promise significant performance boosts.
Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NM790 is a beast of an internal SSD, truly designed for those who demand uncompromising speed from their 17-inch laptop. If you’re a hardcore gamer, a professional working with large files, or a content creator, this drive will blow you away with its lightning-fast read and write speeds. It’s built to deliver top-tier performance while also being energy-efficient, meaning your laptop might even get a little extra battery life. Plus, its single-sided design makes it a perfect fit for many slim laptop chassis.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity with 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
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (for those cross-device needs!)
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, ideal for laptops
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds for rapid data access and program loading
- High endurance ensures a long lifespan
- Energy-efficient, potentially extending laptop battery life
- Excellent for demanding applications and gaming
- Easy to install in compatible M.2 slots
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Cons:
- Requires a laptop with a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot to achieve full speed
- Might be overkill for casual users who won’t utilize its full potential
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the NM790 for its incredible speed and noticeable performance improvement, often citing drastically reduced boot times and seamless handling of intensive tasks. Many appreciate its competitive pricing for the performance it delivers.
Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
For those looking for a cost-effective upgrade that still offers a significant jump over traditional hard drives, the Lexar NS100 is a fantastic choice. This 2.5-inch SATA III SSD is perfect for older 17-inch laptops that might not have M.2 NVMe slots, or for replacing a sluggish HDD. It’s a straightforward, reliable upgrade that will instantly make your laptop feel more responsive, with faster startups and snappier application loads. It’s definitely a strong contender if you’re trying to achieve the best 17 inch SSD laptop experience on a tighter budget.
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Key Features:
- 256GB capacity, ideal for operating systems and essential applications
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- 120TBW endurance rating
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Affordable upgrade for older laptops
- Significantly improves boot times and application loading
- More durable and reliable than HDDs
- Easy to install in any laptop with a 2.5-inch drive bay
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Cons:
- SATA III speeds are considerably slower than NVMe SSDs
- 256GB might be limiting for users with large file libraries
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User Impressions: Reviewers love the NS100 for its ease of installation and the immediate, noticeable speed improvement it brings to older systems. It’s often recommended as an excellent value-for-money upgrade that extends the life of a laptop.
Lexar NM710 SSD 500GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NM710 hits a sweet spot for many users. It offers impressive PCIe Gen4 speeds without the premium price tag of the top-tier drives, making it an excellent all-rounder for a 17-inch laptop. With speeds more than 40% faster than PCIe 3.0 SSDs, it’s perfect for mainstream users, students, and even casual gamers who want a noticeable performance boost without breaking the bank. It also uses HMB 3.0 and SLC Cache technology to keep things running smoothly.
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Key Features:
- 500GB capacity for a good balance of OS and file storage
- High-speed PCIe Gen4x4 interface
- Features HMB (Host Memory Buffer) 3.0 and SLC Cache technology
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- More than 40% faster speed than PCIe 3.0 SSDs
- Sequential read speed up to 5000MB/s, sequential write speed up to 2600MB/s
- 300TBW endurance rating
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Great balance of speed, capacity, and price
- Significant performance upgrade over PCIe 3.0 drives
- Reliable and durable with no moving parts
- Excellent for general use, multitasking, and moderate gaming
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Cons:
- Not as fast as the high-end Gen4 drives (like the NM790)
- 500GB might require careful storage management for large media libraries
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User Impressions: Customers report a strong performance boost for their systems with the NM710. They often highlight its smooth operation and quick load times, making it a popular choice for those wanting a modern upgrade without the top-tier cost.
Boost Your On-the-Go Workflow: Lexar Portable SSDs
Sometimes, an internal upgrade isn’t enough, or you need flexible, high-speed storage that can travel with you. Lexar’s portable SSDs are fantastic for expanding your 17-inch laptop’s capabilities or for quickly transferring large files between devices.
Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
This isn’t just a portable SSD; it’s a portable command center! The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a game-changer for creators and professionals on the move. Its ultra-compact design means you can literally take it anywhere, and the integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports plus included adapters gives you incredible flexibility. Imagine capturing Apple ProRes footage directly and storing it without a hitch, or quickly backing up your work on location. It’s tough, fast, and remarkably versatile, making it an excellent companion for any 17-inch laptop user who needs more than just storage.
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Key Features:
- 1TB capacity, ultra-compact design for portability
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (press firmly to ensure drive is completely inserted)
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports, plus adapters and cables
- Captures brilliant Apple ProRes footage with ease
- Blazing-fast performance: up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Seamless 4K recording with no dropped frames and swift backups
- Ready for travel: dust-proof and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Acts as both a high-speed SSD and a versatile USB-C hub
- Extremely portable and durable (IP65 rated)
- Excellent for professional content creation and quick transfers
- Great connectivity options for various devices
- Wireless Type-C design reduces cable clutter
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Cons:
- Requires a USB-C port for connection
- Price point is higher due to the integrated hub functionality
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User Impressions: Users are thrilled with the multi-functionality of this device, especially creators who appreciate the ability to offload footage quickly and efficiently. Its rugged design and reliable performance also receive high marks.
Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD
If storage capacity is your top priority for external use, the Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD is an outstanding choice. This drive shares the same blazing-fast speeds and rugged durability as its 1TB counterpart with a hub, but focuses purely on providing ample space for all your files. Whether you’re working with large video projects, extensive photo libraries, or just need to carry a massive amount of data, this drive handles it all with ease. Its instant compatibility with a wide range of Type-C devices, from laptops to smartphones, makes it incredibly convenient.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity, ultra-compact design
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (press firmly to ensure drive is completely inserted)
- Expands smartphone storage instantly with seamless data transfers
- Blazing-fast performance: 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Seamless Apple ProRes 4K 60 fps recording, no dropped frames, swift backups
- Compatible with mobile phones, iPads, tablets, Macs, PCs, cameras, and more Type-C devices
- Ready for travel: dust- and water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter, comes with a protective silicone case
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Massive 2TB storage in a tiny, portable form factor
- Extremely fast for large file transfers and 4K video recording
- Highly durable and travel-ready (IP65 rating)
- Broad compatibility with Type-C devices
- Protective silicone case adds extra peace of mind
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Cons:
- Does not include the integrated hub functionality of the other Professional Go model
- Requires a USB-C port for connection
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User Impressions: Customers love the compact size combined with the huge capacity and speed. Many use it for video editing on the go or as a reliable backup for their entire digital life, appreciating its ruggedness and quick performance.
Your Budget-Friendly 17-Inch Laptop Solution
While Lexar excels in SSDs, if you’re in the market for a complete new laptop and want a 17-inch model with an SSD that offers great value, you’ll need to look at other brands for the base machine. Here’s a solid pick that aims to be a 17 inch SSD laptop for your money, allowing you to potentially upgrade its SSD with a Lexar drive later for even better performance.
MTWZMM 17 inch Laptop, 8GB RAM 256 SSD, 17.3 inch
This MTWZMM 17-inch laptop is positioned as an ultra-light and portable solution for students and business professionals who need a larger screen without a hefty price tag. Equipped with an Intel Celeron N5095 processor and a 256GB SSD, it provides a responsive experience for everyday tasks, web browsing, and office applications. The full HD display offers crisp visuals, and a range of connectivity options ensures you can plug in all your essential peripherals. It’s a great starting point if you’re specifically seeking a Lexar best 17 inch SSD laptop for your money experience by getting a capable machine and then considering a Lexar internal SSD upgrade down the line.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-Light & Portable: 17.3-inch screen designed for on-the-go productivity
- Powerful Performance: Celeron N5095 processor (2.0~2.9GHz) and 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking
- Crisp Visuals: 1920×1080 display delivers stunning clarity and vibrant colors
- Seamless Connectivity: Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2
- Versatile Connectivity Options: USB 3.0 and HDMI ports, integrated webcam
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Pros:
- Very affordable for a 17-inch laptop
- Lightweight and portable despite the large screen
- Full HD display provides a good viewing experience
- SSD ensures faster boot times and responsiveness compared to HDDs
- Good for students and general office tasks
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Cons:
- Celeron processor may struggle with demanding applications or heavy multitasking
- 256GB SSD might be small for some users, necessitating an upgrade or external storage
- 8GB RAM is adequate but not ideal for intensive workloads
- Brand recognition might be lower than established manufacturers
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User Impressions: Users typically find this laptop to be a great value for basic computing needs, appreciating the large screen and lightweight design. It’s often recommended for those on a tight budget who prioritize screen size and portability for tasks like document editing and media consumption.
Conclusion: Finding Your Best 17-Inch SSD Laptop Value
Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing machine or purchase a new one, getting the Lexar best 17 inch SSD laptop for your money is all about smart choices. As we’ve seen, Lexar offers phenomenal SSDs that can dramatically improve your 17-inch laptop’s performance, from internal lightning-fast NVMe drives to incredibly versatile and rugged portable storage solutions.
By choosing a high-performance Lexar internal SSD like the NM790 or NM710, you can transform your current laptop into a speed demon. If you need portable, massive storage with extra functionality, the Professional Go SSDs are unbeatable. And for those starting fresh, a budget-friendly 17-inch laptop like the MTWZMM can be a fantastic base, potentially upgraded with a Lexar SSD down the line for that ultimate performance boost.
Ultimately, investing in quality storage is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for any laptop, especially a large 17-inch model where speed and capacity make a huge difference. Pick the Lexar solution that best fits your needs, and enjoy a faster, more efficient computing experience!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why should I choose an SSD over a traditional HDD for my 17-inch laptop?
A1: SSDs offer significantly faster boot times, quicker application loading, and overall snappier performance compared to traditional HDDs. They also have no moving parts, making them more durable, quieter, and more energy-efficient, which can extend your laptop’s battery life.
Q2: Can I upgrade my existing 17-inch laptop with a Lexar SSD?
A2: Absolutely! Many 17-inch laptops can be upgraded with an internal SSD. You’ll need to check your laptop’s specifications to see if it supports a 2.5-inch SATA SSD (like the Lexar NS100) or an M.2 NVMe SSD (like the Lexar NM790 or NM710). If you’re unsure, consulting your laptop’s manual or a professional technician is recommended.
Q3: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen 3 and PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs?
A3: PCIe Gen 4 SSDs are the newer generation and offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to PCIe Gen 3 SSDs. For example, the Lexar NM790 (Gen 4) boasts speeds up to 7400MB/s read, while Gen 3 drives typically max out around 3500MB/s. To benefit from Gen 4 speeds, your laptop’s motherboard must support PCIe Gen 4.
Q4: Are portable SSDs worth it for a laptop?
A4: Yes, portable SSDs like the Lexar Professional Go series are incredibly useful. They provide fast, external storage for large files, backups, or expanding your laptop’s capacity without opening it up. Their durability and compact size make them perfect for travel, content creation, and quickly transferring data between multiple devices.
Q5: What does TBW mean for an SSD, and why is it important?
A5: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s an endurance rating that indicates how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifetime before its reliability might degrade. A higher TBW (e.g., 1000TBW for the NM790) means the drive is designed to handle more data writes and is generally more durable, especially important for heavy users like video editors or gamers.
Q6: Is a Celeron processor sufficient for a 17-inch laptop?
A6: A Celeron processor, like the one in the MTWZMM laptop, is generally sufficient for basic computing tasks such as web browsing, email, word processing, and light media consumption. However, for demanding applications, heavy multitasking, or gaming, you might find it struggles. For a more robust experience, an Intel Core i3/i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 3/5/7 processor would be recommended, though these will also increase the laptop’s price.
Q7: How can I ensure I’m getting the “best 17 inch SSD laptop for my money”?
A7: To get the best value, consider your primary usage needs. If you’re on a tight budget, look for a laptop with decent RAM (8GB minimum) and at least 256GB SSD, and then consider a Lexar internal SSD upgrade later. If performance is key, prioritize a laptop with a modern CPU and a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot, then pair it with a top-tier Lexar NVMe SSD. Always compare specs, read reviews, and factor in the total cost of ownership, including potential upgrades.