Lexar NM790 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD: features, specs and who it suits

The Lexar NM790 is an internal M.2 2280 solid state drive that uses PCIe Gen4 x4 and NVMe. This 2TB model is aimed at gamers, creators and professionals who want fast, roomy storage for a desktop, a laptop or a PlayStation 5.

Gen4 speeds

Lexar rates the NM790 at up to 7,400MB/s sequential reads and 6,500MB/s writes, and says that is twice as fast as PCIe Gen 3 SSDs. Those are peak numbers for large, continuous transfers. Everyday tasks such as opening apps involve smaller, random operations, so you will see the gap less in routine use than in big file copies. To reach the top speeds, the drive needs a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 slot. In a Gen3 slot it generally works at the slower speed.

Host Memory Buffer and the cache

Many SSDs have a small block of DRAM that keeps a map of where data is stored. The NM790 does not carry its own DRAM chip. Instead, Lexar says Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 uses a small slice of your device's memory for the same job, for smoother transfers. It also lists Dynamic SLC Cache, where part of the flash temporarily acts as a faster write buffer. Lexar says the drive uses up to 40% less power than DRAM-cache PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, which matters for laptop battery life and heat.

Use in a PlayStation 5

Lexar lists the drive as compatible with PlayStation 5. Sony's console has its own rules for M.2 storage, including size and cooling requirements, so read the console's current guidance and fit a heatsink if required. The listing doesn't state that a heatsink is included.

Laptops and desktops

The drive is single-sided, which Lexar says suits laptops, because thin machines often have little room under the cover. It is the 2280 format, 22 mm wide and 80 mm long. It works in desktop M.2 slots too.

Endurance and warranty

Lexar lists an endurance figure of 1500TBW (terabytes written), which describes how much data the drive is rated to take over its life. It comes with a five-year limited warranty. Check Lexar's terms for the details.

Who it suits

It suits gamers upgrading console or PC storage, creators working with large photo and video files, and anyone adding a fast second drive to a laptop with a Gen4 slot. Users on older systems with only SATA or Gen3 slots won't use the full speed.

What to check before you buy

• Slot support: confirm an M.2 2280 NVMe slot, ideally PCIe Gen4 x4.
• Console rules: check PlayStation 5 requirements, including cooling.
• Cooling: look for a heatsink or cover on your board.
• HMB support: the drive relies on your device's memory buffer, which modern systems typically support.
• Capacity: confirm 2TB suits your library.
• Backups: keep a second copy of anything important.

The short version

• Lexar NM790 2TB, PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, M.2 2280.
• Up to 7,400MB/s reads and 6,500MB/s writes, as Lexar rates it.
• HMB 3.0 and Dynamic SLC Cache.
• Single-sided design; compatible with PlayStation 5.
• 1500TBW endurance and a five-year limited warranty.

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