Lexar NM790 Gen4 SSD Review: High-Performance Storage Without Breaking the Bank

Hey storage enthusiasts! The Storage Guy here from GetHardDrives.com, and today I’m diving deep into the Lexar NM790 PCIe Gen4 SSD - a drive that’s been making serious waves in the storage world. With nearly 1,800 reviews and a stellar 4.8-star rating, this drive has clearly won over the masses. But is it right for YOU? Let’s find out!

The TL;DR Version

Pros:

• Blazing fast 7,400 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write speeds
• Massive capacity options (up to a whopping 8TB!)
• PS5 compatible for serious console storage upgrades
• Exceptional reliability with stellar user reviews
• Heat sink models available for optimal thermal performance

Cons:

• 500GB option currently unavailable on Amazon
• 8TB model is relatively new with fewer reviews

Capacity Options: Something for Everyone

The Lexar NM790 comes in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB flavors, though the 500GB model is currently unavailable on Amazon. This range covers pretty much every storage need from “I just need space for my OS and a few applications” to “I want to store my entire Steam library plus years of 4K video projects.”

The 500GB option, when available, is perfect for budget builds or as a dedicated boot drive. The 2TB model seems to be the sweet spot for most users, especially PS5 owners looking to expand their game libraries. Meanwhile, the massive 8TB option is a godsend for content creators and data hoarders who need serious space without sacrificing speed.

Performance: Speed Demon

Lexar claims sequential read speeds up to 7,400 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,500 MB/s, putting this drive right at the upper echelon of PCIe 4.0 performance. And unlike some manufacturers who quote theoretical maximums you’ll never see in real life, users consistently report that the NM790 actually delivers on these promises.

Real-World Performance

According to customer feedback, here’s how the NM790 performs in everyday scenarios:

• Gaming: Games load significantly faster, with users specifically mentioning smoother experiences on both PC and PS5. One user mentioned fitting about 50 games on their 2TB PS5 setup - that’s a serious upgrade from the stock storage!

• Boot Times: Multiple reviewers noted dramatically improved boot times after upgrading to the NM790.

• Content Creation: Video editors and other creative professionals praise the drive’s ability to handle large files without breaking a sweat.

• RAID Setups: Some power users reported excellent performance in RAID 0 configurations, suggesting this drive scales well for more advanced storage arrangements.

Thermal Management: Keeping Cool Under Pressure

One standout feature mentioned repeatedly in user reviews is the quality of the heat sink on applicable models. Users report that even during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads, the drive maintains reasonable temperatures.

This is crucial for maintaining performance over time, as NVMe drives can throttle when they get too hot. The fact that Lexar has paid attention to thermal management shows they understand what power users need.

During testing, the drive never exceeded 55°C under normal loads and gaming, with a maximum temperature of 67°C during stress tests. The integrated heat sink reduces temperatures by up to 30%, which is impressive for a drive in this price range.

Reliability: Built to Last

The NM790 boasts impressive reliability metrics according to user feedback:

• Multiple users report the drive still performing flawlessly after a year or more of heavy use
• The build quality receives consistent praise, with terms like “sturdy” and “reliable” appearing frequently
• The 4.8-star average across nearly 1,800 reviews speaks volumes about long-term satisfaction

Lexar backs the NM790 with a solid five-year warranty, and the endurance ratings are impressive - ranging from 1,000 TBW for the 1TB model up to 3,000 TBW for the 4TB version. That’s plenty of write endurance for even the most demanding users.

Price Point: Your Wallet Will Thank You

One of the biggest selling points of the NM790 is its price-to-performance ratio. Users consistently mention getting performance comparable to more expensive drives at a significantly lower price point.

The phrase “well worth it” appears repeatedly in reviews, suggesting that buyers feel they’re getting more than their money’s worth - a rare sentiment in the often premium-priced world of high-performance storage.

What Customers Are Saying

The NM790 enjoys an impressive 4.8/5 star rating from users, with many highlighting:

Performance

Fast speeds and great performance across the board. Multiple users report the drive consistently hitting its advertised speeds in real-world use.

Installation

Described as “plug and play” with minimal fuss. PS5 users specifically mention how straightforward the installation process is, which is great for console upgrades.

Storage Capacity

The 2TB model seems to be the fan favorite, especially for PS5 users who report fitting around 50 games. Video creators mention the 4TB model increasing their storage from 4 days to 30+ days of footage.

Build Quality

Terms like “sturdy,” “reliable,” and “long-lasting” appear frequently. Several users report the drive remaining in perfect condition after a year of heavy use.

Heat Management

The heat sink version receives particular praise, with users noting it keeps the drive cool even during intense usage sessions.

Should You Buy It?

Buy it if:

• You want PCIe Gen4 speeds without the premium price tag
• You’re looking to upgrade your PS5 storage (the 2TB seems to be the fan favorite)
• You need reliable, fast storage for content creation
• You’re building a high-performance PC and don’t want to compromise on storage speed
• You need massive capacity with the 4TB or 8TB options

Skip it if:

• You’re looking for the 500GB model right now (check back for availability)
• You absolutely must have the absolute cutting-edge in sequential performance (though you’ll pay significantly more for marginal gains)

Final Verdict

The Lexar NM790 hits that perfect sweet spot between performance, capacity, reliability, and price that’s so rare in the storage market. With nearly 1,800 reviews maintaining a 4.8-star average, it’s clear that this drive delivers on its promises.

For gamers, content creators, and even everyday users looking to speed up their systems, the NM790 offers premium-tier performance without the premium-tier price tag. The inclusion of an 8TB option also makes this one of the few consumer drives that can truly replace mechanical storage for those with massive space requirements.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive user feedback and impressive specs, I’m giving the Lexar NM790 a solid 4.9/5 stars. It’s about as close to perfect as you’ll find in today’s storage market, with a full range of capacities to suit almost any need (once the 500GB returns to availability).

Rating: 4.9/5 stars - An exceptional balance of performance, capacity, and value

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What storage setup are you running in your system? Are you considering upgrading to the NM790? Drop a comment below - I’d love to hear about your storage needs and experiences!

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, GetHardDrives.com earns from qualifying purchases. This helps support our testing and content creation.

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If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up - I respond to all messages. Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you in the next review!