Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This lexar 4tb nm790 internal nvme SSD review focuses on a high-capacity drive designed for demanding workloads. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 7400 MB/s and write speeds up to 6500 MB/s. The drive uses an M.2 2280 form factor and connects via PCIe Gen 4x4. It relies on Host Memory Buffer 3.0 instead of a dedicated DRAM cache, which helps manage performance while potentially reducing power usage. With a 3000TBW endurance rating, this unit targets users who need substantial storage space and fast data transfer rates for their systems.
What stands out
- Sequential read speeds reach 7400 MB/s for quick file access.
- Sequential write speeds hit 6500 MB/s for efficient large file transfers.
- Endurance rating of 3000TBW ensures long-term reliability under heavy loads.
- Host Memory Buffer 3.0 utilizes system RAM to boost performance without a separate cache chip.
Who it fits
Good fit for
This SSD suits hardcore gamers and content creators who store large libraries of games, 4K video footage, or complex project files. The 4TB capacity provides ample room for extensive media collections. Professionals who frequently move large datasets will benefit from the high sequential speeds. It also fits users who want a high-end PCIe Gen 4 drive but prefer a design that manages power consumption more efficiently than traditional DRAM-equipped models.
Who should skip it
Users with older motherboards that only support PCIe Gen 3 will not see the full speed potential of this drive. While it is backward compatible, the performance gains diminish significantly on older interfaces. Those who require the absolute lowest latency for specific professional database workloads might prefer drives with dedicated DRAM. Additionally, if you need a smaller capacity for a secondary boot drive, the 4TB size may be excessive and less cost-effective for light usage.
Verdict: The Lexar NM790 4TB offers top-tier sequential speeds and high endurance in a compact form factor. It is an excellent choice for users who need massive storage and fast data throughput for gaming or creative work.
Lexar NM790 Key Specs Explained
Max Read Speed: 7400 MB/s
This figure indicates how fast the drive retrieves data from storage. For you, this means large files like 4K video projects or high-resolution game assets load quickly. It is significantly faster than older PCIe Gen 3 drives. You will notice less waiting time when opening heavy applications or copying massive datasets between drives.
Max Write Speed: 6500 MB/s
This value shows how quickly the SSD saves data to its memory cells. A speed of 6500 MB/s allows you to transfer large files, such as raw photos or video backups, in a fraction of the time required by slower drives. This is particularly useful for creators who need to offload work rapidly to free up system memory.
Storage Capacity: 4TB
This specifies the total amount of data you can store on the drive. Four terabytes provides ample space for extensive game libraries, large video editing projects, or extensive software development environments. It reduces the need to manage multiple drives or constantly delete files to free up space for new work. It suits users with large media collections.
Interface: PCIe Gen 4x4, NVMe
This defines the connection protocol and bus width the drive uses to communicate with your motherboard. PCIe Gen 4x4 offers a wider data highway than previous generations, enabling the high transfer rates listed above. NVMe ensures low latency. You must have a motherboard slot that supports this standard to achieve the advertised speeds. Older Gen 3 slots will bottleneck performance.
Cache Type: Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0
This feature allows the SSD to use a small portion of your system RAM instead of a dedicated DRAM chip on the drive itself. This design helps maintain consistent performance during heavy tasks without adding significant cost or heat. It provides smoother transfer speeds for typical workloads. This is a practical solution for users who want high performance without the premium price of DRAM-equipped drives.
Physical Design and Build Quality
The listing describes the Lexar NM790 4TB as a standard M.2 2280 drive. You can expect a black finish on the controller and NAND components. The physical dimensions are listed as 6.5 inches in length, 0.5 inches in width, and 0.5 inches in height. These measurements align with the standard 2280 form factor used in most modern desktops and laptops. This size ensures compatibility with the majority of motherboards that support PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe slots. You do not need to worry about fitting issues in standard cases or ultrabooks, provided the slot is unobstructed.
According to the listing, the drive features a Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 architecture. This technical choice means the SSD utilizes a small amount of your system’s RAM instead of a dedicated DRAM chip on the board. This design helps reduce power consumption by up to 40% compared to DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs. The lack of a bulky DRAM chip contributes to the slim 0.5-inch profile. This layout is practical for thin laptops or compact builds where space and thermal efficiency matter. The 4TB capacity is packed into this compact footprint, offering high storage density without requiring a larger form factor. This makes it a suitable choice for users who need significant storage in a small physical package.
Setup And Everyday Use
Setting up the Lexar NM790 4TB is straightforward if your system supports PCIe Gen 4x4 interfaces. The drive uses an M.2 2280 form factor, which fits into most modern motherboards and laptops with an available slot. You do not need to install additional drivers for basic operation. The listing notes that it is designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators. This suggests the drive handles heavy data loads well.
The drive relies on Host Memory Buffer 3.0 for caching instead of a dedicated DRAM chip. This feature activates the system’s main memory to manage data transfers. You get smoother performance during large file moves without the extra power draw of a traditional DRAM cache. The specs state up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM-enabled Gen 4 drives. This efficiency can help keep your system cooler during long editing sessions or gaming marathons.
Daily use feels responsive thanks to the 7400 MB/s read and 6500 MB/s write speeds. You will notice quick loading times for large games or video projects. The 4TB capacity gives you room for extensive libraries and high-resolution media. The drive is also rated for 3000TBW, indicating strong endurance for write-heavy tasks. It is twice as fast as PCIe Gen 3 SSDs. This speed advantage matters when you transfer large assets frequently. The black finish blends into most builds. You get a reliable, high-speed storage solution that fits seamlessly into your workflow.
Before You Buy This SSD
Before you buy this drive, verify your motherboard supports PCIe Gen 4x4 to unlock its full speed potential. The Lexar NM790 4TB uses an M.2 2280 form factor, which fits most modern systems, but you must check for an available slot. Since it lacks a built-in heatsink in the base model, ensure your case has adequate airflow or consider the heatsink version if your motherboard does not include one. This high-capacity drive is ideal for users storing large media libraries or running multiple virtual machines. It sits alongside other NVMe options by offering substantial endurance and fast transfers. You should also confirm your operating system supports Host Memory Buffer 3.0 for optimal performance. Regularly monitoring drive health via software tools helps maintain longevity. This SSD is a strong choice for creators and gamers who need reliable, high-speed storage without the bulk of traditional drives.
Check before you buy
- Confirm your motherboard has an available M.2 2280 slot.
- Verify your system supports PCIe Gen 4x4 interfaces.
- Check if you need a separate heatsink for cooling.
- Ensure your OS supports Host Memory Buffer 3.0.
The product at a glance
Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Best for: high-speed storage and large file transfers
- Storage Capacity
- 4TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen 4x4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 7400MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6500MB/s
- Cache Type
- SLC Cache, HMB 3.0
View on Amazon: Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD Affiliate link
The Lexar NM790 4TB is an M.2 2280 NVMe drive built for high throughput. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 7400 MB/s and write speeds up to 6500 MB/s. The drive uses Host Memory Buffer 3.0 to manage cache, reducing power consumption compared to DRAM-equipped models. This capacity suits users who need fast storage for large files or extensive game libraries.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach 7400 MB/s
- Sequential write speeds reach 6500 MB/s
- Host Memory Buffer 3.0 enables efficient data handling
- 4TB storage capacity for large datasets
Cons
- No dedicated DRAM cache chip on the module
- Requires a heatsink for optimal thermal management
- Limited to PCIe Gen 4x4 interface speeds
Good fit if
- You need high sequential read speeds for content creation
- You require 4TB of internal storage space
- You want a PCIe Gen 4 drive with low power draw
Skip if
- You need a drive with a dedicated DRAM cache
- You are using a system that only supports PCIe Gen 3
- You prefer a model that includes a heatsink by default
Verdict: Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe SSD offers top-tier Gen 4 speeds for creators and gamers who prioritize capacity and efficiency over a dedicated DRAM cache.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 4TB |
| Interface | PCIe Gen 4x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | 7400MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 6500MB/s |
| Cache Type | SLC Cache, HMB 3.0 |
| Compatibility | Laptop, PS5 |
| Size | 4TB |
| Dimensions | 6.5 × 4.8 × 0.5 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Model | LNM790X004T-RNNNU |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lexar NM790 4TB good for gaming?
Yes, it is excellent for gaming. The drive offers sequential read speeds up to 7400 MB/s. This allows large game assets and 4K textures to load quickly. You benefit from reduced wait times when entering new areas or loading high-resolution environments in modern titles.
Does the Lexar NM790 4TB have DRAM cache?
No, it does not include a dedicated DRAM cache. Instead, it relies on host memory buffer (HMB) technology. This approach helps maintain high speeds for large file transfers. It is suitable for users who prioritize capacity and efficiency over traditional caching methods.
What is the maximum write speed of this SSD?
The maximum sequential write speed is 6500 MB/s. This high throughput ensures fast data transfer rates for demanding tasks. You can expect efficient performance when moving large video files or backing up extensive game libraries to the drive.
Does the Lexar NM790 fit in a laptop?
It fits in laptops with an M.2 2280 slot. The physical dimensions are 6.5 inches in length and 0.5 inches in width. You must verify that your laptop supports PCIe Gen 4x4 interfaces to utilize its full speed potential. Check your manual for slot availability.
Is the Lexar NM790 4TB suitable for video editing?
Yes, it is well-suited for video editing. The 7400 MB/s read speed allows smooth playback of high-resolution footage. You can edit 4K projects directly from the drive without significant stuttering. The large 4TB capacity also provides ample space for multiple large media files.
What interface does the Lexar NM790 use?
It uses the PCIe 4.0 interface. This connection standard provides the bandwidth necessary for its high sequential speeds. You need a motherboard with a PCIe Gen 4x4 slot to achieve the advertised performance levels. Older Gen 3 systems will run it at lower speeds.