Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 vs Lexar Armor 700 2TB Rugged: Spec Comparison
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The lexar nm790 4tb nvme m 2 vs armor 700 2tb rugged comparison highlights two distinct storage solutions from Lexar. Both drives offer high-speed data transfers and substantial storage capacity. The NM790 is an internal NVMe drive designed for desktops and laptops, while the Armor 700 is a rugged external SSD built for portability. You need to decide based on your device interface and mobility needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD | Lexar Armor 700 2TB Rugged External SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen 4x4, NVMe | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 Internal | External SSD |
| Max Read Speed | 7400 MB/s | 2000 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 6500 MB/s | 2000 MB/s |
| Storage Capacity | 4TB | 2TB |
| Durability/Rating | Not listed | IP66 rated, 3-meter drop resistance |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD if
- You need high-speed internal storage for a PC or laptop.
- You require the largest available capacity at 4TB.
- You want maximum sequential read and write speeds.
Choose Lexar Armor 700 2TB Rugged External SSD if
- You need a portable drive for field work or travel.
- You require water and dust resistance for outdoor use.
- You want a drive compatible with USB connections on various devices.
Verdict: Choose the NM790 if you are building or upgrading an internal system and need top-tier speed and capacity. Pick the Armor 700 if you prioritize portability, rugged durability, and USB connectivity for external use.
Lexar NM790 vs Armor 700 Specs
Interface type
The Lexar NM790 4TB uses an internal PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe interface, connecting directly to your motherboard. This allows for high-speed data exchange with your system’s CPU. The Lexar Armor 700 2TB uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface. This external connection relies on a cable to link to your device. The NM790 offers a direct internal pathway, while the Armor 700 provides flexible external connectivity. Both interfaces support high throughput, but they serve different physical installation needs for your hardware setup.
Transfer speed
The Lexar NM790 4TB delivers sequential read speeds up to 7400 MB/s and write speeds up to 6500 MB/s. This makes it significantly faster for large file transfers. The Lexar Armor 700 2TB offers sequential read and write speeds of 2000 MB/s. While the Armor 700 is fast for an external drive, the NM790’s internal PCIe connection provides nearly four times the peak read speed. If you need maximum raw throughput for video editing or gaming, the NM790 has a clear performance advantage.
Form factor
The Lexar NM790 4TB is an M.2 2280 internal drive. It fits into a slot on your motherboard, saving space inside your case. The Lexar Armor 700 2TB is an external SSD with a rugged casing. It connects via USB cable and sits outside your computer. The NM790 is ideal for building or upgrading a desktop or laptop. The Armor 700 is designed for portability and easy plug-and-play use with various devices, including consoles and mobile phones.
Durability and build
The Lexar Armor 700 2TB features a rugged design rated IP66, protecting against water and dust. It withstands drops from up to three meters, making it suitable for outdoor use. The Lexar NM790 4TB is an internal drive with no listed external durability rating. It is designed to operate safely inside a protected enclosure. If you need a drive that can survive harsh environments or accidental drops, the Armor 700 is the superior choice for physical resilience.
Cooling and thermal control
The Lexar Armor 700 2TB includes a unique thermal control design to maintain optimal temperatures during high-speed transfers. This ensures sustained performance without throttling. The Lexar NM790 4TB does not list a specific active cooling solution in its specs, though it notes lower power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled drives. Internal drives often rely on system airflow or heatsinks. The Armor 700’s dedicated thermal management is a distinct advantage for sustained external use.
Compatibility
The Lexar NM790 4TB is compatible with devices supporting PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe M.2 slots. This includes most modern desktops and laptops. The Lexar Armor 700 2TB supports PC, Mac, Android, iPhone 15/16 series, cameras, and gaming consoles. It also supports Apple ProRes recording. The Armor 700 offers broader device compatibility across multiple platforms and operating systems. The NM790 is limited to internal NVMe-compatible hosts.
Cache type
The Lexar NM790 4TB utilizes Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 technology. This feature activates the DRAM cache function of your host device to improve transfer speeds and performance. The Lexar Armor 700 2TB does not specify a cache type in its provided data. HMB helps the NM790 maintain smooth performance without a dedicated DRAM chip. This technical advantage in data management is specific to the internal NM790 model.
Which Lexar SSD fits your needs
Desktop gamers and creators needing max speed
The NM790 delivers sequential read speeds up to 7400 MB/s and write speeds up to 6500 MB/s. Its PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe interface connects directly to your motherboard. This internal M.2 2280 drive offers 4TB of capacity and a 3000TBW endurance rating. You get faster load times and large file transfers without external bottlenecks.
Mobile professionals shooting 4K video on the go
The Armor 700 features a rugged design rated IP66 for water and dust resistance. It withstands drops from up to 3 meters. It supports Apple ProRes recording directly from iPhone 15 Pro models. You get 2TB of portable storage with 2000 MB/s read and write speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
Users needing durable external storage for outdoor work
This external SSD is built for extreme environments with its rugged casing. It includes a unique thermal control design to maintain optimal temperatures during high-speed transfers. The USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface ensures compatibility with PCs, Macs, Android devices, and gaming consoles while protecting your data from physical shock.
The products compared
Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Best for: high-capacity internal storage needs
- 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 is a 4TB internal M.2 2280 SSD using PCIe Gen 4x4. It offers sequential read speeds up to 7400 MB/s and write speeds up to 6500 MB/s. The drive uses Host Memory Buffer 3.0 instead of a dedicated DRAM cache. It consumes up to 40% less power than DRAM-enabled peers. This model suits gamers and creators needing high capacity and fast data transfer.
Pros
- 4TB storage capacity
- 7400 MB/s max read speed
- 6500 MB/s max write speed
- HMB 3.0 technology for smooth performance
Cons
- No dedicated DRAM cache module
- Requires M.2 2280 slot
- Limited to PCIe Gen 4x4 interface
Good fit if
- You need 4TB of internal storage
- You want fast sequential read and write speeds
- You use a PCIe Gen 4 compatible system
Skip if
- You require an external rugged drive
- You need PCIe Gen 5 speeds
- You have only M.2 2242 slots
Verdict: The Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe SSD delivers high-speed data transfer for internal storage. It fits users who prioritize capacity and sequential performance over dedicated cache hardware.
Lexar Armor 700 2TB Rugged External SSD
Best for: rugged portable storage for field work
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
- Form Factor
- External SSD
- Max Read Speed
- 2000MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 2000MB/s
- Compatibility
- Gaming, Mac
View on Amazon: Lexar Armor 700 2TB Rugged External SSD Affiliate link
The Lexar Armor 700 is a rugged external SSD with 2TB of storage. It delivers 2000MB/s read and write speeds over a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface. The drive features IP66 water and dust resistance and withstands 3-meter drops. It includes a unique thermal control design to maintain performance. This unit suits users who need portable, durable storage for field work or outdoor content creation.
Pros
- 2000MB/s max read and write speeds
- IP66 rated for water and dust protection
- Withstands 3-meter drops and falls
- Unique Thermal Control Design for sustained performance
Cons
- 2TB capacity is half that of the 4TB NM790
- External form factor is larger and heavier than internal drives
- Requires separate magnetic ring for iPhone Pro recording
Good fit if
- You need a rugged drive for outdoor use
- You require fast transfers for 4K video recording
- You want a durable external SSD for travel
Skip if
- You need maximum internal storage capacity
- You prefer a compact internal M.2 drive
- You want to record directly without extra accessories
Verdict: Lexar Armor 700 2TB Rugged External SSD offers high-speed external storage with robust physical protection. It fits creators who shoot in harsh environments or travel frequently.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD | Lexar Armor 700 2TB Rugged External SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 4TB | 2TB |
| Interface | PCIe Gen 4x4 | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | External SSD |
| Max Read Speed | 7400MB/s | 2000MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 6500MB/s | 2000MB/s |
| Cache Type | SLC Cache, HMB 3.0 | not stated |
| Compatibility | Laptop, PS5 | Gaming, Mac |
| Size | 4TB | 2TB |
| Dimensions | 6.5 × 4.8 × 0.5 inches | 3.39 × 2.14 × 0.52 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 5.64 ounces |
| Color | Black | Dark Blue |
| Model | LNM790X004T-RNNNU | LAR700X002T-RNLNU |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lexar NM790 4TB an internal or external drive?
The Lexar NM790 4TB is an internal storage device. It uses an M.2 2280 form factor and connects via a PCIe 4.0 interface directly to your motherboard. This design makes it suitable for desktops and laptops that require internal expansion rather than portable external connectivity.
Does the Lexar Armor 700 2TB have a rugged design?
Yes, the Lexar Armor 700 2TB is built for durability. It is marketed as a rugged external SSD, featuring a robust physical casing designed to withstand harsh environments. This makes it ideal for creators who travel frequently or need reliable storage in the field.
What is the storage capacity difference between these two drives?
The Lexar NM790 offers 4TB of storage, while the Lexar Armor 700 provides 2TB. The NM790 doubles the capacity of the Armor 700, making it the better choice if you need to store large volumes of data internally without worrying about external connection limits.
Can I use the Lexar NM790 as a portable external drive?
No, you cannot use the NM790 as a standard portable drive. It is an internal M.2 NVMe SSD that requires a motherboard slot with a PCIe 4.0 interface. It lacks the external enclosure and USB connectivity found in the Armor 700, which is designed for portability.
Which drive is better for high-capacity internal storage needs?
The Lexar NM790 4TB is the superior choice for internal storage. It provides double the capacity of the Armor 700 and connects directly to your system via PCIe 4.0. This setup is optimized for desktops and laptops where you prioritize maximum capacity and high-speed internal data transfer.
What form factor does the Lexar NM790 use?
The Lexar NM790 uses the M.2 2280 form factor. This is a standard size for internal NVMe SSDs, measuring approximately 80mm in length and 22mm in width. It is designed to fit into the M.2 slots available on most modern motherboards and compatible laptops.
Is the Lexar Armor 700 suitable for field work?
Yes, the Lexar Armor 700 2TB is designed for rugged portable storage. Its durable construction protects data in harsh environments, making it ideal for field work. The external design allows you to easily connect it to various devices via USB for on-the-go data access and backup.