Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 or Lexar Professional Go Portable USB-C? Which Lexar Model to Buy
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This lexar nm790 4tb nvme m 2 vs professional go portable USB c comparison helps you choose the right drive. Both offer fast data transfer speeds and store large media libraries. The main difference lies in their design and connection type. The NM790 is an internal NVMe drive for high-performance desktops and laptops. The Professional Go is an external USB drive built for portability and rugged use.
Key differences
| Aspect | Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD | Lexar Professional Go Portable USB-C SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen 4x4, NVMe | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 Internal | Portable External |
| Max Read Speed | 7400 MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 6500 MB/s | 1000 MB/s |
| Storage Capacity | 4TB | 2TB |
| Durability | Not listed | IP65 water and dust resistance |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD if
- You need maximum transfer speeds for gaming or video editing.
- You want to install the drive directly inside a computer.
- You require 4TB of internal storage space.
Choose Lexar Professional Go Portable USB-C SSD if
- You need a portable drive for travel or field work.
- You want a rugged drive with water and dust resistance.
- You plan to connect the drive to multiple devices via USB.
Verdict: Choose the NM790 if you need raw speed and internal storage for a PC or console. Pick the Professional Go if you prioritize portability, ruggedness, and easy plug-and-play access across different devices.
NM790 vs Professional Go Specs
Interface and Speed
The Lexar NM790 uses a PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe interface, delivering top speeds of 7400 MB/s read and 6500 MB/s write. This makes it roughly twice as fast as older PCIe Gen 3 drives. In contrast, the Lexar Professional Go Portable USB-C relies on USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology. It offers up to 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write speeds. While the portable drive is fast for external storage, the internal NM790 provides significantly higher bandwidth for demanding tasks like large file transfers or high-end gaming.
Form Factor and Size
You need to consider how each drive fits into your setup. The NM790 is an internal M.2 2280 drive, measuring 6.5 inches in length, 4.8 inches in width, and 0.5 inches in height. It is designed to install directly into a motherboard slot. The Professional Go is a portable external SSD with an ultra-compact design. It measures just 1.71 x 0.98 x 0.32 inches and weighs 0.46 ounces. This small size makes it easy to carry in a pocket, whereas the NM790 requires an open drive bay.
Durability and Build
If you plan to move the drive around often, build quality matters. The Lexar Professional Go is built for rugged use. It features IP65 dust and water resistance, along with anti-drop protection from up to 3.3 feet. This ensures your data stays safe in challenging environments. The NM790 is an internal drive, so its build specifications focus on thermal management and internal mounting rather than external ruggedness. It does not list external durability ratings, as it is meant to stay inside a PC or console.
Cache Type
Both drives use different caching methods to maintain performance. The NM790 utilizes Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0. This feature activates the DRAM cache function of your host device, providing smoother transfer speeds and seamless performance without needing its own dedicated DRAM chip. This also helps keep power consumption up to 40% lower than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs. The data for the Professional Go does not specify its cache type, so we cannot compare this specific technical detail for the portable drive.
Compatibility
Connectivity options vary between the two. The NM790 connects via PCIe Gen 4x4, making it compatible with modern desktops and laptops that have an M.2 slot. It is designed for hardcore gamers and professionals. The Professional Go uses a USB-C port, supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2. It offers versatile compatibility with a wide range of devices, including iPhone 15 series, smartphones, PCs, Macs, tablets, iPads, and cameras. If you need to transfer files between different types of devices, the portable USB-C drive is more versatile.
Storage Capacity
Capacity is a key factor for storing large media libraries. The NM790 is available in a 4TB version, providing ample space for extensive game libraries or video projects. The Professional Go Portable SSD is listed with capacities up to 2TB. While both offer substantial storage, the internal NM790 allows you to purchase a 4TB model, which is double the maximum capacity listed for the portable drive. If you need more than 2TB of space, the NM790 is the only option here.
Which Lexar drive fits your needs
Desktop builders needing fast internal storage
You need maximum speed for gaming or video editing. The NM790 delivers 7400 MB/s reads on PCIe Gen 4x4. It fits the M.2 2280 slot in your motherboard. The HMB 3.0 feature ensures smooth performance without a dedicated DRAM cache. This drive stays inside your system for quick access to large files.
Users who need rugged portable storage
You carry your data between devices or locations. The Professional Go is compact and weighs only 0.46 ounces. It features IP65 dust and water resistance plus drop protection. You connect via USB-C to phones, tablets, or PCs. The 1050 MB/s read speed is efficient for transferring photos and videos on the go.
Content creators managing large media libraries
You edit 4K or 8K video directly from the drive. The NM790 offers 4TB of capacity and 6500 MB/s write speeds. This high throughput reduces render times significantly. The PCIe Gen 4 interface handles massive file streams better than USB. You keep this drive installed for consistent, high-speed access to your creative projects.
The products compared
Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Best for: high-speed internal storage for gaming
- 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
This is a 4TB internal NVMe drive in an M.2 2280 form factor. It uses PCIe Gen 4x4 to deliver up to 7400 MB/s read and 6500 MB/s write speeds. It relies on Host Memory Buffer 3.0 instead of a dedicated DRAM chip. The drive is designed for gamers and creators who need fast storage. It offers 3000TBW endurance.
Pros
- Up to 7400 MB/s read speed
- Up to 6500 MB/s write speed
- 4TB storage capacity
- 3000TBW endurance rating
- Host Memory Buffer 3.0 support
Cons
- No dedicated DRAM cache chip
- Requires M.2 2280 slot
- Limited to PCIe Gen 4x4 interface
Good fit if
- You need high sequential read and write speeds for large files
- You have an M.2 slot available in your PC or laptop
- You want a 4TB capacity for games or media
Skip if
- You only have SATA ports available
- You need a portable external drive for travel
- You are using a PCIe Gen 3 only system
Verdict: Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe SSD delivers top-tier speeds for users with compatible M.2 slots. It suits gamers and creators who prioritize capacity and performance over dedicated cache hardware.
Lexar Professional Go Portable USB-C SSD
Best for: rugged portable storage for creators
- Interface
- USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Form Factor
- Portable
- Max Read Speed
- 1050 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 1000 MB/s
- Host Interface
- USB-C
- Dimensions
- 1.71 × 0.98 × 0.32 inches
View on Amazon: Lexar Professional Go Portable USB-C SSD Affiliate link
The Lexar Professional Go is a rugged, compact portable SSD designed for on-the-go storage. It offers up to 1050 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2. The drive features IP65 dust and water resistance and can withstand drops from 1 meter. It fits in your pocket and works with iPhones, PCs, and Macs. This model is ideal for photographers and videographers who need durable, fast external storage.
Pros
- Up to 1050 MB/s read speed
- Up to 1000 MB/s write speed
- IP65 dust and water resistance
- Compact 1.71 x 0.98 x 0.32-inch design
- Compatible with iPhone 15 series and Macs
Cons
- Maximum capacity is 2TB, less than the 4TB internal drive
- Slower speeds compared to internal PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drives
- Uses USB-C interface which may require adapters for older devices
Good fit if
- You need a rugged drive for field work
- You want fast transfers for large video files
- You need compatibility with mobile devices like iPhones
Skip if
- You require more than 2TB of storage
- You need the fastest possible internal drive speeds
- You prefer a drive with a built-in display
Verdict: The Lexar Professional Go 2TB Portable SSD is a durable and fast portable drive for creators on the move. It fits users who prioritize ruggedness and mobile compatibility over maximum capacity or internal speed.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lexar NM790 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD | Lexar Professional Go Portable USB-C SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 4TB | not stated |
| Interface | PCIe Gen 4x4 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | Portable |
| Max Read Speed | 7400MB/s | 1050 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 6500MB/s | 1000 MB/s |
| Cache Type | SLC Cache, HMB 3.0 | not stated |
| Compatibility | Laptop, PS5 | not stated |
| Size | 4TB | not stated |
| Host Interface | not stated | USB-C |
| Dimensions | 6.5 × 4.8 × 0.5 inches | 1.71 × 0.98 × 0.32 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 0.46 ounces |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | LNM790X004T-RNNNU | LSL400X002T-RNBNU |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Lexar Professional Go as an internal drive?
No, you cannot install the Professional Go inside a computer. It is designed as a portable external drive that connects via USB-C. The NM790 is the correct choice for internal installation. It uses an M.2 2280 form factor to fit directly into your motherboard. Choose the Professional Go only for external, on-the-go storage needs.
Which Lexar drive has more storage capacity?
The Lexar NM790 offers significantly more storage. It provides 4TB of space for your files. The Professional Go model listed here provides only 2TB. If you need maximum capacity for large media libraries, the NM790 is the better option. The Professional Go is smaller in both capacity and physical size.
Is the NM790 faster than the Professional Go?
Yes, the NM790 is much faster for internal tasks. It uses PCIe 4.0 technology to deliver high sequential speeds. The Professional Go uses a USB-C interface, which is generally slower than internal NVMe connections. If you prioritize raw speed for gaming or editing, the NM790 is the superior choice.
What is the physical size difference between these two drives?
The NM790 is a flat, rectangular stick that fits into a motherboard slot. It measures 4.8 inches in width. The Professional Go is a small, rugged box. It measures 1.71 inches in length and weighs 0.46 ounces. The NM790 is larger in surface area but thinner, while the Professional Go is a compact portable unit.
Do I need a special enclosure for the NM790?
No, you do not need an enclosure for the NM790. It is an internal M.2 SSD designed to plug directly into your computer. You must have an available M.2 slot on your motherboard. The Professional Go comes ready to use with a cable. It is an external drive that does not require internal installation.
Which drive is better for a desktop PC build?
The NM790 is the better choice for a desktop PC. It is an internal NVMe drive that connects via PCIe 4.0. This provides high performance for gaming and creation tasks. The Professional Go is an external portable drive. It is not suitable for internal installation in a desktop tower.
Can I carry the NM790 in my pocket?
No, the NM790 is not designed for portability. It is an internal drive that must remain connected to a motherboard. It lacks the rugged casing and USB-C connector needed for mobile use. The Professional Go is built for travel. It is compact, lightweight, and designed to be carried in a bag or pocket.