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Lexar 1TB NM790 Internal NVMe SSD, 7400/6500 MB/s, M.2 2280, PCIe Gen 4x4
Lexar

Lexar 1TB NM790 Internal NVMe SSD, 7400/6500 MB/s, M.2 2280, PCIe Gen 4x4

Bottom line: The Lexar 1TB NM790 Internal NVMe SSD ($189.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write on PCIe Gen 4x4; main trade-off: DRAM-less design depends on host HMB support to hit rated speeds.

$189.99

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For SSDs and PC storage upgrades, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write on PCIe Gen 4x4
  • ✓ 1000TBW endurance rating on the 1TB model
  • ✓ Up to 40% lower power draw than DRAM-cache Gen 4 SSDs
  • ✓ HMB 3.0 borrows system RAM for cache, no onboard DRAM needed

Cons

  • ✗ DRAM-less design depends on host HMB support to hit rated speeds
  • ✗ M.2 2280 only, so no 2242 or 2230 handheld fit
  • ✗ Gen 4x4 speeds require a Gen 4 slot; Gen 3 boards cap throughput
  • ✗ 1000TBW trails high-end drives with DRAM and higher TBW ratings

Manufacturer description

The Lexar NM790 1TB brings PCIe Gen 4x4 speed to your M.2 2280 slot without the DRAM cache tax. Lexar rates it at up to 7400MB/s sequential read and 6500MB/s write, roughly 2x what a PCIe Gen 3 drive delivers, so Windows boots, level loads, and 4K timeline scrubs stop feeling like waiting. Instead of onboard DRAM, the NM790 uses Host Memory Buffer 3.0 to borrow a slice of your system RAM for the cache function, which keeps transfer speeds smooth while drawing up to 40% less power than DRAM cache-enabled Gen 4 drives. That power headroom matters in a laptop or a handheld where every watt is…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Lexar 1TB NM790 Internal NVMe SSD using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the ssds & storage category. Lexar's ssds & storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for ssds & storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the Lexar NM790 1TB?

Lexar rates it at up to 7400MB/s sequential read and 6500MB/s sequential write over PCIe Gen 4x4, roughly 2x the throughput of a PCIe Gen 3 SSD.

Does the NM790 have DRAM cache?

No. It is a DRAM-less drive that uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 to activate the DRAM cache function of your device instead, which is how it draws up to 40% less power than DRAM cache-enabled Gen 4 SSDs.

Will the NM790 fit my laptop or motherboard?

It is an M.2 2280 stick with a PCIe Gen 4x4 interface, so it fits any standard 2280 M.2 slot. Shorter 2242 and 2230 slots will not take it. Check your system's M.2 slot length and keying before ordering.

How long will the 1TB NM790 last?

The 1TB model carries a 1000TBW endurance rating, meaning 1,000 terabytes can be written over its life, about 1,000 full-drive rewrites. For warranty length, check the current product listing.

Is the NM790 good for gaming?

Lexar designed it for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators, and the Gen 4x4 read speed of up to 7400MB/s targets fast level loading and large asset transfers.

Key Features

  • [1TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1000TBW
  • 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
  • Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
  • Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance
  • Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators

Full Specifications

BrandLexar
ColorBlack
Special FeatureSingle-sided design
Installation TypeInternal Hard Drive
Compatible DevicesDesktop, Laptop, PS5
Hard Disk InterfaceNVMe
Hard Disk DescriptionSolid State Drive
Hard Disk Form Factor2280 inches
Connectivity TechnologyM.2
Digital Storage Capacity1 TB

Ready to buy?

Lexar 1TB NM790 Internal NVMe SSD, 7400/6500 MB/s, M.2 2280, PCIe Gen 4x4 is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $189.99

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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Lexar 1TB NM790 Internal NVMe SSD, 7400/6500 MB/s, M.2 2280, PCIe Gen 4x4
$189.99
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