Lexar
Lexar 2TB NM790 NVMe SSD w/Heatsink (LNM790X002T-RN9NU)
Bottom line: The Lexar 2TB NM790 NVMe SSD w/Heatsink ($271.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, about 2x PCIe Gen 3 NVMe speeds; main trade-off: no onboard DRAM; leans on Host Memory Buffer from system RAM.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, about 2x PCIe Gen 3 NVMe speeds
- ✓ 1500TBW endurance rating on the 2TB capacity
- ✓ Up to 40% lower power draw than DRAM-cache Gen 4 SSDs
- ✓ Bundled heatsink fights throttling on sustained large-file transfers
- ✓ Single-sided M.2 2280 fits PS5 expansion bay, desktops, and laptops
Cons
- ✗ No onboard DRAM; leans on Host Memory Buffer from system RAM
- ✗ HMB 3.0 needs host support, so gains vary by motherboard or console
- ✗ Heatsink version may not clear some laptop and SFF M.2 slots
- ✗ Dynamic SLC Cache means write speed drops once the cache fills
Manufacturer description
The Lexar NM790 2TB with heatsink is a PCIe Gen 4x4 M.2 2280 drive built for people who move large files fast. Sequential speeds reach 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, roughly twice what a PCIe Gen 3 NVMe SSD delivers, so shader caches, 100GB game installs, and multi-stream 4K timelines load without the drive becoming the bottleneck. Lexar pairs a Dynamic SLC Cache with Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0, which borrows a slice of your system RAM instead of carrying onboard DRAM. The tradeoff pays off in efficiency: Lexar rates the NM790 at up to 40% lower power draw than DRAM-cache Gen 4…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Lexar 2TB NM790 NVMe SSD w/Heatsink 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
Does the Lexar NM790 2TB work in a PS5?
Yes. Lexar lists PS5 compatibility, and the drive is an M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4x4 SSD with a single-sided design and a pre-installed heatsink, which is the form factor the PS5 expansion bay expects.
How fast is the NM790 compared to a Gen 3 SSD?
It is rated up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, which Lexar describes as 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs. Real-world speed depends on your motherboard supporting PCIe Gen 4x4.
Does this SSD have DRAM cache?
No onboard DRAM. It uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 to borrow system RAM for caching, plus a Dynamic SLC Cache. Lexar credits that design with up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM-cache Gen 4 drives.
How long will the 2TB NM790 last?
Lexar rates this 2TB model at 1500TBW, meaning 1500 terabytes written over its life. That covers years of normal gaming and content-creation workloads for most users.
Is the heatsink necessary, and will it fit my system?
The heatsink helps maintain speed and power efficiency during sustained transfers. It is single-sided M.2 2280, but check clearance against your motherboard shroud, laptop chassis, or PS5 bay before buying.
Key Features
- [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1500TBW
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Designed with a heatsink to keep your rig cool for better performance and power efficiency
- 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
Full Specifications
| Brand | Lexar |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | NM790 |
| Read Speed | 7400 megabytes_per_second |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 |
| Media Speed | 6500 megabits_per_second |
| Model Number | LNM790X002T-RN9NU |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5 |
| Built-In Media | SSD |
| Hard-Drive Size | 2 TB |
| Mfr Part Number | LNM790X002T-RN9NU |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Integrated heatsink |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, PS5 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 7400 megabytes_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | Nand Flash |
| Additional Features | Integrated heatsink |
| Hard Disk Interface | NVMe |
| Warranty Description | Five-year limited warranty |
| Full listing title | Lexar 2TB NM790 NVMe SSD w/Heatsink, 7400/6500 MB/s, M.2 2280, PCIe Gen 4x4 | Compatible w/ PS5, Gamers & Content Creators, PC & Laptops, SLC Cache, Single-Sided Design, LNM790X002T-RN9NU |
Ready to buy?
Lexar 2TB NM790 NVMe SSD w/Heatsink, 7400/6500 MB/s, M.2 2280, PCIe Gen 4x4 | Compatible w/ PS5, Gamers & Content Creators, PC & Laptops, SLC Cache, Single-Sided Design, LNM790X002T-RN9NU 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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