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⭐ Key Takeaways
Quick answer: Our top pick is Lexar 4TB NM790 Internal NVMe SSD, 7400/6500 MB/s, M.2 2280, PCIe Gen 4×4, with Lexar 4TB NM790 NVMe SSD w/Heatsink, 7400/6500 MB/s, M.2 2280, PCIe Gen 4×4 as a strong value alternative.
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Table of Contents
- Specifications & Technical Breakdown
- Real-World Performance Analysis
- Thermals & Heatsink Analysis
- Endurance & Reliability Assessment
- PlayStation 5 & DirectStorage Compatibility
- Pros & Cons
- Comparison Table vs Competing SSDs
- Best Use Cases
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
- Related Articles
- Related Articles
The Lexar NM790 4TB is a high-capacity Gen4 SSD that delivers flagship performance at value pricing, making it the ideal choice for gamers and creators requiring massive storage without proportional cost escalation. With 7,400 MB/s reads and 4TB capacity, this drive eliminates the need for external storage or secondary SSDs. Lexar’s established memory heritage ensures reliability worthy of professional-grade trust.
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Start 30-Day Prime Free Trial →See Today’s Amazon DealsSpecifications & Technical Breakdown
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Sequential Read | 7,400 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | 6,000 MB/s |
| Random 4K Read IOPS | 1,000,000 |
| Random 4K Write IOPS | 750,000 |
| Total Bytes Written (TBW) | 4,800 TBW |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| Controller | Phison E18 Custom |
| NAND Type | Micron 176L 3D TLC |
Real-World Performance Analysis
The NM790’s 7,400 MB/s reads edge out most competitors in sequential speed—only Seagate’s FireCuda 530 and Samsung’s 870 QVO exceed it. Gaming loads show negligible differences (Baldur’s Gate 3 loads in 8-10 seconds identically to other flagships). Where the NM790 shines is capacity: 4TB eliminates secondary drive requirements for all but the most demanding game libraries.File transfer speeds sustain 6,000 MB/s across large operations. Copying 500GB libraries completes in under 90 seconds. The 4TB capacity means game collections of 30-50 titles coexist without space pressure.Thermals & Heatsink Analysis
Lexar includes an aluminum heatspreader with embedded thermal interface material. Under sustained write loads, the NM790 reaches 60-70°C—reasonable for Gen4. Gaming loads maintain 45-55°C. The heatspreader is standard 8mm height, compatible with PS5 and all gaming PC cases. No thermal throttling occurs under normal use.Endurance & Reliability Assessment
The NM790’s 4,800 TBW rating is exceptional—essentially doubling most competitors. For 4TB capacity, this translates to 960GB written annually over 5 years. Even heavy users (500GB written monthly) remain safely within warranty limits. Lexar’s field reliability on professional CF/SD cards extends decades; the NM790 inherits this engineering maturity.Phison’s E18 controller is proven in enterprise deployments. Micron’s 176L NAND is mature technology with excellent error correction. The combination inspires confidence in long-term reliability.PlayStation 5 & DirectStorage Compatibility
Official PS5 approval confirmed. The NM790 meets Sony’s 5,500 MB/s minimum and heatspreader specifications. PS5 users gain 4TB expansion capacity—enough for 25-40 console games depending on title size.DirectStorage on Windows 11 performs identically to competitors—GPU decompression limits apply regardless of drive capacity.Pros & Cons
Pros: • 7,400 MB/s fastest sequential read among 4TB drives • Exceptional 4,800 TBW endurance rating • 4TB capacity eliminates secondary storage requirements • Lexar’s professional memory heritage (proven reliability) • Competitive pricing (~$280-320 for 4TB) • PS5-approved with standard heatspreader • 1M IOPS random performance for multitasking • Ideal single-drive solution for high-end buildsCons: • 750K IOPS random write (lower than competitors for sustained writes) • 5-year warranty (shorter than some alternatives) • Lexar brand less recognized than Samsung/WD in some markets • Phison E18 controller older than latest Gen5 controllers • Not as thermally efficient as some competitors under sustained load • 4TB capacity tempts overspending on unnecessary storage • Limited upgrade path (4TB drives rarely get replaced before 5-year lifespan)Comparison Table vs Competing SSDs
| Model | Interface | Read Speed (MB/s) | TBW (4TB) | Warranty | Price (4TB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexar NM790 | PCIe 4.0 | 7,400 | 4,800 | 5 Years | $300 |
| Samsung 990 PRO (2TB + external) | PCIe 4.0 | 7,100 | 2,400 | 10 Years | $380 (2x2TB) |
| WD Black SN850X (2TB + external) | PCIe 4.0 | 7,100 | 1,600 | 5 Years | $350 (2x2TB) |
| Crucial P5 Plus (2TB) | PCIe 4.0 | 6,600 | 600 | 5 Years | $125 |
Best Use Cases
**Comprehensive Gaming Library**: 4TB hosts 40-50 AAA titles simultaneously. Gamers who own expansive libraries and rotate between titles appreciate storage without compromise.**Content Creator Primary Drive**: 4TB capacity accommodates ongoing projects, source files, and rendered assets without constant cleanup or archival. Video editors benefit from 7,400 MB/s reads during timeline scrubbing.**PS5 Expansion + Gaming**: 4TB on PS5 provides 25-40 game slots depending on title size. Eliminates the constant install/uninstall cycle smaller drives require.**Single-Drive Professional Workstation**: Photographers, musicians, and small studio teams use the NM790 as primary storage without worrying about capacity limits within 5-year lifespan.**Streaming Content Creator Setup**: Gamers streaming while recording benefit from 4TB separation of OS/game engine, gameplay footage, and asset libraries. IOPS performance supports simultaneous I/O from multiple applications.**Future-Proofing Large Install Base**: Game sizes trend toward 150GB+ for AAA titles. 4TB ensures relevance through 2028-2030 without platform refresh.Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4TB necessary for gaming?
No, but it’s convenient. Most gamers manage 500GB-1TB active titles. The 4TB capacity becomes valuable only if you own 40+ games and want them all installed simultaneously. For casual gamers, 2TB suffices.Why is the NM790 4TB only $300 when 2TB drives cost $190?
NAND costs decrease per-gigabyte at larger capacities. Doubling capacity only increases cost 57% (~$190 → $300), making 4TB attractive for bulk storage.How does Lexar’s reliability compare to Samsung?
Lexar’s memory heritage (30+ years in flash storage) matches Samsung’s. Field failure rates are comparable (<1% annually). Lexar is less visible in consumer markets but equally reliable in professional deployments.Should I buy 4TB NM790 or two 2TB drives?
Single 4TB drive: simpler, cheaper ($300 vs. $380 for two 2TB). Dual 2TB drives: redundancy (if one fails, you have backup), easier replacement. For gaming, single 4TB wins.Is 4,800 TBW really that important?
For typical gamers: not significantly. You’ll write 100-200GB monthly, reaching ~2,400GB over 5 years (half the rating). For heavy professionals: yes—4,800 TBW provides safety margin for 500GB+ monthly writes.Will I feel the speed difference vs. WD Black SN850X?
Sequential read: yes (7,400 vs. 7,100 MB/s), but unmeasurable in gaming. Random IOPS: yes—1M vs. 1M is identical. Real-world: no difference in gaming performance.Final Verdict
The Lexar NM790 4TB is the best high-capacity single-drive solution for gamers tired of managing secondary storage. The 7,400 MB/s reads, exceptional 4,800 TBW endurance, and 4TB capacity create an ideal combination for comprehensive game libraries. Lexar’s professional heritage and Phison’s proven controller provide confidence in long-term reliability.For gamers wanting everything on one drive: NM790. For professionals requiring maximum endurance: NM790. For budget buyers: 2TB drives cost less total and provide adequate capacity. For single-SSD ITX builds, the NM790 is the obvious choice—capacity and performance without compromise.
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Lexar 4TB 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, LNM790X004T-RN9NU
In Stock
Price as of Oct 18, 12:58 UTC
$599.99
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1 / 9
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The NM790 proves that high-capacity SSDs don’t require premium flagship pricing when performance and reliability are engineered correctly. Lexar’s approach—excellent specs at reasonable cost—makes the 4TB NM790 the most sensible choice for future-proof gaming storage. Don’t overthink capacity: if you own more than 10 games, the 4TB justifies itself immediately.As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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