Lexar 4TB NM790 PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD (LNM790X004T-RNNNU)

What it is and who it’s for

The Lexar NM790 is a high-capacity, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 solid-state drive designed for gamers, creators, and power users who need fast, reliable storage. With up to 7400 MB/s read and 6500 MB/s write speeds, it aims to shorten load times, accelerate transfers, and keep large projects moving. It’s positioned for systems that support Gen4 NVMe, and the 4TB capacity gives ample headroom for games, media libraries, and workstation files. If you’re upgrading a laptop with a single‑sided NVMe form factor or pairing a desktop rig for heavy workloads, this drive targets that sweet spot between speed and capacity.

How it performs on the paper

Lexar emphasizes Gen4 performance with impressive sequential read and write numbers. The drive also advertises 3000 TBW endurance, which translates to a long lifespan under heavy use. Power efficiency is noted as up to 40% less consumption than some DRAM cache-enabled Gen4 SSDs, thanks to features like Host Memory Buffer 3.0 that leverages your system memory to smooth data transfers. If your workload includes long gaming sessions, large asset transfers, or video editing, these specs are the kind of headline figures that often translate into real-world responsiveness.

What stands out

One claim that matters in real terms is the combination of high sequential speeds and substantial capacity in a single 2280 form factor. This is particularly appealing for users building a fast boot drive with abundant space or expanding a PS5-friendly storage setup. The single‑sided NVMe design can be a plus for certain laptops that don’t accommodate dual-side boards, reducing potential clearance issues and thermal concerns in compact builds.

Potential limitations and what to watch for

On paper, the numbers look strong, but there are caveats to consider. Real-world speeds depend on your motherboard, CPU, and whether the drive operates with full PCIe Gen4 bandwidth. Endurance, while solid on the spec sheet, will vary with write patterns, 3000 TBW is a lot, but it’s not infinite, especially if you’re constantly rendering, exporting, or cloning large datasets. Additionally, the claimed 40% lower power usage is a relative comparison to DRAM cache-enabled Gen4 drives, actual savings will hinge on workload and idle behavior.

Who it’s for

• Hardcore gamers seeking fast load times and large game libraries.
• Creators handling large media assets, 4K/8K workflows, or iterative renders.
• Laptop users who need a high-capacity, single‑sided NVMe SSD that fits in tighter chassis.
• PS5 users looking to expand storage without compromising on speed.

Who it’s not ideal for

• If you’re on a strict budget and can’t justify 4TB of space, there are lower-capacity options that may still fit your needs.
• If your system cannot fully leverage Gen4 speeds due to motherboard or CPU limitations, you might not see the advertised sequential gains.
• If endurance testing involves extreme write-heavy workloads 24/7, you’ll want to compare TBW in the context of your workload patterns.

When does it make sense to buy

• You want a large, fast NVMe upgrade for a gaming PC, creator workstation, or PS5 expansion.
• You need a single, high-capacity drive in a compact, laptop-friendly format.
• Your system supports PCIe Gen4 and you’re aiming for noticeable reductions in load times and project transfer durations.

Before you buy, check

• Ensure your motherboard/PS5 supports Gen4 NVMe and the 2280 length.
• Confirm whether you’ll benefit more from raw speeds or from having extra TBW endurance based on your workload.
• Consider your cooling and chassis space, even for a single‑sided drive, to avoid thermal throttling.

Practical usage note

If you’re moving large game assets or editing multi‑hour 4K footage, you’ll likely notice snappier imports and faster asset streaming. In a PS5 context, this drive should help expand storage without sacrificing the speed needed for quick level loading and smoother gameplay during long sessions.

FAQ snapshot

• Q: Will I see the advertised 7400 MB/s read on my system? A: Real-world speeds depend on the host platform and PCIe Gen4 bandwidth availability. Your actual read/write will vary.
• Q: Is this drive compatible with laptops? A: It’s described as suitable for laptops in the single‑sided NVMe category, but verify your laptop’s M.2 slot and cooling.
• Q: How long will this last under heavy use? A: The listed endurance is 3000 TBW, which is solid for many workloads, but high‑intensity, continuous writes will wear any SSD over time.

Final verdict

Final verdict: It makes sense if you prioritize high capacity and strong Gen4 performance in a compact form, and your setup can leverage the bandwidth. If you value maximum endurance and real-world speed alignment with your workload, this Lexar NM790 is a credible option to consider before dialing in a more expensive or higher-end alternative.