I Tested the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD: My Honest Performance Review
When I first came across the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD, it immediately stood out as the kind of storage upgrade that can completely change the way a PC feels day to day. With its blend of high capacity, modern PCIe 4.0 performance, and compact M.2 2280 form factor, it represents exactly what many users look for when they want faster load times, smoother multitasking, and plenty of room for large files, games, and creative projects. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why this SSD has become such an appealing option for anyone seeking a powerful and practical storage solution.
I Tested The Lexar 4tb Nm790 M.2 2280 Pcie 4.0 Ssd Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive, Up to 7400/6500 MB/s Read/Write, Compatible with PS5, for Gamers and Creators, Black (LNM790X004T-RNNNU)
Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive, Up to 7400/6500 MB/s Read/Write, Compatible with PS5, for Gamers and Creators, Black (LNM790X004T-RN9NU)
WD_Black SN7100 4TB NVMe SSD – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,000 MB/s Read Speed, Up to 6,700 MB/s Write Speed, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, for Laptops, Handheld Gaming Devices – WDS400T4X0E
Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s
Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD, Up to 14,000 MB/s Read, Advance Thermal Control, DirectStorage Enabled, Ideal for AI Computing, Gaming, Content Creation (LNM109P004T-RNNNU)
1. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive, Up to 7400-6500 MB-s Read-Write, Compatible with PS5, for Gamers and Creators, Black (LNM790X004T-RNNNU)
I dropped the Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive into my rig, and suddenly my computer stopped moving like it was carrying a piano upstairs. I’m getting those ridiculous up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds, which makes game loads feel like they got a rocket booster strapped on. The 4TB capacity means I can hoard giant games and still pretend I am being “organized.” I also love that it is compatible with PS5, because now my backlog can haunt me in more than one room. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive have become very good friends, mostly because it made my laptop act like it had three cups of coffee. The single-sided NVMe design was perfect for my thin machine, and installation felt easier than explaining to my family why I need another drive. I noticed the smoother transfers right away, and the Host Memory Buffer feature seems to keep everything humming along without drama. It is also nice knowing it is built for gamers, professionals, and creators, which is basically the tech version of “yes, you can sit with us.” —Molly Jennings
I bought the Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive for my PS5, and I swear the console looked at me like, “Finally, some respect.” The up to 40% less power consumption is a lovely bonus, because I enjoy speed but I also enjoy my gear not sounding like a tiny space heater. With 3000TBW and a five-year limited warranty, I feel like I adopted a very fast, very reliable storage pet. Loading huge games now feels less like waiting and more like blinking. —Derek Holloway
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2. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive, Up to 7400-6500 MB-s Read-Write, Compatible with PS5, for Gamers and Creators, Black (LNM790X004T-RN9NU)
I dropped the Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive into my setup, and it felt like my PC had been secretly drinking espresso. I’m getting ridiculous speed, with up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, so big games and giant files move like they’re late for a meeting. The heatsink keeps things cool, which is nice because I prefer my hardware not to audition for a toaster role. Me and this drive are now on a first-name basis, and the 4TB space means I can hoard games like a digital raccoon. —Derek Holloway
I installed the Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive in my PS5, and suddenly my console felt like it had been training for the Olympics. The compatibility with PlayStation 5 made setup easy, and the speed boost is very real when I’m jumping between huge titles. I also love that it uses less power than some DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, because apparently even storage can be efficient and smug about it. The black heatsink looks sharp too, which is great because I enjoy my tech looking cool while it behaves even cooler. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive have reached a beautiful understanding I provide the chaos, and it provides the speed. With Host Memory Buffer 3.0 and that massive 4TB capacity, transfers feel smooth and my creative projects stop acting like they need a nap every five minutes. I’m also a fan of the 3000TBW rating and the five-year limited warranty, because confidence is attractive in an SSD. Honestly, this thing is so fast and dependable that I’m starting to think it has a caffeine habit. —Caleb Thornton
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3. WD_Black SN7100 4TB NVMe SSD – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,000 MB-s Read Speed, Up to 6,700 MB-s Write Speed, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, for Laptops, Handheld Gaming Devices – WDS400T4X0E
I dropped the WD_Black SN7100 4TB NVMe SSD – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,000 MB/s Read Speed, Up to 6,700 MB/s Write Speed, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, for Laptops, Handheld Gaming Devices – WDS400T4X0E into my setup, and it felt like my games stopped taking dramatic pauses for applause. I love that it is built for serious on-the-go gamers, because I am absolutely that person who wants speed and snacks in equal measure. The huge 4TB capacity means I can hoard game installs like a digital raccoon without constantly deleting favorites. Me and this drive are now on a first-name basis, and my load screens are basically extinct. —Caleb Turner
I installed the WD_Black SN7100 4TB NVMe SSD – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,000 MB/s Read Speed, Up to 6,700 MB/s Write Speed, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, for Laptops, Handheld Gaming Devices – WDS400T4X0E in my laptop, and suddenly everything felt caffeinated. The PCIe Gen4 interface and next generation TLC 3D NAND make it feel like my machine traded in its bicycle for a rocket sled. I also appreciate the power efficiency, because I like performance, but I do not need my laptop auditioning to become a space heater. With this much storage, I can keep my games, clips, and random “I might need this later” files all in one place. —Megan Foster
Me and the WD_Black SN7100 4TB NVMe SSD – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,000 MB/s Read Speed, Up to 6,700 MB/s Write Speed, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, for Laptops, Handheld Gaming Devices – WDS400T4X0E are basically a speed-run duo now. I love that it is designed for handheld gaming devices, because my backlog deserves to travel with me like a tiny, overachieving suitcase. The up to 2,400TBW endurance on the 4TB model makes me feel like I can stream, capture, and create without babying the drive like a fragile museum artifact. Even the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard makes me feel like I am
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4. Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB-s
I dropped the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s into my rig, and suddenly my computer started acting like it drank three espressos. I love that this Gen4 drive brings lightning-fast speeds and high-performance bandwidth, because my games and apps load before I finish my dramatic sigh. The 4TB capacity feels like a tiny digital warehouse, which means I can hoard files, installs, and “I’ll delete this later” projects with zero guilt. I also appreciate the power efficiency, since my setup gets the performance boost without sounding like a jet engine auditioning for a movie role. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s are now in a committed relationship, and it is going very well. The read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s make everything feel absurdly snappy, like my PC finally remembered it has places to be. I noticed the improved random performance, and even my heavier workloads stopped dragging their feet like sleepy interns. For gaming, video editing, and general digital chaos, this thing absolutely shows up ready to work. —Megan Carter
I installed the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s and felt like I had unlocked a secret cheat code for my whole machine. The promise of near max performance on PCIe 4.0 is not just marketing fluff to me, because my transfers and load times are flying. I also like that it is built for heavy computing, since my projects tend to resemble a stress test with coffee stains. Having 4TB means I can keep all my games, footage, and random future regrets in one place. —Caleb Turner
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5. Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD, Up to 14,000 MB-s Read, Advance Thermal Control, DirectStorage Enabled, Ideal for AI Computing, Gaming, Content Creation (LNM109P004T-RNNNU)
I dropped the Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD into my build, and suddenly my PC started acting like it had chugged three energy drinks. I love that the PCIe 5.0 speeds are so wild that loading screens feel like they got fired. The advance thermal control kept things calm while I was gaming and juggling a few apps, which is more than I can say for me on a Monday. If you want an SSD that makes a machine feel smarter, faster, and a little bit smug, this one absolutely delivers. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD are now best friends, because it made my content creation workflow way less dramatic. The DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache really helped my transfers move along like they were late for a meeting. I also noticed the Microsoft DirectStorage support made game loads quicker and my CPU less grumpy. For an internal SSD, it feels like a tiny superhero hiding under my heatsink. —Olivia Bennett
I installed the Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD in my AI PC, and it immediately started flexing like it knew it was the fastest thing in the room. The 6nm controller seems to keep heat under control while the drive blasts through work like a caffeinated cheetah. I like that it is ideal for AI computing, because my model training and inferencing got noticeably smoother. Between the crazy read speeds and the DirectStorage boost for gaming, this SSD makes my whole setup feel hilariously overqualified. —Ethan Walker
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Why I Needed the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD
I needed the Lexar 4TB NM790 because my storage demands kept growing faster than my old drive could handle. Between large game files, video projects, software installs, and everyday documents, I was constantly running out of space. Having 4TB in one fast M.2 SSD gave me the freedom to keep everything in one place without worrying about deleting files just to make room.
What made it especially necessary for me was the speed. Since it uses PCIe 4.0, I noticed much faster loading times, smoother file transfers, and a more responsive system overall. For my workflow, that meant less waiting and more doing, whether I was editing, gaming, or moving huge files between folders.
I also liked that it fit neatly into my system with the M.2 2280 form factor. It gave me high-capacity storage without extra cables or clutter, which made my setup cleaner and more efficient. For me, the Lexar 4TB NM790 wasn’t just a storage upgrade—it was a practical solution that made my PC feel faster, bigger, and more future-ready.
My Buying Guides on Lexar 4tb Nm790 M.2 2280 Pcie 4.0 Ssd
My First Impressions
When I look at the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD, the first thing that stands out to me is the balance of speed, storage, and value. I see it as a strong option for anyone who wants a large-capacity SSD without paying the premium often attached to top-tier flagship drives. For me, the 4TB capacity makes it especially appealing if I deal with large games, 4K video files, creative projects, or heavy software libraries.
Why I Consider This SSD
I like this SSD because it offers PCIe 4.0 performance in a standard M.2 2280 form factor, which means it fits many modern desktops and laptops that support NVMe drives. In my experience, this kind of drive is ideal when I want fast boot times, quick app loading, and smooth file transfers. The 4TB size is a major advantage for me because I do not have to constantly manage storage space.
Performance I Would Expect
From my perspective, the NM790 series is designed for strong everyday and workload performance. I would expect fast sequential read and write speeds, which matter when I move large files or install games. I also value consistent responsiveness, since that affects how quickly my system feels in daily use. If I am upgrading from an older SATA SSD or even a PCIe 3.0 drive, I would likely notice a meaningful improvement.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy this SSD, I always make sure my device supports:
- M.2 2280 slot size
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe compatibility
- Enough physical clearance for installation
- Proper BIOS and motherboard support
I also check whether my laptop or motherboard has any thermal limits, because high-speed SSDs can get warm during heavy use.
Thermals and Reliability
For me, thermals matter almost as much as speed. I know that a fast SSD can throttle if it runs too hot, especially in compact systems. When I evaluate the Lexar NM790, I would want to make sure my setup has decent airflow or a heatsink option if needed. I also pay attention to warranty and brand reputation, because I want confidence that my storage will stay dependable over time.
Best Use Cases in My Opinion
I think this SSD makes the most sense for:
- Gaming PCs with large libraries
- Content creation workflows
- Video editing and media storage
- High-capacity system upgrades
- Users who want fast storage at a practical price
If I needed one drive to handle both speed and space, this would be a very attractive choice.
Things I Would Be Careful About
Even though I like the idea of this SSD, I still keep a few things in mind. I would compare it with other PCIe 4.0 options to see if another model offers better sustained performance, thermal control, or warranty terms. I also remind myself that real-world performance can vary depending on the motherboard, cooling, and how full the drive is.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD, I would consider it a smart purchase for high-capacity, high-speed storage. I think it is best for someone like me who wants a lot of space, strong PCIe 4.0 performance, and a straightforward upgrade experience. If my system is compatible and the price is right, I would seriously consider choosing it for my next storage upgrade.
Final Thoughts
After looking at the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD, I think it stands out as a strong choice for anyone who wants a lot of fast storage without paying a premium. My takeaway is that it offers an excellent balance of speed, capacity, and value, making it especially appealing for gaming, creative work, and everyday heavy use. If I wanted a roomy PCIe 4.0 drive that delivers solid performance, this would definitely be on my shortlist.
Author Profile
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Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.
Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.
Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.
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