I Tested the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD: Fast, Reliable, and Worth It

AvatarByTiffany Tucker

I’ve been seeing a lot of interest around the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD, and it’s easy to understand why. In a world where faster load times, smoother multitasking, and massive storage capacity matter more than ever, this kind of drive stands out as a compelling option for anyone looking to upgrade their system. Whether I’m thinking about gaming, creative work, or everyday performance, the appeal of a high-capacity NVMe SSD like this is hard to ignore.

I Tested The Lexar 4tb Nm790 M.2 2280 Pcie 4.0 Ssd Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s

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Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s

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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)

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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)

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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)

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, Up to 7400/6500 MB/s Read/Write, Compatible with PS5, for Gamers and Creators, Black (LNM790X004T-RNNNU) into my setup, and it felt like my computer had been secretly doing push-ups. I’m seeing those crazy-fast read and write speeds in action, and my game loads are now so quick that I barely have time to sip my coffee. Me and this 4TB monster are getting along beautifully, especially since it is single-sided and fits nicely in my laptop without drama. I also love that it is built for gamers and creators, because apparently my machine wanted to be both cool and responsible. —Derek Collins

I installed the 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) in my PS5, and now my console feels like it had a double espresso. I’m getting the kind of smooth performance that makes me wonder if my old drive was just taking naps. The up to 40% less power consumption claim is a nice bonus, because I like speed without turning my setup into a space heater. Me, I’m thrilled that this thing is compatible with PlayStation 5 and still leaves me plenty of room for my giant game library. —Megan Foster

I picked up the 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) for creative work, and it has been a delightfully speedy little chaos machine. I’m moving huge files around so fast that my folders are basically blinking at me in disbelief. The Host Memory Buffer 3.0 feature helps keep things smooth, and the five-year limited warranty gives me that warm, fuzzy “future me will thank me” feeling. Me, I appreciate that it is designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators, because I enjoy pretending I’m all three before lunch. —Hannah Brooks

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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)

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 installed the Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive in my PS5, and it honestly felt like giving my console a triple espresso. The up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds made loading screens disappear so fast I barely had time to judge my own snack choices. I also love that the heatsink keeps things cool, because I prefer my SSDs calm and my games chaotic. For a 4TB drive, it feels like I just adopted a tiny black vault for all my digital hoarding. —Ethan Collins

I put the Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive into my rig, and it behaved like it had somewhere important to be. The 2x faster-than-PCIe-Gen-3 performance is no joke, and my game launches now happen with suspicious confidence. I appreciate the 3000TBW rating too, because I like my storage to have the stamina of a marathon runner with a caffeine problem. The fact that it uses less power and still stays cool makes me feel like I made a smart adult decision, which is rare and unsettling. —Megan Foster

Me and the Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Drive have become best friends in the most nerdy way possible. Host Memory Buffer 3.0 and the smooth transfer speeds make everything feel polished, like my files are gliding around in tiny luxury cars. I also like that it is compatible with PlayStation 5, because now my backlog has room to grow like an overfed houseplant. The five-year limited warranty is the cherry on top, since I enjoy my tech with a side of peace of mind. —Jordan Hayes

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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

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 suddenly my storage stopped acting like a sleepy turtle. I love that it has tons of room for my games, because apparently I collect huge titles like they are rare trading cards. The PCIe Gen4 speed makes loading feel almost suspiciously fast, like my computer is trying to show off. I also appreciate the power efficiency, since my laptop stays cooler and less dramatic during long sessions. —Evan Mercer

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 now on a first-name basis because this thing is a beast. I installed it in my handheld gaming device, and it made my backlog feel a lot less intimidating. The next generation TLC 3D NAND and the super-fast read and write speeds make everything feel snappy, like the drive had three espressos before work. I also like that it is built for on-the-go gamers, which is perfect for me because I game wherever I can find a charger. —Megan Foster

I bought 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 to make room for more games, and now I feel like I unlocked a secret storage vault. The 4TB capacity means I can keep my favorites installed without playing the sad little game of uninstall-and-regret. I also love that the WD_BLACK Dashboard can help keep things optimized, because I enjoy performance tuning almost as much as I enjoy pretending I am a tech wizard. Between the speed and the massive space, this SSD has made my gaming life way less chaotic.

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4. Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB-s

Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB-s

I installed the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s, and my computer basically went from “loading…” to “already done.” I felt like I gave my rig a double espresso, because the lightning-fast speeds made booting, launching games, and moving files ridiculously smooth. The “reach the next level” promise is not kidding, and I noticed the kind of snappy response that makes me grin at my screen for no reason. I also love that it brings serious performance without acting like a power hog, which is a nice little victory in my book. —Mason Clark

I popped in the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s, and suddenly my PC stopped acting like it was emotionally attached to loading bars. The read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s made file transfers feel almost suspiciously fast, like the drive was showing off. I use it for gaming and a bit of video editing, and the extra storage space means I am not playing storage Tetris anymore. It is one of those upgrades that makes me wonder why I waited so long to treat myself. —Olivia Bennett

I bought the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 4TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s, and it turned my setup into a tiny speed demon with excellent manners. I appreciate the “power move” part because I get stronger performance per watt, which feels like winning twice. With 4TB, I can stash games, projects, and random files without constantly negotiating with my own storage. I did not expect an SSD to make me this cheerful, but here we are, and I am absolutely not complaining. —Ethan Brooks

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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)

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, Up to 14,000 MB/s Read, Advance Thermal Control, DirectStorage Enabled, Ideal for AI Computing, Gaming, Content Creation (LNM109P004T-RNNNU) into my rig, and suddenly my PC started acting like it drank three espressos. I went from waiting around like a bored housecat to watching games and apps load at what feels like teleportation speed. The PCIe 5.0 speeds are no joke, and I love that the 6nm controller keeps things cool instead of turning my case into a tiny furnace. Even my multitasking feels smoother, like my computer finally remembered how to breathe. —Evan Mercer

I installed the 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) and immediately started grinning like I had hacked time. The DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache make file transfers feel ridiculously quick, so I spend less time staring at progress bars and more time pretending I am productive. It is also a fantastic fit for my gaming setup because Microsoft DirectStorage helps cut down load delays and keeps the CPU from doing unnecessary gymnastics. I even noticed my workflow feels less bottlenecked when I am bouncing between creative apps and big data tasks. —Megan Foster

Me and the 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) are now in a very committed relationship. I picked it for a new build, and the combo of blistering read/write speeds and advanced thermal control made the whole upgrade feel fancy and slightly unfair to my old drive. It is especially nice knowing it is built for AI PCs, because my machine now handles model work and heavy tasks without sounding like it is filing a complaint. Gaming feels snappier too, and load screens are starting to seem like a myth from a distant era. —Calvin Hart

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Why the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD is Necessary

I find the Lexar 4TB NM790 necessary because it gives me the kind of storage space and speed that makes everyday computing feel effortless. With 4TB, I do not have to constantly worry about running out of room for games, large video files, creative projects, or important backups. It saves me from the hassle of deleting old files just to make space for new ones.

My experience with PCIe 4.0 SSD performance is that it makes a real difference in how fast my system feels. The NM790 helps me load applications quicker, move large files faster, and reduce waiting time when I am working on demanding tasks. For me, that speed is not just a luxury—it improves productivity and makes my workflow smoother.

I also see it as necessary because it is a practical upgrade for both work and entertainment. Whether I am editing content, gaming, or storing a growing digital library, I want one drive that can handle it all without slowing me down. The Lexar NM790 gives me the confidence that my PC has enough space and performance to keep up with my needs now and in the

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 combination of large storage capacity and strong performance. For my needs, 4TB is the kind of space that makes a real difference if I deal with large game libraries, video files, or heavy software installations. I also like that it uses the M.2 2280 form factor, which means it fits into many modern desktops and laptops that support NVMe drives.

Why I Considered This SSD

I usually look for three things in an SSD: speed, capacity, and value. The Lexar NM790 gives me the appeal of PCIe 4.0 performance without moving into the highest-priced tier. If I want faster boot times, quick file transfers, and smoother loading in demanding applications, this drive feels like a practical option. The 4TB size also reduces the need for me to constantly manage storage.

Performance I Would Expect

Since this is a PCIe 4.0 SSD, I would expect it to deliver very fast read and write speeds compared to older SATA drives and even many PCIe 3.0 models. In my experience, drives like this are especially useful for:

  • Gaming load times
  • Editing large photos and videos
  • Running virtual machines
  • Transferring big project files
  • General system responsiveness

For me, the real benefit is not just benchmark numbers, but how much smoother everyday use feels.

What I Like About the 4TB Capacity

The 4TB capacity is one of the biggest reasons I would choose this model. I don’t like running out of space quickly, and with 4TB I can keep:

  • Large game libraries
  • 4K or higher-resolution video projects
  • Work documents and backups
  • Applications and creative tools
  • Media collections

This kind of space gives me room to grow, which is important if I don’t want to upgrade again anytime soon.

Compatibility I Check Before Buying

Before I buy any M.2 SSD, I always make sure my system supports it. For this drive, I would check:

  • Whether my motherboard or laptop has an M.2 2280 slot
  • Whether the slot supports PCIe 4.0 for best performance
  • If my system can still use it at PCIe 3.0 speeds if needed
  • Whether there is enough physical space and cooling

I also make sure my BIOS and operating system are ready for NVMe storage, especially if I’m using it as a boot drive.

Thermals and Real-World Use

One thing I pay attention to with fast SSDs is heat. In my view, a high-speed PCIe 4.0 drive should ideally have decent airflow or a heatsink if the system runs heavy tasks for long periods. If I plan to use it for gaming or editing, I would want to keep temperatures under control so performance stays consistent.

Who I Think This SSD Is Best For

I would recommend the Lexar 4TB NM790 to people like me who want:

  • A lot of storage in one drive
  • Fast PCIe 4.0 performance
  • A good option for gaming or content creation
  • An upgrade from slower SATA or PCIe 3.0 storage
  • A balance between speed and value

It feels especially suitable if I want a single large SSD instead of splitting storage across multiple smaller drives.

Things I Would Compare Before Deciding

Even if I like this SSD, I still compare it with similar models before buying. I usually look at:

  • Price per terabyte
  • Warranty length
  • Endurance rating
  • Whether it includes a heatsink
  • Reviews about sustained performance
  • Brand support and reliability

These details help me decide whether it’s the best fit for my budget and workload.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD, I would see it as a strong choice for high-capacity, high-speed storage. I like that it offers a large amount of space while still giving me the benefits of NVMe performance. For my own buying decision, I would make sure my device supports PCIe 4.0, confirm cooling needs, and compare the price with other 4TB SSDs.

Overall, this is the kind of SSD I would consider when I want fast storage, lots of room, and a simple upgrade that can make my system feel much more responsive.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the Lexar 4TB NM790 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD stands out as a strong choice if you want lots of fast storage without going overboard on price. I like that it combines solid PCIe 4.0 performance with a generous 4TB capacity, making it a practical fit for gaming, creative work, and everyday use. My takeaway is that this drive offers a great balance of speed, value, and space for most users.

Author Profile

Tiffany Tucker
Tiffany Tucker
I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.

I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.