Sandisk
WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB
2,000 GB · PCIe 5.0 x4 · M.2 2280
8.2
$280MSRP3 videos
Lexar NM790 2TB
A DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 TLC drive with 7,400 MB/s rated reads and very good efficiency in independent testing.
- 2,000 GB
- PCIe 4.0 x4
- M.2 2280
- TLC
- 7,400 MB/s
PCPR score
7.6
Good
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R1
The short version
The NM790 is Lexar's DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 x4 drive, built around a Maxio MAP1602 controller and 232-layer YMTC TLC. Tom's Hardware lists the 2TB at 7,400 MB/s reads, 6,500 MB/s writes and 1,500 TBW, and found good to excellent all-round performance with strong efficiency. It suits laptops, desktops and PS5 upgrades. The main caveat is that the flash type could vary over the production run.
Pros
- 7,400 MB/s reads rated at 2TB
- Very power-efficient in testing
- 1,500 TBW endurance at 2TB
- Tom's Hardware rates it suitable for laptop, desktop or PS5 use
Cons
- No DRAM cache
- Flash type could vary between production runs
Best for
- Laptops and PS5 upgrades
- Value-minded Gen4 desktops
J3
Full specifications
Core
- Capacity
- 2,000 GB
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0 x4
- Form factor
- M.2 2280
Performance
- NAND
- TLC
- DRAM cache
- No
- Controller
- Maxio MAP1602
- Sequential read
- 7,400 MB/s
- Sequential write
- 6,500 MB/s
Features
- Endurance
- 1,500 TBW
- Warranty
- 5 years
Physical
- Heatsink included
- No
Compatibility notes
- PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280; backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots at lower speed.
- Lexar also sells a heatsink version for installs without a cooler.
P1
Where to buy
- Buy from the maker
Lexar official page
Direct link
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- See it at Best Buy
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AV1
Video reviews
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AV2
What reviewers and owners say
Tom's Hardware
PositivePraises it as a very capable Gen4 drive for laptops, desktops or a PS5, with strong efficiency and the most appeal at 4TB, while warning its flash supply might change.
4/5 · 2023-09-29
Read the sourcer/hardware · u/Flyingus_
NeutralA buyer discovered their new 2TB NM790 shipped with a Phison PS5027-E27T controller instead of the expected Maxio MAP1602, a variant undocumented in online benchmarks.
2024-12-24
Read the source
Summaries are written in our words. Follow the links for each source’s own review.
R9
Common questions
Does the NM790 work in a PS5?
Tom's Hardware says the drive would work well in a PS5, and Best Buy's listing names PS5 compatibility. A heatsink is required, so use the heatsink version or add one.
Does it have DRAM?
No. Tom's Hardware lists it as DRAM-less, using host memory buffer, yet the drive still performed well in sustained workloads.
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