Lexar 4TB NM790 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD - High-Speed PS5 & PC Storage

In this review the Lexar NM790 4TB SSD is evaluated as a straightforward upgrade for gamers and content creators who need large, fast internal storage. The single biggest reason to buy is raw sustained throughput: with advertised peaks up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, this drive noticeably shortens load and transfer times for large game installs and high-resolution media projects while remaining compatible with desktop, laptop and PlayStation 5 systems.

Key Features

• High sustained speed: Peak PCIe Gen4 throughput up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds reduces game load times and accelerates large file transfers for video and photo work.
• Large capacity: The 4TB capacity provides room for multiple AAA game libraries or extensive creative projects without frequent swapping of drives.
• Energy efficient design: Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen4 SSDs helps extend laptop battery life and reduces thermal load under heavy use.
• Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0: HMB activates DRAM-like caching using system memory to smooth transfer speeds and improve sustained performance on systems without onboard DRAM.
• Compact single-sided M.2 2280: The single-sided design fits many laptops and small form factor builds, and the built-in heat spreader helps manage temperatures in tight enclosures.
• Warranty and endurance: A five-year limited warranty and 3000TBW endurance rating offer peace of mind for long-term storage use.

Who It's For

The Lexar 4TB NM790 is aimed at hardcore gamers and creators who need a large, fast internal drive - it is especially useful for PS5 owners who want expanded internal storage that meets the platform's bandwidth needs. Desktop users with PCIe Gen4 support will see the biggest benefits from peak speeds.

Those with older motherboards limited to PCIe Gen3 or users who only need a small capacity drive for light office tasks should look elsewhere; they will not see the full performance advantage and may prefer lower-cost Gen3 or SATA options for casual use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very fast read/write peaks for game loading and large file transfers.
• Large 4TB capacity suited for extensive game and project libraries.
• Single-sided form factor and heat spreader make it practical for laptops and PS5 installs.
• Lower power draw and HMB 3.0 support improve sustained performance on systems without DRAM cache.

Cons

• Some users report real-world speeds can fall short of peak numbers depending on system configuration and thermal conditions.
• Full Gen4 benefits require a compatible motherboard or console; Gen3 systems will not reach advertised peaks.

Specifications

Capacity	4TB
Interface	PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 2280
Sequential Read/Write	Up to 7400/6500 MB/s
Endurance	3000 TBW
Cache Technology	HMB 3.0 and Dynamic SLC Cache
Compatibility	Desktop, laptop, PlayStation 5
Warranty	Five-year limited warranty

Our Verdict

The Lexar NM790 4TB is a compelling choice for gamers and creators who need large, fast internal storage that supports PS5 and PCIe Gen4 PCs. It delivers strong sustained speeds, energy efficiency, and practical single-sided sizing, making it good value for users who can leverage Gen4 bandwidth and require substantial capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this drive compatible with PS5?
Yes, the NM790 is listed as compatible with PlayStation 5 when installed in the console's M.2 slot and meeting the console's cooling and size requirements.

Do I need a Gen4 motherboard to get full speeds?
Yes, to approach the advertised 7400/6500 MB/s figures you need PCIe Gen4 support; Gen3 systems will be limited to lower bandwidths.

How is heat managed during long transfers?
The drive includes a built-in heat spreader and benefits from system cooling; customers note effective heat resistance in most desktop and console installs.