Are Lexar SSDs Any Good? - NM790, NM710, NM620 Review

Summary

This video reviews three Lexar M.2 NVMe SSDs: the NM 620, NM 710, and NM 790. The creator discusses their performance, affordability, and suitability for different uses. The NM 790, available in capacities up to 4TB, stands out as one of the most affordable Gen 4 SSDs, while the NM 710 and NM 620 offer lower-end options with varying performance. Benchmarks such as PCMark and 3DMark reveal how each drive handles workloads like gaming, file transfers, and intensive tasks. Pricing plays a crucial role in determining which SSD is worth purchasing.

Takeaways

• 💾 Lexar NM 620, NM 710, and NM 790 are affordable SSDs that offer decent performance but vary significantly in capabilities.
• 🖥️ The NM 790 is a Gen 4 SSD with up to 4TB capacity, featuring a Maxio Tech controller and 232-layer TLC NAND. It uses a host memory buffer instead of DRAM for caching.
• ⚠️ A key criticism of Lexar SSDs is the lack of transparency about specific parts used, leaving room for potential component changes without notice.
• 🔄 The NM 710 uses the same controller as the NM 790 but features 128-layer TLC NAND, also lacking a DRAM cache.
• 🧊 Thermals are well-managed across the drives, with the NM 790 running efficiently even without a heatsink, hitting around 75-80°C in stress tests.
• 📝 The NM 620 is an older Gen 3 SSD with mixed performance depending on the NAND and controller combinations, with some versions using Micron NAND and others using Longsys.
• 🚀 In benchmarks, the NM 790 competes well with drives like the Samsung 980 Pro but falls short of high-end Gen 4 SSDs like the 990 Evo and P41.
• 🎮 For gaming, the NM 790 performs decently, ending up around 80% of the speed of the fastest SSDs tested, making it suitable for gamers looking for a budget option.
• 💡 The NM 710 is a decent budget option, but there are faster alternatives like the SN 580, which is priced similarly but offers better performance.
• 🛒 The NM 790 is particularly competitive in the 4TB SSD segment, offering one of the cheapest Gen 4 4TB options, making it a solid choice for those needing large storage at a lower price.

Q & A

What are the three Lexar SSD models discussed in the video?

The three Lexar SSD models discussed are the NM 620, NM 710, and NM 790.

What makes the NM 790 a unique option in the SSD market?

The NM 790 is unique because it is a Gen 4 SSD available in capacities of up to 4 TB. It's one of the cheapest Gen 4 4 TB SSDs currently available, making it an attractive option for users seeking larger storage.

What are the main features of the NM 710 model?

The NM 710 is a single-sided Gen 4 SSD available in capacities up to 2 TB. It uses a 128-layer TLC memory and a maxio controller. The drive lacks a DRAM cache but comes with a 5-year warranty and a total bytes written (TBW) rating of 1000 TB for the 2 TB version.

What are the key differences between the NM 620 and NM 710?

The NM 620 is an older Gen 3 SSD with multiple versions using different combinations of NAND and controllers. The NM 710, on the other hand, is a Gen 4 SSD with a more advanced 128-layer TLC memory and performs better overall. The NM 620’s performance is considered disappointing compared to the NM 710.

Why does the video creator express concern over Lexar’s product naming and part specifications?

The creator is concerned because Lexar does not specify exact parts used in their drives, leaving the option to change hardware without updating the product name. This makes it difficult for consumers to know what they are getting, potentially leading to inconsistent performance.

How does the NM 790 compare to other SSDs in the PC Mark 10 benchmark?

The NM 790 performs well in the PC Mark 10 benchmark, sitting close to mid-range drives like the Samsung 980 Pro. It competes favorably with similar-priced drives and holds up well under lighter workloads compared to other Gen 4 SSDs.

What is the video creator's opinion on using these drives for gaming?

The NM 790 is seen as a good option for gaming, as it performs well in game-related benchmarks like loading and installation times. However, the NM 620 and NM 710 have lower performance in these areas, making them less ideal for gaming purposes.

Which of the three SSDs would the creator recommend avoiding, and why?

The creator recommends avoiding the NM 620 in most cases due to its disappointing performance. It might only be worth considering if it’s extremely cheap and needed for very basic tasks.

What is the creator’s view on the NM 790’s performance during heavy workloads?

The NM 790 holds up better than expected during heavy workloads, staying competitive with other mid-tier SSDs that have DRAM caches. While it’s not recommended for extremely intense tasks, it doesn’t completely tank under stress.

How does the video creator suggest choosing an SSD among the three models?

The creator suggests considering the price and capacity requirements when choosing among the three models. The NM 790 is the best option for larger capacities, while the NM 710 is worth considering for lighter use if found at a good price. The NM 620 is recommended only if it's the cheapest option available.