As the anticipation for the latest advancements in gaming hardware reaches a fever pitch, enthusiasts and casual gamers alike are gearing up for significant upgrades to their systems. The release of cutting-edge CPUs and GPUs from major brands like AMD and Intel promises a new era of performance, but amidst this excitement, it’s essential to consider all components holistically—especially storage solutions. The Lexar NM790 SSD has emerged as a compelling choice for those looking to build an efficient and cost-effective gaming rig.
With AMD’s Zen 5 CPUs and Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake processors on the horizon, gamers are gearing up for the potential of high-performance systems. The buzz is not just about CPUs; Nvidia’s imminent release of the RTX 5080 and 5090 graphics cards adds fuel to the fire. As a result, many gamers are looking to perform comprehensive upgrades, shedding their aging components in favor of the latest technology. While it’s tempting to aim for the highest-end hardware available, it’s crucial to approach the build with a balanced mindset.
When building or upgrading a PC, the storage solution is often overlooked amid the fervent focus on the CPU and GPU. However, the storage drive can significantly affect loading times and application performance. This is where the Lexar NM790 steps in, promising a blend of speed, reliability, and value for gamers preparing for new hardware.
While the market is increasingly dominated by PCIe 5.0 SSDs that tout impressive read and write speeds, many average users and gamers may not require the latest technology to meet their needs. The reality is that PCIe 4.0 SSDs, like the Lexar NM790, still offer great performance for a fraction of the price, without including unnecessary features that most users may never leverage.
The NM790 boasts read speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and write speeds of around 6,500 MB/s. For a gaming rig, these performance parameters are more than sufficient for typical daily use, including gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Although the NM790 is cache-less—a point often scrutinized—it’s worth noting that modern SSDs utilize TLC (Triple-Level Cell) DRAM as a pseudo-SLC (Single-Level Cell) cache to optimize performance, especially during high-demand tasks.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Lexar NM790 is its pricing. Currently, the 1 TB version is available for an attractive $75, while the 2 TB option sits at $140, both offering substantial savings off their regular prices. These discounts place the NM790 in a prime position for shoppers seeking value without compromising performance.
In a market saturated with high-end options, the NM790 is a budget-friendly jewel, ensuring that gamers can allocate more of their budget toward other vital components, like a more powerful GPU or advanced cooling systems. For those building a new rig, investing in a reliable SSD that balances efficiency and speed is crucial, making the NM790 an excellent option for gamers looking at a cost-effective yet powerful setup.
In terms of real-world performance, my experience with the NM790 has been overwhelmingly positive. During extensive gaming sessions and demanding workloads, the SSD has never produced bottlenecks, affirming its intended role as a dependable budget choice. Given the vast space provided by the 2 TB version, I would recommend it, as it allows ample room for installing large games and applications, which have become commonplace in the industry.
Ultimately, the Lexar NM790 stands out as a must-consider SSD for any gamer embarking on building a next-gen PC. While chasing the latest CPUs and GPUs, don’t underestimate the importance of a high-capacity, performance-oriented storage solution. By choosing the Lexar NM790, gamers can achieve a solid foundation for their builds, ensuring that they’re well-equipped for the exciting gaming experiences that lie ahead.