Joybuy Insights

Lexar NQ790 4TB NVMe SSD: Specifications, compatibility and buying advice

A 4TB SSD offers plenty of room for games, video projects and large data collections. But big numbers on the box don’t automatically mean it’s the right storage solution for you. When choosing the Lexar NQ790 4TB NVMe SSD, consider the interface, form factor, cooling and compatibility with your system together.

Common pitfalls when buying a 4TB NVMe SSD

1. Maximum speed is mistaken for everyday performance

According to the product specifications, the Lexar NQ790 delivers sequential read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 6000 MB/s. These figures apply to compatible PCIe 4.0 systems and specific test conditions. An older motherboard with PCIe 3.0, a restricted laptop slot or lots of background processes running at once can all reduce real-world performance.

Random access speeds, loading times and your system configuration also matter for gaming and office applications. The advertised peak figures are therefore a useful technical benchmark, not a guarantee of the same speed in every application.

2. The M.2 form factor isn’t checked against the slot

“M.2” alone doesn’t tell you whether a drive is compatible. The Lexar NQ790’s M.2 2280 form factor means it is 22 mm wide and 80 mm long. Before buying, check that your motherboard, laptop or expansion card supports this size and has a suitable M-key slot with PCIe connectivity.

Depending on the device, an M.2 slot may carry SATA signals only. A PCIe NVMe SSD won’t necessarily work in one of these slots. That’s why the details in your motherboard or device manual are more important than the “M.2” label alone.

3. Cooling and installation are overlooked

A PCIe 4.0 SSD can generate heat during long write sessions, game installations or video projects. According to the datasheet, the Lexar NQ790 operates at 0 to 70 °C. A heatsink already fitted to your motherboard can help keep the operating temperature within the recommended range, provided it fits the drive.

Before installation, shut down your system completely and disconnect it from the mains. As the SSD is sensitive to electrostatic discharge, it’s best to work in an earthed environment. Insert the SSD at an angle of around 30 degrees, then secure it with the screw provided for the slot.

Key technical specifications, explained

  • Capacity: 4 TB provides plenty of space for large game libraries, raw video files and virtual machines. The usable capacity will be slightly lower because of the way terabytes are converted into the format used by your operating system.
  • Interface: PCIe Gen 4x4 and the NVMe 1.4 protocol enable fast data transfers. According to the product specifications, the SSD is backwards compatible with PCIe 3.0 systems, though its performance will be limited by that generation.
  • Form factor: M.2 2280 fits many desktop PCs and compatible laptops. Check the dimensions before installation.
  • Cache and memory: An onboard 4 GB SLC cache and Host Memory Buffer (HMB) can help with short bursts of writing and accessing data. During very long, continuous write sessions, speeds may change once the cache is full.
  • Endurance figures: The 4 TB model is rated at 2400 TBW, with a mean time between failures of 1,500,000 hours. TBW is a manufacturer’s estimate of the intended write volume, not a guarantee of a specific lifespan.
  • Warranty: According to the product details, it comes with a five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. Your statutory consumer rights are not affected.

According to the product description, the Lexar NQ790 is suitable for PlayStation 5. Before buying, PS5 owners should still check Sony’s latest guidance and the required dimensions. A PS5 expansion will generally also need a compatible M.2 heatsink. The console must format the SSD before you can use it.

Which SSD suits your needs?

Suits: Budget-conscious beginners
Lexar NQ790 1TB M.2 NVMe Internal SSD

Lexar NQ790 1TB M.2 NVMe Internal SSD

Why this product suits this profile: The 1 TB version offers the same features in a smaller capacity. It’s a good choice if you’re replacing a system or gaming drive and don’t need a huge amount of storage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

You won’t be choosing a larger capacity than you need. You can match your actual storage requirements to the M.2 2280 slot in your device.

Key benefits and strengths

PCIe Gen 4x4, NVMe and read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s according to the product specifications.

Suits: Buyers looking for high performance
Lexar NQ790 4TB NVMe SSD

Lexar NQ790 4TB NVMe SSD

Why this product suits this profile: With 4 TB of storage, PCIe 4.0 and high sequential transfer speeds, this drive is ideal if you want to keep games, media projects and applications together on one internal drive.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Details such as the PCIe generation, M.2 format, TBW rating and operating temperature give you a clearer basis for choosing than marketing claims alone.

Key benefits and strengths

4 TB, read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s, write speeds of up to 6000 MB/s, 2400 TBW and a five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, according to the product details.

Suits: Specialist uses and power users
Lexar NM790 8TB NVMe PCIe Internal SSD

Lexar NM790 8TB NVMe PCIe Internal SSD

Why this product suits this profile: 8 TB is a good fit for large game libraries, extensive video collections and work files, helping you avoid constantly moving data to external storage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The generous capacity means less need to move files between multiple drives. You should still check that it’s compatible with your device before buying.

Key benefits and strengths

8 TB capacity, M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe 4.0 NVMe connectivity, according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force across the EU.

Lexar NQ790 4TB NVMe SSD FAQs

Is the Lexar NQ790 4TB compatible with PS5?

According to the product specifications, this model is suitable for PlayStation 5. Before installation, check Sony’s latest requirements for M.2 dimensions, read speeds and cooling. A compatible heatsink may be required.

Can I use the SSD in a PCIe 3.0 system?

According to the datasheet, the Lexar NQ790 is backwards compatible with PCIe 3.0. However, its transfer rate will be limited by the older interface and won’t reach the advertised PCIe 4.0 peak speeds.

How can I assess the lifespan of a 4TB NVMe SSD?

Manufacturer figures such as TBW, MTBF and the warranty period can help you assess a drive. Regular backups are still important, as no SSD is immune to faults or data loss. You should also keep the SSD within its stated operating temperature range and avoid leaving it completely full for long periods.