Lexar NM1090 Pro 4TB SSD Review: High-End Speed on a Budget
▼ Summary
– The Lexar NM1090 Pro is a new PCIe 5.0 SSD available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, with the 4TB version offering the best value.
– It uses the SMI SM2508 controller with DRAM and older Micron 232-layer TLC flash, positioning it as a budget-friendly high-end drive.
– The drive is well-suited as a secondary or game storage drive due to its competitive pricing and solid performance without the high power consumption of early PCIe 5.0 drives.
– Performance peaks at the 2TB capacity with sequential read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s and high random read/write IOPS.
– It includes a 5-year warranty and comes with Lexar’s DiskMaster and DataShield software for drive management and data security.
The Lexar NM1090 Pro 4TB SSD delivers impressive high-end performance without breaking the bank, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking both speed and value. Building on the success of its predecessor, the NM790, this drive steps up with a DRAM cache and PCIe 5.0 interface, offering a balanced blend of affordability and capability. While it may not be the absolute fastest drive available, its competitive pricing and generous capacity options position it as an attractive secondary storage solution for gaming rigs and high-performance systems.
Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, the NM1090 Pro uses the SMI SM2508 controller paired with Micron 232-Layer TLC NAND flash. Sequential read speeds reach up to 14,000 MB/s, with writes hitting 13,000 MB/s in the larger capacities. Random performance is equally robust, peaking at 2.1 million IOPS for reads. The inclusion of DRAM helps maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads, a notable upgrade over DRAM-less alternatives. Endurance ratings are solid, with the 4TB model rated for 2,800TBW and backed by a five-year warranty.
Pricing plays a crucial role in the NM1090 Pro’s appeal. At around $380 for the 4TB model, it undercuts many competing PCIe 5.0 drives while still delivering strong real-world performance. It stands as a more affordable alternative to options like the Crucial T710 or WD_Black SN8100, though it faces competition from other value-oriented Gen5 SSDs such as the Acer Predator GM9000, which shares similar hardware. Where the NM1090 Pro really shines is as a secondary drive, ideal for storing games, media, or applications where top-tier speed isn’t critical but capacity and value are.
Lexar provides useful software support with its DiskMaster and DataShield utilities, offering health monitoring, secure erase, and data migration features. While these tools are functional, many users may prefer third-party applications like CrystalDiskInfo or Clonezilla for more advanced functionality. The drive itself is double-sided, which may limit compatibility in some ultra-thin laptops but is generally not an issue for desktop builds or most gaming notebooks.
Power efficiency is another strong suit. Unlike some early PCIe 5.0 drives that suffered from high idle power draw, the NM1090 Pro manages thermals and power consumption more effectively. This makes it suitable for use in systems where heat and battery life are concerns, though it’s still best suited for devices with adequate cooling.
In a market filling with both budget and flagship SSDs, the Lexar NM1090 Pro finds a sweet spot. It doesn’t lead in raw performance or flash technology, Micron’s newer 276-layer NAND is already available in other drives, but it offers a practical, cost-effective way to step into PCIe 5.0 storage. For users building a multi-drive setup or looking to expand their storage without overspending, this drive represents a smart buy.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
