This article covers Lexar 4TB Play SSD ヒートシンク付き PCle Gen 4x4 NVMe M.2 2280 内蔵ソリッドステートドライブ 最大7400.

Overview

The Lexar PLAY 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD (model LNMPLY8004T-RNNNU) is a high-capacity M.2 NVMe drive designed for gamers and creators who need both speed and space. With 4TB of storage, sequential reads up to 7,400MB/s, and writes up to 6,500MB/s, it fully leverages the PCIe 4.0 interface for rapid game loading and large file transfers. The included heatsink ensures sustained performance during intense sessions, and the drive is officially tested and approved for PlayStation 5 expansion.
Positioned as a mid-to-high-end offering in the large-capacity PCIe 4.0 SSD market, the Lexar Play 4TB delivers competitive read speeds at a price point that undercuts many rivals. It supports HMB (Host Memory Buffer) and SLC dynamic caching to maintain responsive performance in PC environments, making it a versatile choice for both console and desktop users.

Compatibility Guide

  • Form factor: M.2 2280, compatible with standard M.2 slots on desktop and laptop motherboards.
  • Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe 1.4. Backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots, but speed will be limited to ~3,500MB/s.
  • PS5: Fits directly into the console's M.2 expansion slot with the included heatsink. No additional hardware required.
  • PC: Requires a motherboard with an M.2 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 for full performance. Older boards with PCIe 3.0 will work but at reduced speeds.
  • BIOS compatibility: Some older motherboards may not recognize a 4TB NVMe drive out of the box. Updating to the latest BIOS is recommended.

Product Info

Released in August 2024, the Lexar PLAY 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD (LNMPLY8004T-RNNNU) is available through Japanese online retailers for approximately ¥121,650. It carries a 5-year limited warranty. Key specifications: 4TB capacity, PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, NVMe 1.4, sequential read 7,400MB/s, sequential write 6,500MB/s, and a TBW rating of 3,200TB. Based on TBW, the estimated endurance is about 8.8 years assuming 1TB of writes per day.
Market positioning: This SSD sits in the mid-high tier of large-capacity PCIe 4.0 drives. It offers near-flagship read speeds at a more accessible price than premium competitors like the Samsung 990 Pro or WD Black SN850X, though it lacks a dedicated DRAM cache.

Best Use Cases

  • PS5 owners looking to expand internal storage: The drive is tested and approved for PS5, and the included heatsink fits perfectly in the console's expansion bay. 4TB provides ample space for a large game library without frequent swapping. Note that games must be installed on this drive to play directly; it does not replace the console's internal storage.
  • PC gamers who want fast, high-capacity storage: If your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0, this SSD will dramatically reduce load times for modern games. The 4TB capacity lets you keep multiple AAA titles installed simultaneously. However, if you're on PCIe 3.0, consider a cheaper PCIe 3.0 drive instead.
  • Content creators handling large files: Video editors and 3D artists will benefit from the high sequential speeds when transferring large project files. The 4TB capacity is sufficient for storing active projects. However, random I/O performance is lower than DRAM-equipped SSDs, so it's less ideal for database or heavy multitasking workloads.

Things to Consider

This SSD uses HMB (Host Memory Buffer) instead of a dedicated DRAM cache. While this keeps costs down, random read/write performance may be lower than DRAM-based drives, especially in OS drive scenarios or workloads with many small files. For pure gaming and sequential transfers, the difference is negligible.
At 4TB, the capacity may be overkill for casual users who only play a few games or rely on cloud storage. A 2TB or 1TB model could be more cost-effective. Compared to competitors like the Samsung 990 Pro 4TB or WD Black SN850X 4TB, the Lexar Play is slightly cheaper but lacks DRAM, which may matter for some users.
When installing in a PS5, ensure the included heatsink's thermal pads are correctly aligned. The heatsink uses a pad-based attachment rather than screws, so careful placement is required for optimal cooling.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this SSD in a PS5 without buying an additional heatsink?
A: Yes, the Lexar Play 4TB comes with a dedicated heatsink that is designed to fit the PS5's M.2 expansion slot. Simply install the drive and heatsink as per the console's instructions.
Q: What motherboard do I need for full performance on PC?
A: You need a motherboard with an M.2 slot that supports PCIe 4.0. Most modern AMD B550/X570 and Intel Z590/Z690/Z790 boards have at least one such slot. If your board only supports PCIe 3.0, the drive will still work but at reduced speeds.
Q: Does the lack of DRAM affect gaming performance?
A: For typical gaming workloads (loading levels, streaming textures), the difference between HMB and DRAM-based SSDs is minimal. The drive's high sequential speeds and SLC caching e