Lexar NM790 (MAP1602 + YMTC TLC EET1A) 512 GB

This article covers Lexar NM790 (MAP1602 + YMTC TLC EET1A) 512 GB.

Overview

The Lexar NM790 is a PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD in the M.2 2280 form factor, targeting the value-oriented segment of the market. This 512GB variant uses a Maxio MAP1602A controller paired with YMTC 3D TLC NAND, and it employs a DRAM-less design with 32MB of HMB (Host Memory Buffer) to keep costs low while maintaining solid random access performance. With sequential read speeds up to 7400 MB/s (theoretical for the series; actual results vary by capacity and system), the NM790 delivers fast boot times and snappy application loading. The 512GB capacity is sufficient for an operating system, essential software, and a handful of games, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious builders. Priced around ¥21,000 in Japan, this SSD competes directly with other DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 drives like the Crucial P3 Plus and the WD Black SN770 (DRAM-based). Lexar backs it with a 5-year warranty and a 300 TBW endurance rating, adding peace of mind for everyday use.

Compatibility Guide

The Lexar NM790 uses the M.2 2280 form factor and requires a PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot on the motherboard. It is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots, but performance will be capped at around 3.5 GB/s. To achieve full speed, pair it with a PCIe 4.0-capable platform such as AMD Ryzen 3000 series or newer, or Intel 11th Gen or newer. Since it lacks dedicated DRAM, the HMB feature relies on system memory (at least 4GB recommended) and Resizable BAR support for optimal performance. It works out of the box with Windows 10/11 and modern Linux kernels without additional drivers. Physical installation is straightforward: insert the SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle, then secure it with the included screw. Note that some motherboards share PCIe lanes between multiple M.2 slots and SATA ports; check your motherboard manual to avoid bandwidth contention.

Product Info

Released in 2023, the Lexar NM790 is a mid-range PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. The 512GB model retails for approximately ¥21,000 in Japan, available through major retailers like and Yahoo! Shopping. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty and a TBW of 300TB. In the market, it sits between entry-level PCIe 3.0 SSDs and premium DRAM-equipped PCIe 4.0 drives. The combination of HMB and a fast controller provides competitive random read/write performance, making it a strong option for users who want PCIe 4.0 speeds without paying a premium for DRAM.

Best Use Cases

Gaming storage: The 512GB capacity can hold an OS and a few modern games. Fast sequential reads reduce load times, but consider the 1TB model if you have a large library. Work drive for creators: Ideal for photo editing caches or scratch disks where random access matters. Not recommended for heavy 4K video workflows due to limited TBW. Upgrade for older notebooks: If your laptop has a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot, this SSD can breathe new life into it. The DRAM-less design is less of a concern for typical daily tasks. Budget PC builds: Perfect for cost-effective builds where every dollar counts. But avoid if you frequently write large files (e.g., 100GB+ daily) – a DRAM SSD would be better.

Things to Consider

First, the DRAM-less architecture means write performance can drop significantly after the SLC cache is exhausted, especially during sustained large-file transfers. This is a non-issue for most users, but heavy content creators should look at DRAM-equipped alternatives. Second, 512GB may feel tight in 2026. With Windows 11 taking up 30GB+, and games like Call of Duty requiring 200GB+, you might run out of space quickly. Consider the 1TB or 2TB variants if your budget allows. Third, compare with competitors: the Crucial P3 Plus offers similar DRAM-less performance, while the WD Black SN770 includes a DRAM cache and better sustained write speeds. The NM790 typically wins on price per GB, but the SN770 offers more consistent performance. Finally, if your system only supports PCIe 3.0, you won't see the full speed benefit – a cheaper PCIe 3.0 SSD like the Samsung 970 EVO Plus might be a more sensible choice. ## FAQ
Q: Can I use this SSD in a PlayStation 5? A: Yes, the PS5 supports M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The NM790 512GB will work, but Sony recommends a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. While Lexar claims up to 7,400 MB/s for the series, actual performance may vary. It should be adequate for most games. Q: Is DRAM-less a problem for gaming? A: Not really. Game loading relies mostly on sequential reads, which HMB handles well. You might notice slightly longer load times in open-world games compared to a DRAM SSD, but the difference is often negligible. Q: What is the warranty and TBW? A: Lexar provides a 5-year limited warranty, but the warranty is void if the TBW of 300TB is exceeded. For typical home use (e.g., 20GB writes per day), that equates to about 15 years of endurance, so it's more than sufficient for most users.