Head-to-head · Best SSDs for PS5 Upgrade

Lexar NM790 1TB vs Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about PS5 users who want top-of-spec performance and Samsung reliability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best SSDs for PS5 Upgrade

Lexar NM790 1TB

4.4

$85

The NM790 is the budget speed pick. Spec-sheet performance matches Samsung 990 Pro at almost half the price — useful when you'll source a heatsink separately. Trade-off is DRAM-less design.

Strengths

— 7,400 MB/s sequential read at budget pricing
— DRAM-less design but uses host memory buffer (HMB) effectively
— Compact and cool-running

Watch-outs

— No heatsink — must buy separate Sabrent or ElecGear ($20)
— DRAM-less design has slightly slower mixed-workload performance
— Lexar brand support trails Samsung / WD / Crucial

$85 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best SSDs for PS5 Upgrade

Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink

4.7

$130

The 990 Pro with Heatsink is the fastest pick. 7,450 MB/s edges out the WD SN850X on raw spec. Best for users who want top-of-spec performance and don't mind paying Samsung's premium.

Strengths

— 7,450 MB/s sequential read — fastest in this lineup
— Heatsink with RGB lighting (visible through PS5 expansion slot)
— Samsung's class-leading endurance ratings

Watch-outs

— RGB lighting requires Samsung Magician software on PC to customize (one-time setup)
— Slightly higher price than WD SN850X with heatsink
— Samsung's premium tax — non-Pro SSDs hit similar real-world PS5 speeds

$130 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Lexar NM790 1TB

Cheapest pick with top-tier read speed. No heatsink (buy separately). DRAM-less.

Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink

Fastest spec. Most premium pick. RGB heatsink unique here. Samsung tax over WD SN850X.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Lexar NM790 1TB	Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink
Capacity	1TB	1TB
Read Speed	7,400 MB/s	7,450 MB/s
Heatsink	None	Pre-installed RGB
Design	DRAM-less (HMB)	—
Warranty	—	5-year

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