Lexar launches its fastest SSD yet: the NM990 PCIe 5.0 reaches 14,000 MB/s read speed

Lexar’s new SSD unit is designed for demanding gamers, professional creators, and AI developers.

Lexar, one of the leading global brands in flash memory solutions, has announced the official release of its new high-performance SSD: the Lexar NM990 M.2 2280 PCIe 5.0 NVMe, crafted specifically for top-tier gamers, content professionals, and AI developers who require speed, efficiency, and reliability.

Unprecedented speed thanks to PCIe 5.0

This new SSD is based on PCIe 5.0 interface and promises speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s read and 11,000 MB/s write in its 4TB version, doubling the performance of many existing PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Lexar emphasizes that this unit is optimized not only for next-generation gaming but also for data-intensive workflows like high-resolution rendering or complex AI projects.

Energy efficiency and smart cooling

The drive features Thermal Defender technology, which enhances energy efficiency by 23% compared to previous generations. To prevent overheating, the NM990 includes an eight-channel controller and a thermal dissipation system with graphite labels, ensuring more stable and smooth operation even under high load conditions.

Random performance and compatibility with DirectStorage

Beyond sequential performance, the NM990 incorporates DRAM cache and SLC dynamic cache, enabling up to 2 million IOPS in random read and 1.5 million IOPS in random write, significantly reducing wait times. It is also compatible with Microsoft DirectStorage, leading to faster load times and a smoother gaming experience on titles optimized with this technology.

Built to last

Durability is another strong point of the Lexar NM990. Its 4TB version has a rating of 3,000 TBW (terabytes written), ensuring reliable performance for years even under demanding workloads.

The new unit will be available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, and according to the company, users will get more usable space than other storage devices of the same nominal size.

Advanced management with Lexar DiskMaster

Users will be able to manage their unit via the Lexar DiskMaster software, which allows firmware updates, health checks, and performance monitoring through a user-friendly interface.

A step forward in high-performance storage

With the NM990, Lexar positions itself as a key player in the emerging PCIe 5.0 SSD market. For content creators editing 8K video, gamers looking to eliminate load times, or developers handling large data volumes, this drive represents a real evolution in speed, efficiency, and durability.

Summary of the Lexar NM990 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD specifications:

FeatureDetails (4TB model)
InterfacePCIe 5.0 x4
Sequential readUp to 14,000 MB/s
Sequential writeUp to 11,000 MB/s
Random readUp to 2,000,000 IOPS
Random writeUp to 1,500,000 IOPS
CacheDRAM + SLC dynamic
Energy efficiencyThermal Defender (23% more efficient)
Durability3,000 TBW
Available capacities1TB, 2TB, 4TB
CompatibilityMicrosoft DirectStorage

With this launch, Lexar reinforces its commitment to developing high-performance storage solutions for the new generations of digital users and professionals.

via: lexar

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