My use of the Lexar 2TB NM800 PRO M.2 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD with Heatsink (2024)

The quest for the ultimate gaming setup or workhorse computer often leads to seeking out the best SSD to deliver blistering speeds and reliability. For professionals, creators, and hardcore gamers alike, the Lexar Professional NM800 PRO with Heatsink is a beacon of light in a saturated market. My journey with this SSD has led me to uncover a list of remarkable benefits, alongside a few considerations worth mentioning.

• Blazing Fast Speeds: This SSD is PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe 1.4, so it's no surprise that the read and write speeds are through the roof — up to 7500MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, respectively. For loading large video files or reducing game load times, this has been a game-changer.

• Integrated Heatsink: It's got its own heatsink, which means less worry about overheating and a lower chance of performance throttling, even during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads.

• High Endurance Rating: With an impressive TBW (terabytes written) rating, it feels like a reliable investment. I don't have to panic about wear and tear, especially when heavily using the drive for large file transfers and storage.

• Compatibility: Plus, its compatibility with PlayStation 5 is a big bonus; knowing that when I want to expand my console storage, this SSD would fit the bill perfectly.

However, there's no denying that every rose has its thorns. The operating temperature is on the higher side, especially under heavy strain and in tight spaces. This could be mitigated with proper case ventilation or an additional heatsink, although that's an extra step and cost.

Another hit is the absence of accompanying software or firmware updates. It feels a bit like sailing without a map, as third-party tools are needed to keep an eye on its health — not a dealbreaker, but something to consider.

From a personal experience angle, despite running on just PCIe Gen3 in my current setup, the NM800 PRO is still hitting its capped speeds. That's a testament to its raw power, and I can only imagine the stellar performance awaiting once I upgrade my motherboard to fully utilize Gen4 capabilities.

In sum, the Lexar Professional NM800 PRO is akin to a powerful engine in a sports car — it aims to deliver uncompromised performance and speed, although it may run hot and perhaps lack some accessories out of the gate. As someone looking for durable, high-performing, and spacious storage solutions, this SSD hits many sweet spots, with the warmth being a manageable hurdle, not a dealbreaker.

As a tech enthusiast, I've always been on the lookout for SSDs that strike the right balance between top-tier performance and sustainable operation, because overheating is a well-known enemy of electronics, particularly for high-performance components like SSDs. The Lexar Professional NM800 PRO with Heatsink definitely grabbed my attention with its innovative approach to thermal management.

The drive's integrated heatsink is a game-changer, designed to manage the very real issue of heat accumulation that often accompanies high-speed operations. If you're like me, running intensive tasks such as prolonged gaming sessions, video editing, or 3D rendering can push your storage device to the limits. Here's a quick rundown of the advantages I've found with the integrated heatsink design:

• Reduced heat generation: The Heatsink keeps temperatures lower by up to 30% compared to SSDs without cooling solutions.

• Improved power efficiency: A cooler SSD means less energy consumed, which is a big deal for long gaming sessions or creative marathons.

• Sustained performance: Thermal throttling can be a major drag; with better cooling, this SSD maintains its speed, even under load.

• Extended longevity: Heat adversely affects the lifespan of electronics. I feel reassured that this level of thermal management contributes to the drive's durability.

Admittedly, I've noticed the drive does tend to run warm, particularly when sandwiched between other components in a cramped case. It's crucial to ensure you have good airflow in your system or consider additional cooling arrangements, especially if your motherboard lacks an integrated SSD heatsink. This may incur extra costs or technically challenging modifications for some setups. Nonetheless, the performance boost and peace of mind provided by the Lexar NM800 PRO are well worth the extra effort to keep things cool.

While it's impressive that Lexar has managed to pack 4TB on one side of the NVMe, facilitating better cooling options, those installing this SSD need to be mindful of their specific PC build's cooling capabilities. If you're using it in a PlayStation 5, for example, the PS5's architecture has been crafted with adequate space for drives with heatsinks, so you'll likely reap the maximum benefits of this SSD's design.

Overall, the proactive approach Lexar took with the integrated heatsink not only extends the life expectancy of the SSD but also ensures that users like myself can enjoy peak performance without those nagging worries about overheating, provided that the drive is correctly installed within a cooling-conscious environment. Much like my experience with the SABRENT Rocket Q4 2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD with Heatsink, the emphasis on effective thermal management is crucial for sustained performance.

In my quest for a robust and high-capacity SSD, the Lexar NM800 PRO with Heatsink has caught my eye, especially considering its endurance for intensive workloads. As someone who's constantly running demanding applications and transferring hefty files, drive endurance and durability are top priorities.

What sets the NM800 PRO apart for me:

• High Endurance Rating: The drive boasts a significant endurance rating that promises longevity, which means less worry about drive failures from wearing out the NAND.

• Integrated Heatsink: This feature is a godsend as it effectively manages heat, a critical factor considering the drive can run warm in tight spaces or under heavy use.

• TLC NAND: Compared to QLC drives, TLC offers better endurance, which is a must-have for continuous operations without sacrificing performance or worrying about the lifespan.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Heat Generation: The drive runs warmer than I'd like, particularly when placed under a GPU or in a confined space without optimal airflow. Planning for additional cooling solutions is essential.

• Performance Constraints: While it's a PCIe Gen4 drive, if it's seated in a Gen3 slot, it won't hit its top speeds. That's not an issue with the drive itself but a reminder to match it with the right hardware to unlock its full potential.

I've always valued Lexar's reputation for reliable flash-based storage, and they seem to have poured their expertise into the NM800 PRO. Plus, having all 4TB on a single side of the NVMe, makes cooling less of a hassle, a clever design choice that should benefit airflow and thus, drive longevity.

With my personal setup, I'm planning to pair it with a high-quality heatsink and ensure ample case ventilation. I'm looking forward to seeing how it handles everything from large video renders to extensive game libraries. While this isn't an exhaustive technical analysis, I'm basing my insights on a mix of specification sheets, user reviews, and personal expectations.

Ultimately, if you're after an SSD that promises to handle the pressure of heavy and continuous workloads with added peace of mind on durability and performance stability, the Lexar NM800 PRO looks to be a promising option. It’s setting up to be a solid workhorse in my tech arsenal, for sure.

In the realm of SSDs, the quest for higher capacities at lower price points is a challenging one. The Lexar 2TB NM800 PRO with Heatsink appears to strike a compelling balance, marrying cost-efficiency with performance. Though the product isn't without drawbacks, here's why it stands out in the high-capacity SSD market:

• Impressive Speeds: The jump from PCIe 3.0 to PCIe Gen4x4 is significant, offering a twofold increase in speed. This SSD keeps pace with the need for rapid data transfer, which is a boon for gamers and professionals alike.

• Built-In Heatsink: With an integrated heatsink, it provides a proactive approach to managing heat, which is both a performance and longevity booster.

• Solid Endurance Rating: The high endurance rating promises durability, especially for users with heavy write requirements.

• Price: The affordability of this high-capacity drive is its most striking feature, considering the performance it delivers.

On the flip side, the heat issue is hard to ignore. Despite the built-in heatsink, it tends to run warm, and in my opinion, additional cooling may be necessary for those whose setups do not promote optimal airflow. This could add to the overall cost and result in potential inconvenience during setup.

Moreover, despite the SSD's compatibility with the PS5 and PC, users running other systems, especially certain Linux distributions, reported difficulties. This incompatibility may not affect everyone but is a consideration for potential buyers.

The true speeds being hobbled by a Gen 3 PCIe in my setup is also a limiting factor. However, the full potential of this SSD is unleashed with a Gen 4 interface, hinting at the importance of ensuring one's hardware can fully capitalize on the drive's capabilities.

Here's a quick comparison:

Pros:

• High speeds at a lower price point

• Integrated heatsink for improved thermal management

• Attractive high endurance rating

Cons:

• Potential additional cost for extra cooling

• Compatibility issues with certain operating systems

In closing, while the Lexar 2TB NM800 PRO is undoubtedly an appealing proposition for those who prioritize storage and speed within a reasonable budget, one must weigh the potential additional costs for cooling and the hardware compatibility factor. It's a powerhouse in terms of value, and yet I'm reminded that the search for the perfect SSD is one of trade-offs. Whether this SSD is the right fit for you will depend on your specific needs and setup, but it's undeniably a strong contender in this ever-evolving market.