Lexar NM790 1000GB

SSD Description

The Lexar NM790 1000GB is a DRAM-less, high-performance PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe drive using the Maxio MAP1602A controller paired with YMTC 232-layer 3D TLC NAND. It relies on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology (allocating roughly 64MB of system RAM) for mapping table management, allowing the drive to saturate the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface while keeping a simplified PCB and reduced power envelope. Field notes indicate the NM790 is power-efficient thanks to the 12nm Maxio controller; under sustained loads it runs cooler than many Phison E18-based competitors, reducing the need for aggressive thermal throttling in constrained airflow environments. The drive currently ships with YMTC Xtacking 3.0 NAND, though component substitutions in this SKU are monitored by enthusiasts.

Key Specifications

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe 1.4
• Sequential Speeds: 7400 MB/s Read, 6500 MB/s Write
• Controller: Maxio MAP1602A (4-channel, ARM Cortex-R5)
• NAND Flash: YMTC 232-Layer 3D TLC
• DRAM Cache: None (HMB supported)
• Physical Layout: Single-sided M.2 2280
• Endurance Rating: 1000 TBW

Hardware Alternatives

• Acer Predator GM7: Shares the exact controller and NAND configuration (distinct from the GM7000)
• Addlink A93: Another direct hardware relative using the same fabless configuration
• Samsung 990 EVO 1000GB: Competes in the DRAM-less, high-efficiency hybrid segment
• Western Digital WD_BLACK SN770 1000GB: A similar DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 architecture, though the NM790 typically offers higher peak throughput due to higher density NAND layers