Lexar NM790 2000GB

The Lexar NM790 2000GB uses a Maxio MAP1602A controller paired with YMTC 232-layer 3D TLC NAND in a DRAM-less design that leverages Host Memory Buffer (HMB) (using approximately 32MB of system RAM) and the Xtacking 3.0 NAND with 2400 MT/s I/O to saturate the PCIe 4.0 bus. The 4-channel MAP1602A (manufactured on a 12nm process) delivers strong power efficiency and thermal management, and the 2000GB model is single-sided M.2 2280, suitable for height-restricted environments such as ultra-thin laptops and the PlayStation 5.

Key Specifications

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (NVMe 2.0 support)
• Sequential Performance: Up to 7400 MB/s Read, 6500 MB/s Write
• Controller: Maxio MAP1602A (4-Channel, ARM Cortex-R5 architecture, 12nm)
• NAND Flash: YMTC 232-Layer 3D TLC, Xtacking 3.0 with 2400 MT/s I/O
• Cache Architecture: DRAM-less with HMB (uses ~32MB of system RAM); SLC Caching
• Endurance: 1500 TBW (Total Bytes Written)
• Physical Characteristics: Single-sided M.2 2280 PCB

Hardware Alternatives

• Acer Predator GM7: Based on the same Maxio/YMTC reference platform and sharing core controller and NAND hardware; differences mainly in firmware tuning and warranty terms.
• WD Black SN770: Architectural counterpart in the DRAM-less segment; similar class but generally lower sequential speeds compared to the NM790 due to NAND density/interface differences.
• Samsung 990 Pro: Flagship, DRAM-equipped throughput competitor that is architecturally distinct from the NM790.