Lexar NM800 PRO 2000GB

SSD Description

The Lexar NM800 PRO is a high-performance NVMe 1.4 storage solution designed to saturate the bandwidth of the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface. The drive’s architecture is built around the InnoGrit IG5236 "Rainier" controller, an 8-channel powerhouse, paired with Micron’s 176-layer 3D TLC NAND (B47R). Unlike mid-range solutions, this model retains a dedicated DRAM cache, which is critical for maintaining high random I/O performance and reducing latency during sustained heavy write operations. This configuration places the drive in the upper echelon of Gen4 performance, prioritizing raw throughput for workstation and gaming applications. The InnoGrit IG5236 controller is known for running hotter than rival controllers from Phison or WD; consequently, the NM800 PRO may engage thermal throttling mechanisms during prolonged transfer sessions if utilized without a heatsink or adequate airflow. Community analysis indicates the drive performs exceptionally well in PlayStation 5 environments due to its high sequential read speeds, though PC users should prioritize the latest firmware updates to mitigate "MN-5236" controller state errors reported in earlier batches of InnoGrit-based drives.

Key Specifications

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4
• Controller: InnoGrit IG5236 (Rainier)
• NAND Type: Micron 176-layer 3D TLC
• DRAM Cache: Yes
• Sequential Read/Write: 7500 MB/s / 6500 MB/s
• Endurance: 2000 TBW (Total Bytes Written)
• Physical Layout: Single-sided PCB (improves compatibility with thin laptops)

Hardware Alternatives

• ADATA XPG S70 Blade: hardware sibling using the same InnoGrit IG5236 controller and Micron 176-layer NAND, resulting in nearly identical performance with differences mainly from firmware tuning
• Patriot Viper VP4300: hardware sibling using the same InnoGrit IG5236 controller and Micron 176-layer NAND, resulting in nearly identical performance with differences mainly from firmware tuning
• Kingston KC3000: performance competitor using a Phison E18-based design; often uses the same Micron 176-layer NAND but with different thermal and power characteristics
• Seagate FireCuda 530: performance competitor using a Phison E18-based design; often uses the same Micron 176-layer NAND but with different thermal and power characteristics