Lexar NQ790 2000GB

The Lexar NQ790 2000GB operates on a DRAM-less architecture using the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and relies on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology to manage mapping tables via system RAM. The drive typically pairs the Maxio MAP1602 controller with high-density 3D NAND (commonly QLC for this SKU). This configuration allows the drive to saturate the PCIe 4.0 bus during reads (7000 MB/s) while sequential writes are capped around 6000 MB/s. The NQ790 uses a single-sided M.2 2280 PCB, a 12nm controller process for efficient thermal behavior, and a graphene heat spreader label for basic dissipation. The dynamic SLC cache provides high burst speeds but performance drops more steeply once the pseudo-SLC buffer is exhausted compared to higher-end TLC alternatives.

Key Specifications

• Interface: PCIe Gen 4.0 x4, NVMe 1.4
• Sequential Speeds: 7000 MB/s Read, 6000 MB/s Write
• Controller: Maxio MAP1602 (4-channel, ARM Cortex-R5)
• NAND Type: 3D NAND (Typically QLC configuration for this specific SKU)
• DRAM Cache: No (DRAM-less, supports HMB)
• Physical Layout: Single-sided PCB (M.2 2280)
• Endurance: TBW ratings are generally lower than TLC equivalents due to NAND cell density

Hardware Alternatives

• Lexar NM790: The direct architectural superior to the NQ790, using the same Maxio controller family but paired with premium 232-layer TLC NAND for higher sustained write speeds and improved endurance.
• Corsair MP600 CORE XT: Shares a similar performance profile, utilizing QLC NAND to achieve high capacity and read speeds with moderate write endurance.
• Crucial P3 Plus: A competitor in the high-capacity QLC segment; typically has lower peak sequential throughput due to its Phison E21T controller.
• Solidigm P41 Plus: Functions in the same bracket, utilizing HMB and QLC, though often with lower peak sequential speeds than the NQ790.