Lexar NM620 256GB

The Lexar NM620 256GB is a PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.4 drive that implements a DRAM-less architecture using the Innogrit IG5216 (4-channel) controller and Host Memory Buffer (HMB). It uses 3D TLC NAND and relies on an SLC cache for high sustained performance; at the 256GB capacity the reduced number of NAND dies limits interleaving, so write speeds fall well below higher-capacity variants once the SLC cache is exhausted. The drive is single-sided on an M.2 2280 PCB and employs aggressive LDPC error correction.

Key Specifications

• Capacity: 256GB
• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4
• Controller: Innogrit IG5216 (4-Channel, DRAM-less)
• NAND Type: 3D TLC
• Sequential Read/Write: 3000 MB/s Read / 1300 MB/s Write
• Architecture: Host Memory Buffer (HMB) enabled
• Physical Layout: Single-sided M.2 2280 PCB (suitable for thin laptops)
• Error Correction: LDPC
• Cache Behavior: Relies on SLC cache; performance drops to native NAND speeds once cache is exhausted

Hardware Alternatives

• Samsung 980 (Non-Pro): Direct functional competitor with a DRAM-less, HMB-reliant architecture and TLC NAND, using Samsung's "Pablo" controller
• WD Blue SN570: Operates in the same performance tier using WD/SanDisk proprietary hardware and a DRAM-less architecture
• TeamGroup MP33: Often uses similar controller logic (Phison E13T or SM2263XT) and targets the same entry-level NVMe segment, though the NM620 offers higher peak sequential read throughput in its class