Lexar NM790 512GB

The Lexar NM790 512GB is built on the Maxio MAP1602 controller paired with YMTC 232-Layer 3D TLC NAND using Xtacking 3.0. It is a DRAM-less drive that uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to cache mapping tables in system RAM, enabling high throughput through increased NAND I/O speeds and density. The 512GB variant has a reduced sequential write speed (4400 MB/s) compared to larger capacities due to reduced NAND die interleaving. The Maxio MAP1602 controller is noted for power efficiency and low thermal output, and the single-sided M.2 2280 PCB makes the drive suitable for laptops and ultra-thin enclosures where airflow is restricted.

Key Specifications

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (NVMe 1.4)
• Sequential Read/Write: 7200 MB/s Read / 4400 MB/s Write
• Controller: Maxio MAP1602A (12nm process)
• NAND Flash: YMTC 232-Layer 3D TLC (Xtacking 3.0)
• DRAM Cache: None (HMB Supported)
• Physical Layout: Single-sided M.2 2280 PCB

Hardware Alternatives

• Acer Predator GM7: reference-design clone sharing near-identical controller and NAND, with performance differences mostly from firmware
• Addlink A93: reference-design clone sharing the same Maxio controller/NAND pairing and similar performance characteristics
• Netac NV7000-t: another reference-design clone using the same controller and NAND configuration, differing mainly in firmware
• WD Black SN770: closest architectural rival with a similar high-performance DRAM-less design; competes in the same segment
• Samsung 990 EVO: competitor targeting the DRAM-less, high-efficiency Gen4 segment