The Lexar NM990 is a PCIe Gen5 M.2 2280 SSD offered in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB capacities, with Host Memory Buffer and dynamic SLC cache according to its published product data. Its peak 14,000MB/s read claim makes it interesting, but different write ratings and cache behavior matter when choosing a size.
Consider NM990 when it is priced meaningfully below premium Gen5 drives and your system supports the necessary Gen5 slot and cooling. Compare actual availability first.
Lexar NM990 is a Gen5 SSD aimed at buyers who want high headline bandwidth but still need to decide whether that performance is economically useful. First check that your platform supports Gen5 in the intended M.2 slot and that motherboard cooling can handle prolonged transfers. For most games and routine operating-system use, the price difference from a capable Gen4 drive may matter more than the highest benchmark figure.
When comparing NM990 capacities, avoid assuming every size has identical performance, endurance or available stock. This page keeps NM990 separate from NM1090 PRO, NM790 and NQ790 despite their similar naming. Current verified offers are followed by other-brand Gen5 options so you can decide whether Lexar represents fair value today.
Choose the right exact SSD
| Choice | Best use | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| 1TB | Up to 14,000MB/s reads | Up to 7,500MB/s writes |
| 2TB | Up to 14,000MB/s reads | Up to 10,000MB/s writes |
| 4TB | Up to 14,000MB/s reads | Up to 11,000MB/s writes |
| Technology | HMB, SLC caching | Gen5 M.2 2280 slot |
Current Lexar NM990 Deals on Amazon 2
Only exact new Lexar internal SSD models, capacities and heatsink configurations qualify. Price freshness is displayed honestly.
Potential savings appear only when Amazon supplies a fresh, credible reference price for the exact same item. No reference price means no discount claim.
Lexar Nm990 2 Tb M.2 Pci Express 5.0 Nvme, W129162111 (5.0 Nvme)
2TB · M.2 2280 · $234.08/TB
Lexar Nm990 4 Tb M.2 Pci Express 5.0 Nvme, W129162112 (5.0 Nvme)
4TB · M.2 2280 · $210.71/TB
Other SSDs to compare 12
Different brands and models, shown as clearly labeled alternatives. Check capacity, slot generation, heatsink and warranty before choosing a substitute.
Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 1TB, PCIe 5.0x4 M.2 2280, Up to 14,700MB/s | NVMe Internal Solid State Hard Drive best for AI Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations (MZ VAP1T0B/AM)
1TB · M.2 2280 · $249.00/TB
WD_Black SN8100 1TB NVMe SSD - PCIe 5.0x4, M.2 2280, Up to 14,900MB/s Read Speed, up to 11,000MB/s Write Speed, Best for AI Applications, Gaming, and Video Editing - WDS100T1X0M
1TB · M.2 2280 · $269.00/TB
Kingston FURY Renegade G5 1024GB NVMe SSD | PCIe 5.0 M.2 2280 | Up to 14,8000MB/s | SFYR2S/1T0
1TB · M.2 2280 · $364.90/TB
Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 2TB, PCIe 5.0x4 M.2 2280, Up to 14,700MB/s | NVMe Internal Solid State Hard Drive best for AI Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations (MZ VAP2T0B/AM)
2TB · M.2 2280 · $199.50/TB
WD_Black SN8100 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink - PCIe 5.0x4, M.2 2280, Up to 14,900MB/s Read Speed, up to 11,000MB/s Write Speed, Best for AI Applications, Gaming, and Video Editing - WDS200T1XHM
2TB · M.2 2280 · $225.00/TB
Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2048GB NVMe SSD | PCIe 5.0 M.2 2280 | Up to 14,8000MB/s | SFYR2S/2T0
2TB · M.2 2280 · $209.95/TB
Samsung SSD 9100 PRO w/Heatsink 2TB, PCIe 5.0x4 M.2 2280, Up to 14,700MB/s | NVMe Internal Solid State Hard Drive best for AI Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations (MZ-VAP2T0CW)
2TB · M.2 2280 · $274.98/TB
WD_Black SN8100 2TB NVMe SSD - PCIe 5.0x4, M.2 2280, Up to 14,900MB/s Read Speed, up to 11,000MB/s Write Speed, Best for AI Applications, Gaming, and Video Editing - WDS200T1X0M
2TB · M.2 2280 · $259.80/TB
Amazon prices may change between verification and checkout. A retained last-verified price is not a fresh offer; an alternative is not guaranteed to be identical to the Lexar drive.
Detailed Lexar NM990 - PCIe Gen5 SSD Buying Guide guide
Practical details that matter when comparing exact SSDs, capacities and configurations.
How NM990 differs from NM1090 PRO
NM990 relies on a different cache design, with published HMB and SLC Dynamic Cache features. NM1090 PRO advertises a DRAM cache. That distinction matters more than similar headline sequential read figures.
Look for matched tests of the same capacity when comparing long writes or workloads that exceed the fast cache.
Check 1TB versus 4TB performance
Lexar specifies different maximum write speeds by capacity, so a 1TB listing claiming the 4TB figure should not be treated as verified.
Price each capacity separately. NM990 may be compelling for a budgeted Gen5 upgrade but not if NM1090 PRO has a smaller price premium.
Regional availability and installation
The NM990 is documented by Lexar globally, but its listing in one country is not a guarantee of US, UK or German retailer stock.
Ensure adequate cooling for sustained Gen5 work and verify motherboard BIOS and lane configurations.
More CloudZat Lexar price research
The existing Lexar MP44S price page remains in place and is linked rather than copied or overwritten.
Frequently asked questions
Does NM990 have the same cache as NM1090 PRO?
No. NM990 lists HMB with SLC Dynamic Cache, while NM1090 PRO lists DRAM with SLC caching.
Is NM990 an 8TB SSD?
Lexar’s NM990 product information lists 1TB, 2TB and 4TB. Do not accept an advertised 8TB NM990 without authoritative confirmation.
Does NM990 require PCIe Gen5?
A compatible Gen4 NVMe slot can run at host speeds, but a Gen5 x4 slot is required for full advertised interface performance.
Specifications and references
Manufacturer information is linked for configuration checks. CloudZat has not independently benchmarked these drives.
CloudZat may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. Prices and availability can change. Product recommendations are based on model identity, capacity, fit, and documented observations, not a claimed personal hardware test.