# Lexar NM990: PCIe Gen5 SSD Buying Guide > 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. - Canonical: https://cloudzat.com/lexar-nm990/ - Published: 2026-10-17 - Updated: 2026-10-17 - Author: Kayla Idayi - Site: https://cloudzat.com/ - LLM index: https://cloudzat.com/llms.txt ## Content [Home](https://cloudzat.com/)/[Lexar SSD](https://cloudzat.com/lexar-ssd/)/Lexar NM990: PCIe Gen5 SSD Buying Guide Lexar NM990 PCIe 5 SSD 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. Quick answer 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. **Before buying** NM990 should not be mistaken for NM1090 PRO, which has a different cache configuration. Your buying guide**What matters before you buy** 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. **Platform**A Gen4-only M.2 slot limits a Gen5 SSD. **Performance**Peak transfer speeds are not game-loading promises. **Price gap**Check whether Gen5 costs materially more than a Gen4 alternative. Families**NM990** Interface**PCIe Gen4 / Gen5 NVMe** Size**M.2 2280** Pricing**Verified offers only** Buying decision ## 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 | Compare exact SSD offers ## 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)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41UWXMnoiYL._SL160_.jpg) LEXAR · Lexar NM990 · Gen5 ### Lexar Nm990 2 Tb M.2 Pci Express 5.0 Nvme, W129162111 (5.0 Nvme) 2TB · M.2 2280 · $234.08/TB **$468.16**Last verified 28 days ago [Check on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFYY49SS/?tag=cloudzat0a-20) ![Lexar Nm990 4 Tb M.2 Pci Express 5.0 Nvme, W129162112 (5.0 Nvme)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31ClGtL99DL._SL160_.jpg) LEXAR · Lexar NM990 · Gen5 ### Lexar Nm990 4 Tb M.2 Pci Express 5.0 Nvme, W129162112 (5.0 Nvme) 4TB · M.2 2280 · $210.71/TB **$842.85**Last verified 28 days ago [Check on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFXZ2G3S/?tag=cloudzat0a-20) Compare beyond Lexar ## 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)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/3137jN3vkqL._SL160_.jpg) ALTERNATIVE · Samsung 9100 PRO · Gen5 ### 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 **$249.00**Last verified 28 days ago [Check on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DX2G349M/?tag=cloudzat0a-20) ![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](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31bN3jQQpJL._SL160_.jpg) ALTERNATIVE · WD_BLACK SN8100 · Gen5 ### 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 **$269.00**Last verified 28 days ago [Check on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3BMBQ75/?tag=cloudzat0a-20) ![Kingston FURY Renegade G5 1024GB NVMe SSD | PCIe 5.0 M.2 2280 | Up to 14,8000MB/s | SFYR2S/1T0](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/3173UoJCh3L._SL160_.jpg) ALTERNATIVE · Kingston FURY Renegade G5 · Gen5 ### 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 **$364.90**Last verified 28 days ago [Check on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4425DTW/?tag=cloudzat0a-20) ![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)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/3137jN3vkqL._SL160_.jpg) ALTERNATIVE · Samsung 9100 PRO · Gen5 ### 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 **$399.00**Last verified 28 days ago [Check on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DX2DPJZ5/?tag=cloudzat0a-20) ![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](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31peumMdGYL._SL160_.jpg) ALTERNATIVE · WD_BLACK SN8100 · Gen5 ### 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 **$449.99**Last verified 28 days ago [Check on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3H14JQG/?tag=cloudzat0a-20) ![Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2048GB NVMe SSD | PCIe 5.0 M.2 2280 | Up to 14,8000MB/s | SFYR2S/2T0](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/3173UoJCh3L._SL160_.jpg) ALTERNATIVE · Kingston FURY Renegade G5 · Gen5 ### 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 **$419.89**Last verified 28 days ago [Check on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4455L4R/?tag=cloudzat0a-20) ![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)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31CdT4oLpCL._SL160_.jpg) ALTERNATIVE · Samsung 9100 PRO · Gen5 ### 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 **$549.95**Last verified 28 days ago [Check on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DX2FN49V/?tag=cloudzat0a-20) ![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](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Yx6QWEdcL._SL160_.jpg) ALTERNATIVE · WD_BLACK SN8100 · Gen5 ### 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 **$519.59**Last verified 28 days ago [Check on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3BD1W6R/?tag=cloudzat0a-20) 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 buying guide ## 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. ## Related Lexar SSD guides [**Lexar SSD Buying Guide: NM1090 PRO, NM990, NM790 and NQ790**Read guide ↗](https://cloudzat.com/lexar-ssd/)[**Lexar SSD Prices: Live Offers and Price per TB**Read guide ↗](https://cloudzat.com/lexar-ssd-prices/)[**Lexar NM1090 PRO Buying Guide: Gen5 SSD Value**Read guide ↗](https://cloudzat.com/lexar-nm1090-pro/)[**Lexar NM1090 PRO vs Samsung 9100 PRO**Read guide ↗](https://cloudzat.com/lexar-nm1090-pro-vs-samsung-9100-pro/)[**Lexar NM790 SSD: Gen4 Buying Guide**Read guide ↗](https://cloudzat.com/lexar-nm790/)[**Lexar NM790 4TB: Prices, Fit and Buying Advice**Read guide ↗](https://cloudzat.com/lexar-nm790-4tb/) ## More CloudZat Lexar price research The existing Lexar MP44S price page remains in place and is linked rather than copied or overwritten. [**Existing CloudZat Lexar NM790 price tracker**Read existing guide ↗](https://cloudzat.com/lexar-nm790-prices/)[**Existing NM790 versus WD Black SN850X comparison**Read existing guide ↗](https://cloudzat.com/lexar-nm790-vs-wd-black-sn850x/) ## 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. - [Lexar NM1090 PRO manufacturer specifications ↗](https://americas.lexar.com/product/lexar-professional-nm1090-pro-pcie-5-0-nvme-m-2-2280-ssd/) - [Lexar NM990 announcement ↗](https://www.lexar.com/global/news/Lexar-Launches-the-NM990-PCIe-5-0-SSD/) 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. --- Machine-readable alternate. Cite or link to the canonical Cloudzat URL above. For changing prices, availability, forecasts, compatibility, or calculator results, fetch the canonical page at answer time.