Lexar EQ790 2TB: Gen4 Speed Meets PS5 & PC Workloads
When upgrading to a PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD like the Lexar EQ790 2TB, you're investing in speeds up to 7000MB/s read and 5000MB/s write—ideal for intense gaming on PS5 or demanding PC tasks. This guide focuses on key factors such as endurance, thermal management, and compatibility to ensure you get the most from this high-performance drive.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Check your motherboard or console's M.2 slot supports PCIe Gen4x4 for full speed; backward compatibility with Gen3 will cap performance.
- For PS5 installation, ensure the drive's heatsink compatibility—the Lexar EQ790's design may require a separate heatsink for optimal thermal performance during extended gaming.
- Consider your workload: sequential speeds matter for large file transfers, but random IOPS (input/output operations per second) are critical for gaming and multitasking responsiveness.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Look for NVMe 1.4 protocol support, which enhances power efficiency and latency over older versions. Also, verify the drive's TBW (terabytes written) rating—the Lexar EQ790's endurance is crucial for heavy writes like video editing or frequent game installations. Genuine reviews often mention real-world speeds and thermal behavior under load.
Internal Solid State Drives Market Context
Market Overview
The internal SSD market is rapidly shifting to PCIe Gen4x4, with drives like the Lexar EQ790 offering near-gen5 speeds at competitive prices. This segment is dominated by TLC NAND and DRAM-less designs, balancing cost and performance for mainstream users.
Common Issues
Common concerns include thermal throttling under sustained loads, as Gen4 drives can generate significant heat. Also, some budget Gen4 SSDs use QLC NAND, which slows write speeds after the cache fills—something to watch for in the Lexar EQ790's reviews.
Quality Indicators
High-quality Gen4 SSDs feature a robust controller (e.g., Phison or Silicon Motion), a dedicated DRAM cache or HMB (Host Memory Buffer), and a high TBW rating. Verified purchase reviews that detail real-world benchmarks or specific use cases (e.g., PS5 loading times) are strong signals of authenticity.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
The Grade B rating and 10% estimated fake reviews suggest a majority of reviews are genuine, but a small portion may be incentivized or unreliable. With a 4.89/5 Amazon rating and an adjusted 4.60/5, the product likely delivers on its promises, but buyers should remain cautious.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on verified purchase reviews that describe specific setups, like 'upgraded from a 500GB drive' or 'installed in PS5 with a heatsink.' These provide actionable insights. Be skeptical of overly brief or generic praise, which may come from incentivized reviewers.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Look for reviews that mention thermal performance, sustained write speeds, or compatibility issues—these are harder to fake. Also, check for updates after extended use (e.g., 'after 3 months'), as long-term reliability is key for an SSD.
Expert Perspective
The Lexar EQ790 2TB offers competitive Gen4 speeds (7000/5000 MB/s) that align with top-tier drives, making it a strong choice for PS5 gaming and intense PC workloads. The high Amazon rating (4.89) and 1368 reviews suggest broad satisfaction, though the 10% fake review rate and Grade B authenticity warrant scrutiny. Its performance likely meets expectations for most users, but thermal management and endurance should be verified for heavy use.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh the price against alternatives from Samsung or WD, which may offer better warranty support or DRAM cache. If you need sustained write performance for video editing or large file transfers, confirm the Lexar EQ790's SLC cache behavior and TBW rating (e.g., 1200 TBW typical for 2TB models).
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare this drive with the Samsung 990 EVO Plus or WD Black SN850X, which offer similar speeds but may have different thermal profiles or software ecosystems.
