As the gaming landscape rapidly evolves, the anticipation surrounding next-generation gaming PC platforms continues to build. With the advent of new CPU and GPU technologies from leading manufacturers such as AMD and Intel, gamers are on the edge of their seats, waiting for the hardware revolution that promises enhanced performance and gaming experiences. For those planning to capitalize on the coming wave of innovations, the choice of components is crucial. One component that stands out in the midst of this evolution is the Lexar NM790 SSD—a budget-friendly yet high-performing storage solution designed for today’s gaming demands.
The gaming community is abuzz with excitement over AMD’s Zen 5 CPUs and Intel’s forthcoming Arrow Lake processors. Meanwhile, the graphics card market is looking just as promising, specifically with Nvidia’s upcoming Blackwell series, including the anticipated RTX 5080 and RTX 5090. These technological advancements provide an ideal opportunity for gamers to consider a complete overhaul of their systems. However, amid this frenzy for the latest and greatest, it’s essential to focus on components that do not have to be cutting-edge to deliver high performance and functionality.
When building a gaming rig, one crucial component that shouldn’t be overlooked is the Solid State Drive (SSD). Many enthusiasts might assume that only the most advanced PCIe 5.0 drives are necessary to keep up with new hardware, but this isn’t the case. The Lexar NM790 stands out as an excellent choice, blending affordability with exceptional performance. Currently, it’s available at a competitive price on platforms like Amazon, offering significant savings on both the 1 TB and 2 TB versions. For gamers looking to upgrade or build new setups, these discounts make the NM790 an attractive proposition.
Many users may worry about the lack of a DRAM cache in a budget SSD like the NM790. However, modern SSD technology has evolved, allowing drives to utilize their TLC (Triple Level Cell) storage as a pseudo-SLC (Single Level Cell) cache. This mechanism optimizes performance and provides rapid data transfers, covering most user scenarios effortlessly. Gaming applications tend to be read-heavy, which means the absence of dedicated DRAM is less impactful than one might think.
The Lexar NM790 delivers impressive read speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and write speeds of 6,500 MB/s thanks to its PCIe 4.0 interface. These specifications are far more than adequate for day-to-day gaming and multitasking needs. In practice, many users report that they aren’t bottlenecked by the speeds the NM790 offers, reinforcing the notion that you don’t need the very latest technology to achieve a satisfying performance experience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the NM790 is the value it presents. As gamers become more budget-conscious, the NM790 provides an exceptional entry point for those seeking to enhance their gaming rig without breaking the bank. While the 1 TB version is highly functional and serves as a solid foundation for a new build, the 2 TB version offers an abundance of space for game installations, updates, and media, ensuring that users have ample room to grow.
As we anticipate the next generation of gaming hardware, it’s crucial to remember that not every component needs to be revolutionary. Building a gaming rig with effective and cost-efficient solutions is a smart approach. The Lexar NM790 SSD exemplifies this mindset by balancing performance with affordability.
In a marketplace flooded with cutting-edge technology, the NM790 offers an accessible, high-speed solution without requiring a leap to the latest generation SSDs that may not provide immediate value for everyday gaming enthusiasts. With the Lexar NM790, gamers can future-proof their setups and enjoy the upcoming hardware advancements without sacrificing efficiency and performance. Whether preparing for the latest AMD or Intel release, or simply seeking a reliable storage solution, the NM790 is a critical component of a well-thought-out gaming system.