The 4-channel Maxiotek MAP-1602A controller drives the latest model tested, the Lexar NM790. The controller does not support a DRAM module; it uses part of the PC memory to manage the allocation tables. As a result, the power consumption is also lower than that of the competition; only the Sandisk SSD can keep up here...

The Lexar NM790 is fast thanks to its PCIe 4.0 connection: The affordable SSD all-rounder offers outstanding performance and is characterised by its exceptional energy savings and good thermal control. The only thing missing: hardware encryption and a 4 TB model.

Lexar relies entirely on Chinese components for the NM790: The Maxiotek MAP1602A SSD controller is joined by flash memory with 232 layers from YMTC. This puts the NM790 on a par with the Samsung 990 Pro in terms of read performance, with only 250 MB/s separating the two in terms of write performance...