Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB ($751) vs Lexar NM790 2TB ($300). $/TB analysis, performance, and use-case recommendations.
When generations cross paths in a comparison like this one, the older-spec drive almost always wins on value while the newer one wins on benchmarks. Whether that benchmark advantage matters depends entirely on what you do with the drive.
Hardware-wise, the Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB runs on Phison's E28 design, manufactured on a more efficient process than the E26. The Lexar NM790 2TB pairs the MaxioTech MAP1602 — a DRAM-less Gen 4 controller dominating the value tier across TeamGroup, Lexar, and others.
The cost difference is hard to ignore: 60% per TB (Lexar NM790 2TB at $150.00/TB versus Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB at $375.50/TB). Unless you specifically need the Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB's peak performance, the Lexar NM790 2TB delivers more storage for the money.
On sequential reads the Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB pulls ahead by 7,500 MB/s (14,900 MB/s versus 7,400 MB/s). That matters for moving large files but rarely shows up in game loads.
Write speeds skew toward the Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB: 12,700 MB/s sustained against 6,500 MB/s. Content creators feel this; gamers do not.
Cache architecture differs: Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB has DRAM hardware, Lexar NM790 2TB uses HMB. For OS, gaming, browsing — indistinguishable. For databases, large file ops, or 4K video editing — DRAM has a small but consistent edge.
If this purchase is for a PS5 storage expansion, the comparison flattens — Sony's PCIe Gen 4 controller normalizes both Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB and Lexar NM790 2TB to roughly equal in-game load times. The cheaper drive is the smart pick. The Gen 5 Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB pulls ahead on sequential bandwidth, but Gen 5 advantages rarely surface during everyday tasks — most software hasn't been rewritten to exploit 14,000+ MB/s pipelines. Video editors will gravitate toward the Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB for its write headroom (12,700 MB/s sustained). Project saves and proxies move faster, which compounds across a workday. Heads-up — these are full-length 2280 drives. Steam Deck and most current handhelds require shorter 2230 modules, so check capacity-specific 2230 variants if that's your target platform.
Market context: the Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB ranks #11 of 11 Gen 5 2 TB drives we track by $/TB, while the Lexar NM790 2TB ranks #5 of 11 Gen 4 2 TB drives. Neither cracks the top of the value table, so it's worth glancing at the alternatives below before picking either.
As of September 7, 2026, these tracked drives undercut both the Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB and Lexar NM790 2TB on $/TB:
The Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB is the right call if meaningfully faster reads (14,900 MB/s), higher sustained writes (12,700 MB/s), and a dedicated DRAM cache chip matter to you. Corsair pairs the E28 controller with quality Kioxia BiCS8 NAND in the MP700 PRO XT — same flash class as the WD SN8100 at a different price point.
The Lexar NM790 2TB is the right call if the lower retail price ($300 vs $751), and better $/TB economics ($150.00/TB) matter to you. The Lexar NM790 2TB wins on $/TB because it pairs DRAM-less MAP1602 silicon with low-margin distribution. Performance is fine for OS and gaming, weaker only on sustained random writes.