Compare Crucial P310 2TB and Lexar NM790 2TB: prices, speeds, $/TB. Which to buy in May 2026? Full spec breakdown.
Both the Crucial P310 2TB and Lexar NM790 2TB sit in the Gen 4 category at 2 TB, so the matchup turns on controller efficiency, cache topology, and current pricing rather than raw class differences.
Hardware-wise, the Crucial P310 2TB runs on the DRAM-less Phison E27T, common in value-tier 2TB and 4TB Gen 4 drives. The Lexar NM790 2TB pairs MaxioTech's MAP1602 silicon, the default choice for budget Gen 4 drives in 2024-2026.
On warranty endurance the Lexar NM790 2TB carries 1,500 TBW against Crucial P310 2TB's 880 TBW. Both will outlast typical use, but the gap matters if you're doing professional content work.
Heading to a PlayStation 5? Both drives drop into the console's M.2 bay and report identical real-world benchmarks since the PS5 caps storage at PCIe 4.0 speeds. The Lexar NM790 2TB wins this matchup on $/TB. Both drives use the 2280 form factor, which is too long for Steam Deck or ROG Ally — you'd need a 2230 variant if either manufacturer offers one, or a dedicated handheld-format drive instead.
The Crucial P310 2TB fits buyers who prefer its specific performance profile or have brand preference for Crucial.
Pick the Lexar NM790 2TB if you value the lower retail price ($149 vs $155), better $/TB economics ($74.50/TB), and a higher TBW endurance rating (1,500 TBW). Budget-tier drives like the Lexar NM790 2TB have closed the gap with premium NVMes — the MAP1602 controller is genuinely competitive for everyday workloads at half the price.