Crucial T710 2TB ($435) vs Lexar NM790 2TB ($310). $/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 Crucial T710 2TB runs on an SMI SM2508 controller that drew industry attention in 2024 for finally taming Gen 5 thermals. The Lexar NM790 2TB pairs a MAP1602 controller built specifically for DRAM-less HMB designs.
The cost difference is hard to ignore: 29% per TB (Lexar NM790 2TB at $155.00/TB versus Crucial T710 2TB at $217.50/TB). Unless you specifically need the Crucial T710 2TB's peak performance, the Lexar NM790 2TB delivers more storage for the money.
In the read department, the Crucial T710 2TB leads by roughly 7 GB/s. The difference is more academic than practical for typical use, but it does matter for video editors moving multi-GB project files.
Write performance separates them too. The Crucial T710 2TB sustains 14,000 MB/s writes versus 6,500 MB/s for the Lexar NM790 2TB — a real advantage for video editors and anyone doing heavy file operations.
Cache architecture differs: Crucial T710 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.
For PlayStation 5 builds, the console's internal M.2 slot tops out around 5,500 MB/s sustained, so both Crucial T710 2TB and Lexar NM790 2TB hit the same wall — pick whichever is cheaper at the moment you buy. The Gen 5 Crucial T710 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. For content creators routinely rendering 4K or 8K video, the Crucial T710 2TB's 14,000 MB/s sustained write is the deciding factor — multi-GB project files land noticeably faster than on the alternative. Note for handheld gamers: M.2 2280 is the desktop/laptop standard. Steam Deck and the ROG Ally line need 2230 drives — neither Crucial T710 2TB nor Lexar NM790 2TB fits without modification.
Market context: the Crucial T710 2TB ranks #10 of 11 Gen 5 2 TB drives we track by $/TB, while the Lexar NM790 2TB ranks #7 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 July 27, 2026, these tracked drives undercut both the Crucial T710 2TB and Lexar NM790 2TB on $/TB:
The Crucial T710 2TB is the right call if meaningfully faster reads (14,500 MB/s), higher sustained writes (14,000 MB/s), and a dedicated DRAM cache chip matter to you. Crucial typically delivers the best $/TB among DRAM-equipped NVMes because Micron sells direct rather than going through brand licensing.
The Lexar NM790 2TB is the right call if the lower retail price ($310 vs $435), and better $/TB economics ($155.00/TB) matter to you. The Lexar NM790 2TB captures the value tier well: same NAND class as flagships, paired with a DRAM-less controller that costs less and uses HMB for the address-mapping table.