Side-by-side: WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB ($199) vs Lexar NM790 2TB ($149). $/TB winner, specs, real-world picks for May 2026.
Gen 4 at 2 TB is one of the most contested SSD segments in 2026, and WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB versus Lexar NM790 2TB captures that competition well. The decision rarely comes down to peak speeds — both drives saturate typical workloads.
Hardware-wise, the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB runs on the proprietary WD G2 silicon, optimized for the WD_BLACK line. The Lexar NM790 2TB pairs a MAP1602 controller built specifically for DRAM-less HMB designs.
Money matters here — $74.50/TB on the Lexar NM790 2TB versus $99.50/TB on the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB. That's enough of a spread that for budget-conscious builders, the Lexar NM790 2TB becomes the default unless reviews of your specific workload prefer the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB.
The DRAM-vs-HMB question divides opinion: WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB's on-board DRAM theoretically helps under sustained workloads, while Lexar NM790 2TB's HMB approach has matured enough that most users won't see the difference. Pick on price if everything else is similar.
For PS5 expansion, both are PCIe Gen 4 M.2 2280 drives that meet Sony's minimum spec (7,300 MB/s read). The console can't take advantage of speeds beyond that, so save money by choosing the Lexar NM790 2TB. Note for handheld gamers: M.2 2280 is the desktop/laptop standard. Steam Deck and the ROG Ally line need 2230 drives — neither WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB nor Lexar NM790 2TB fits without modification.
Go with the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB for a dedicated DRAM cache chip. WD_BLACK's SN850X earned its reputation through consistent sustained performance under gaming workloads — fewer micro-stutters during open-world streaming than budget alternatives.
Go with the Lexar NM790 2TB for the lower retail price ($149 vs $199), and better $/TB economics ($74.50/TB). 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.