Lexar’s SSD lineup is built for creators, gamers, and professionals who expect performance without compromise. We’ve designed all of our storage solutions with real-world use cases in mind. Whether you need on-the-go options or lightning-fast NVMe drives, our lineup carries it all. If you’re just getting started or need a refresher, you can learn more about what an SSD is and how it can impact your workflow.
But, with so many options, how do you find the right drive for your workflow?
Below, we’re walking you through everything you need to know about selecting SSD drives based on your performance demands, setup, and long-term goals, whether you’re looking for high-speed internal SSDs or reliable portable SSDs. Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways:
- Things to Consider: When choosing the right SSD, you should consider performance requirements, capacity, portability, and compatibility.
- Real-World Applications: The Lexar SSD lineup is tailored to creators, gamers, professionals, and everyday users with specific needs in mind.
- Exploring the Lexar SSD Lineup: Each SSD in the Lexar lineup serves a unique role — from the NM800 PRO’s powerhouse performance to the Go Portable SSD’s mobile-friendly design.
- SSD Best Practices: Assign your SSD to demanding tasks, manage your storage space wisely, and keep firmware updated for long-term performance.
Key Considerations When Choosing an SSD
When choosing an option from the Lexar SSD lineup, you first have to establish how you work, not just how much you need to store.
For example, are you editing massive 8K files? Or, are you gaming on a performance build? What about traveling between shoots?
Considering all of these factors is key in choosing the ideal SSD for your real-world needs. If expanding your storage capacity is part of the equation, check out our guide on solid-state drives and external storage solutions for a deeper look at scaling your setup.
Let’s dig deeper into these important considerations to help you determine the right SSD for your setup.
Performance Requirements
Your workflow should drive your choice in the Lexar SSD lineup. Creators handling 4K video or high-res photography need blazing-fast NVMe drives to keep up with large file sizes and constant read/write cycles.
Whether you’re gaming or managing extra-large data sets, you should prioritize sequential speed and low latency to ensure that everything is running at peak performance.
Storage Capacity
An SSD can fill up mighty fast. That’s why the Lexar SSD lineup offers options from 256GB all the way to 8TB. These are perfect for anything from OS installs to multi-project libraries.
If you’re someone who works with RAW images or 8K footage, it’s recommended to aim for 1TB or more to avoid constantly offloading files mid-project.
Portability vs. Permanence
Consider where you spend most of your editing time: Do you use a desktop or work on the move? No matter your workflow, Lexar’s SSD lineup offers both high-speed internals and rugged portable options.
An internal SSD is best for permanent installs and max speed, while portable models are best for transferring footage between devices.
Compatibility
Your storage interface makes a difference. That’s why the Lexar SSD lineup includes drives built for PCIe Gen4, Gen5, USB-C, and even Thunderbolt workflows.
Before you make a purchase, double-check that your laptop or desktop supports the interface of your chosen SSD.
Real-World Applications for the Lexar SSD Lineup
Lexar’s SSD lineup is designed to support real people doing real work. From crafting high-res content to loading massive game files or even managing everyday tasks, Lexar has a drive that fits the job.
- For Content Creators: Edit 4K/8K video without lag, transfer RAW photo libraries quickly on set, and cache previews and effects with zero slowdown
- For Gamers: Cut load times and boost in-game performance, store entire game libraries on high-speed internal or portable drives, and keep thermals under control with heat-dissipating NVMe options. For a closer look at what might work best for your setup, explore our picks for the best SSDs for gaming.
- For Remote Professionals: Work from anywhere with rugged portable SSDs, back up large files instantly, and stay organized with dedicated drives for different projects
- Everyday Users: Boot your system in seconds, launch apps without delay, and improve laptop longevity with power-efficient storage
No matter what you’re using your technology for, the Lexar SSD lineup delivers targeted solutions that keep workflows smooth, responsive, and reliable.
Which Drive is Right for You?
The entire Lexar SSD lineup is built with purpose. Every drive is tailored to fit a specific user need, whether you’re pushing pixels, powering through games, or managing on-the-go workflows.
- Lexar® NQ780 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD: Engineered for demanding workflows, this high-performance internal SSD leverages PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe technology to deliver read speeds up to 7400MB/s. It’s an ideal choice for high-resolution video editing, gaming, and intensive multitasking. With advanced thermal management, the NQ780 ensures stable, consistent performance even under heavy load-heavy workflows. The integrated heatsink keeps things cool under pressure.
- Lexar® SL500 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set: Built for mobile creators and everyday users alike, this sleek USB-C portable SSD delivers speeds up to 2000MB/s. Its included magnetic mounting rings make it easy to attach securely to the back of laptops, tablets, or monitors, ideal for streamlined, travel-friendly setups without sacrificing speed or convenience.
- Lexar® Professional NM710 M.2 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD: A smart pick for creators on a budget, the NM710 balances speed and affordability. It offers solid Gen4 performance read speeds of 4850MB/s, and certified for reliability without the premium price tag.
- Lexar® Professional Go Portable SSD: Ultra-lightweight and mobile-friendly, this USB-C drive supports direct ProRes 4K recording and offers up to 2TB of storage. It’s IP65-rated for dust and water resistance, making it ideal for fieldwork.
Best Practices for Getting the Most from Your Lexar SSD
After you’ve found the right drive from the Lexar SSD lineup, it’s time to optimize how you use it to ensure peak performance.
Start by tailoring your SSD’s role in your system: this includes assigning it to high-demand tasks, loading large assets, or running resource-intensive applications. You should also avoid letting your drive reach full capacity, as leaving headrooms helps maintain more consistent speed.
When switching between systems, make sure you safely eject and handle portable SSDs with care to prevent damage or data corruption. And, finally, keep your firmware up to date. This helps your system benefit from performance enhancements and bug fixes as soon as they’re released.
Find Your Perfect Fit in the Lexar SSD Lineup
Lexar’s SSD lineup is a performance toolkit that we’ve crafted for creators, gamers, and professionals who refuse to settle for less than the best. Whether you’re in need of faster speeds, portable durability, or reliable everyday performance, Lexar has a drive that matches your workflow and goals.
When you’re ready to upgrade your setup, Lexar’s here to help. Explore our full product lineup and find the drive that powers your next big project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Right Lexar SSD
What type of SSD is best for my workflow, internal or portable?
It depends on how and where you work. Internal SSDs are great for high-speed performance in stationary setups like desktops, while portable SSDs offer flexibility for creators and professionals who work on the go. Lexar’s SSD lineup includes both options to match your needs.
How much SSD storage do I really need?
For light tasks or OS installs, 256GB-512GB is usually enough. Creators working with RAW photos or 4K/8K video should look for 1TB or more. Gamers and multi-project users may benefit from 2TB+ to avoid constantly offloading or reorganizing files.
What’s the difference between Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs?
Gen5 SSDs offer even faster speeds than Gen4, but they require compatible hardware to unlock full performance. For most users, a Gen4 drive (like Lexar’s NQ780 or NM710) delivers outstanding speed and efficiency for gaming, editing, or multitasking.
Are portable SSDs reliable enough for professional use?
Yes-especially with models like Lexar’s Professional Go Portable SSD or SL500 with Magnetic Set. These drives are designed for high-speed performance, durability, and even IP-rated protection, making them ideal for field work, travel, and mobile production.
Can I use the same SSD for gaming and content creation?
Absolutely. Many of Lexar’s SSDs are built with versatile performance in mind. Drives like the NQ780 or NM710 are optimized for both heavy gameplay and editing tasks, offering fast load times, thermal efficiency, and high-speed data access across use cases.
