Lexar Launches PCIe 5.0 M.2 NVMe SSDs “NM990” and “Professional NM1090 PRO” in Japan, Offering Speeds Up to 14,000MB/s

PC & Tablets

Key Features of the New Lexar SSD Series

    • Lexar NM990 Series: This series offers maximum read speeds of up to 14,000MB/s and maximum write speeds of up to 11,000MB/s. It incorporates SLC Dynamic Cache, Host Memory Buffer (HMB), and Thermal Defender Technology. It is positioned as a main storage model for operating systems, applications, and games.

    • Lexar Professional NM1090 PRO Series: Designed for professionals, this series achieves maximum read speeds of up to 14,000MB/s and maximum write speeds of up to 13,000MB/s. It features DRAM Cache, SLC Dynamic Cache, 232-layer 3D TLC NAND, a 6nm controller, and Advanced Thermal Control Design, making it suitable for demanding professional workloads.

    • Both series are available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. They are offered at open pricing.

    • Special launch pricing will be available on Amazon starting July 7, 2026, coinciding with Amazon Prime Day. Sales will also gradually expand to PC parts specialty stores.

    • Both series come with a 5-year limited warranty, subject to Lexar Japan’s warranty policy.

Maximum transfer speeds are based on manufacturer’s internal tests. Actual performance may vary depending on capacity, usage environment, connection standards, available space, and temperature.

Lexar NM990 and Professional NM1090 PRO SSDs

Sales Information

Item Details
Release Period Sequentially from July 2026
Amazon Launch From July 7, 2026 (with special launch pricing)
Sales Channels Amazon, PC parts specialty stores, etc.
Available Sizes 1TB / 2TB / 4TB
Price Open price
Warranty 5-year limited warranty (according to Lexar Japan’s warranty policy)
Support Lexar Japan

Amazon sales pages for the new SSDs:

Availability, special launch pricing, and campaign details may vary by sales channel. Please check each sales page for more information.

Recommended Models by Use Case

    • NM990 Series: Recommended for use as a main drive for OS, applications, and games, as well as for gaming PCs and DIY PCs that leverage PCIe 5.0 compatible environments. It offers a balance of high-speed read performance and durability.

    • Professional NM1090 PRO Series: Recommended for users who handle large volumes of data daily, such as RAW photos, 4K/8K video editing, AI-related data, and creative project files. Its DRAM Cache makes it suitable for continuous high-load data processing.

Choosing the right SSD involves selecting storage that matches specific workflow needs, rather than simply opting for the fastest product.

Lexar NM990 Series: For a More Agile Daily PC Experience

Lexar NM990 SSD on motherboard

The Lexar NM990 series is a PCIe 5.0 compatible M.2 NVMe SSD designed for use as a main storage device for operating systems, applications, games, and creative software. It supports maximum read speeds of 14,000MB/s and maximum write speeds of 11,000MB/s. Features like SLC Dynamic Cache, HMB, and Thermal Defender Technology are incorporated to ensure smooth and efficient operation from everyday use to high-load environments. With a durability rating of up to 3,000 TBW (Terabytes Written), it is a suitable choice for long-term main storage.

Primary Uses: Main storage for OS and applications, gaming PCs, DIY PCs, creator PCs, system drives for AI PCs, and accelerating/expanding capacity of existing PCs.

Lexar Professional NM1090 PRO Series: Enhancing Creative Workflows

Lexar Professional NM1090 PRO SSD on motherboard

The Lexar Professional NM1090 PRO series is a PCIe 5.0 compatible M.2 NVMe SSD targeting users who frequently handle large data volumes, including RAW photos, high-resolution videos, AI-related data, and creative project files. It boasts maximum read speeds of 14,000MB/s and maximum write speeds of 13,000MB/s. The inclusion of DRAM Cache (physical cache memory on the SSD) alongside SLC Dynamic Cache helps manage large data continuously, reducing latency during read/write operations and improving system responsiveness. Furthermore, its 232-layer 3D TLC NAND, 6nm controller, and Advanced Thermal Control Design contribute to efficient operation during high-speed processing.

Primary Uses: Storing and editing RAW photos, 4K/8K video editing, 3D production, working storage for AI-related files and local AI environments, dedicated drives for creative data, and large game libraries.

Product Overview

Item Lexar NM990 Series Lexar Professional NM1090 PRO Series
Product Category M.2 NVMe SSD M.2 NVMe SSD
Form Factor M.2 2280 M.2 2280
Interface PCIe Gen5x4 PCIe Gen5x4
Available Sizes 1TB / 2TB / 4TB 1TB / 2TB / 4TB
Price Open price Open price
Max Read Speed Up to 14,000MB/s Up to 14,000MB/s
Max Write Speed Up to 11,000MB/s Up to 13,000MB/s
Cache HMB, SLC Dynamic Cache DRAM Cache, SLC Dynamic Cache
NAND 3D NAND 232-layer 3D TLC NAND
Controller 8-channel controller 6nm controller
Thermal Technology Thermal Defender Technology Advanced Thermal Control Design
Main Uses OS, apps, games, daily tasks, creative RAW data, 4K video, AI data, production storage, work storage
DirectStorage Supported Supported
Management Tool Lexar DiskMaster compatible Lexar DiskMaster compatible
Warranty 5-year limited warranty 5-year limited warranty

Maximum speeds vary by capacity. Actual performance depends on the equipment, OS, connection standard, file size, free space, temperature, and usage environment.

Capacity-Specific Specifications

Lexar NM990 Series

Capacity 1TB 2TB 4TB
Max Read Speed Up to 14,000MB/s Up to 14,000MB/s Up to 14,000MB/s
Max Write Speed Up to 7,500MB/s Up to 10,000MB/s Up to 11,000MB/s
Random Read Up to 1,600K IOPS Up to 2,000K IOPS Up to 2,000K IOPS
Random Write Up to 1,000K IOPS Up to 1,400K IOPS Up to 1,500K IOPS
TBW 750TBW 1,500TBW 3,000TBW

Lexar Professional NM1090 PRO Series

Capacity 1TB 2TB 4TB
Max Read Speed Up to 14,000MB/s Up to 14,000MB/s Up to 14,000MB/s
Max Write Speed Up to 10,000MB/s Up to 13,000MB/s Up to 13,000MB/s
Random Read Up to 1,650K IOPS Up to 2,100K IOPS Up to 2,100K IOPS
Random Write Up to 1,800K IOPS Up to 1,800K IOPS Up to 1,700K IOPS
DRAM Capacity 2GB 2GB 4GB
TBW 700TBW 1,400TBW 2,800TBW

*Maximum speeds and IOPS are based on manufacturer’s internal tests. Actual performance varies depending on the usage environment. TBW (Terabytes Written) is an estimate of the total data that can be written to the SSD. Warranty details are subject to Lexar Japan’s warranty policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can these SSDs be used with older PC systems?

They may be usable if the PC supports M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. However, even if recognized in a PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 3.0 environment, transfer speeds will be limited by the connection standard, and the maximum performance of PCIe 5.0 will not be achieved. Users are advised to check their motherboard or laptop specifications, M.2 slot compatibility, and BIOS/UEFI support before purchasing.

Q2. Which series should I choose between NM990 and NM1090 PRO?

For a main storage drive for the OS, applications, and games, where high speed and durability are prioritized, the NM990 series is recommended. For users who handle large amounts of RAW data, 4K videos, generative AI-related files, and production data, and who require DRAM Cache for high-load tasks, the Professional NM1090 PRO series is recommended.

Q3. Is heat dissipation necessary?

PCIe 5.0 compatible SSDs deliver high performance but can generate significant heat under heavy loads. To ensure stable operation, it is recommended to use an M.2 heatsink provided with the motherboard or ensure sufficient airflow within the PC case.

Q4. Can these be installed in laptops?

They may be usable with laptops that support M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. However, installation might not be possible due to internal space constraints, SSD thickness, thermal design, or BIOS/UEFI compatibility. It is advisable to check the PC manufacturer’s specifications in advance.

For more information on Lexar products, please visit:
<https://www.lexar.com/jp/products/Lexar-Professional-NM1090-PRO-PCIe-5-0-NVMe-M-2-2280-SSD/>

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