SSDs Without DRAM: Unveiling the Exceptional Value of the 1TB Lexar NM790 for Just $66

The world of solid-state drives (SSDs) is often characterized by a seemingly simple yet significant differentiator: the presence or absence of DRAM cache. For years, DRAM-less SSDs were relegated to the budget segment, often perceived as compromises for those unwilling to invest in their pricier, DRAM-equipped counterparts. However, the landscape has evolved dramatically. SSDs without DRAM have not only matured but, in many cases, have surpassed expectations, offering performance that rivals or even eclipses traditional DRAM cache models, especially when factoring in their cost-effectiveness. This paradigm shift is nowhere more evident than in the recent unveiling of the 1TB Lexar NM790, a drive that challenges conventional wisdom by delivering exceptional speed and capacity for an astonishingly low price of just $66. We at Gaming News believe this drive is not just a good deal; it’s a game-changer for gamers, content creators, and everyday users alike, proving that DRAM-less technology is far from obsolete and, in fact, represents a significant leap forward in value proposition.

Understanding the Role of DRAM Cache in SSDs

Before delving into the specifics of the Lexar NM790, it’s crucial to understand why DRAM cache has historically been considered a cornerstone of high-performance SSDs. In essence, DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) serves as a high-speed buffer. It stores the mapping table, which is a critical component that translates logical block addresses (LBAs) requested by the operating system into the physical locations on the NAND flash where the data is actually stored. When the SSD controller needs to access or write data, it first consults this mapping table.

The advantage of having a dedicated DRAM cache is speed. DRAM is orders of magnitude faster than NAND flash. This allows the SSD controller to quickly access and update the mapping table, leading to:

• Faster random read and write operations: These are particularly important for everyday computing tasks, such as booting up your operating system, launching applications, and multitasking. A quick lookup of the mapping table means the controller can immediately pinpoint the requested data.
• Improved sustained performance: During large file transfers or heavy workloads, the mapping table can become quite large and complex. A fast DRAM cache ensures that the controller can manage this efficiently, preventing performance bottlenecks.
• Enhanced endurance: By offloading the constant lookup and update of the mapping table to the faster DRAM, the NAND flash itself experiences less wear and tear from these operations, potentially extending the drive’s lifespan.

However, DRAM cache comes at a cost, both in terms of manufacturing expense and power consumption. This is where DRAM-less SSDs enter the picture, and where innovations have made them surprisingly competitive.

The Rise of Host Memory Buffer (HMB) Technology

The absence of dedicated DRAM doesn’t mean that DRAM-less SSDs are inherently slow. Instead, they leverage a technology called Host Memory Buffer (HMB). HMB allows the DRAM-less SSD controller to utilize a small portion of the host system’s System RAM (RMA) as its mapping table cache. This is a clever workaround that significantly bridges the performance gap between DRAM-equipped and DRAM-less drives, especially for common workloads.

Here’s how HMB works its magic:

• Shared Resource: Instead of a dedicated chip on the SSD, HMB utilizes a small, typically 64MB to 128MB, segment of your computer’s System RAM.
• Dynamic Allocation: The SSD controller requests and reserves this portion of RAM from the operating system when the drive is initialized.
• Faster Access: While System RAM is not as fast as dedicated SSD DRAM, it is still vastly quicker than accessing the NAND flash directly for every mapping table lookup. This dramatically speeds up random read and write operations.
• Software Optimization: HMB relies on intelligent firmware on the SSD controller and efficient drivers within the operating system to manage the data flow and ensure minimal latency.

The key to the success of modern DRAM-less SSDs like the Lexar NM790 lies in the sophistication of their controllers and firmware, which can efficiently manage HMB and perform operations that were once thought impossible without dedicated DRAM.

Introducing the 1TB Lexar NM790: A Deep Dive into its Capabilities

The 1TB Lexar NM790 is a prime example of how DRAM-less technology, when implemented with cutting-edge components and intelligent design, can deliver blistering performance at an unbeatable price point. This drive is not a compromise; it’s a carefully engineered piece of hardware designed to maximize value and speed for a wide range of users.

Let’s dissect what makes this drive so compelling:

Phenomenal Sequential Read and Write Speeds

The Lexar NM790 boasts impressive sequential read and write speeds that put many pricier DRAM-equipped NVMe SSDs to shame. Lexar advertises sequential read speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 6,500 MB/s. These are not just numbers on a spec sheet; they translate directly into tangible benefits:

• Ultra-Fast Game Loading Times: For gamers, this means drastically reduced waiting times when loading game levels, textures, and assets. The difference between a 3,000 MB/s drive and a 7,000 MB/s drive can be minutes saved per gaming session, allowing you to jump into the action much faster.
• Rapid File Transfers: Copying large files, such as video projects, operating system images, or extensive game installations, becomes a breeze. Hours of transferring can be reduced to mere minutes.
• Snappy Application Launches: Programs, especially those that are resource intensive or load a lot of data, will open almost instantaneously.

These speeds are achievable thanks to the drive’s NVMe 2.0 interface and its advanced controller, which is optimized to leverage the bandwidth of the PCIe Gen4 x4 connection.

Leveraging PCIe Gen4 for Maximum Throughput

The Lexar NM790 utilizes the PCIe Gen4 x4 interface, the current standard for high-performance consumer SSDs. This interface provides significantly more bandwidth than its PCIe Gen3 predecessor, allowing for faster data transfer rates. By pairing a capable controller with the ample bandwidth of PCIe Gen4, Lexar has created a drive that can truly push the limits of what’s possible in the consumer SSD market. The x4 lanes in PCIe Gen4 x4 mean the drive has four dedicated data transfer lanes, further amplifying its potential speed.

Exceptional Random Performance Thanks to HMB

While sequential speeds are impressive, it’s often the random read and write performance that dictates the perceived speed of a drive in everyday tasks. This is where the HMB technology integrated into the Lexar NM790 truly shines. The drive’s intelligent controller, coupled with the utilization of your system’s RAM, ensures that random operations are handled with remarkable efficiency.

• Responsiveness: This translates to a highly responsive operating system. Boot times are reduced, applications open without hesitation, and multitasking feels fluid.
• Gaming Experience: In gaming, fast random reads are crucial for accessing small game assets and data packets quickly, reducing stuttering and improving overall gameplay smoothness.
• Content Creation: For professionals working with large datasets, databases, or complex project files, the quick random access provided by the NM790 can significantly speed up workflows.

The performance figures often quoted for modern DRAM-less SSDs with HMB, especially in synthetic benchmarks, can be misleading if one doesn’t consider the real-world impact. The Lexar NM790 delivers on these promises, offering a user experience that feels consistently fast.

High Endurance Ratings for Longevity

A common misconception is that DRAM-less SSDs have lower endurance ratings. However, the Lexar NM790 dispels this notion with its robust Total Bytes Written (TBW) rating. While specific TBW ratings can vary slightly by region and retailer, the 1TB model generally boasts a substantial TBW figure that indicates excellent longevity, even for demanding users.

• TBW Explained: TBW is a measure of how much data can be written to an SSD before its NAND flash cells begin to degrade and potentially fail. A higher TBW rating means the drive is designed to withstand more write operations over its lifetime.
• Gaming and General Use: For the average gamer or user who primarily reads data, the TBW rating is more than sufficient for many years of use. Even for content creators who perform significant writing operations, the NM790 offers a commendable level of endurance.
• Controller Optimization: The advanced controller within the NM790 also employs sophisticated wear-leveling algorithms. These algorithms ensure that write operations are distributed evenly across all NAND flash cells, preventing premature wear of specific blocks and maximizing the drive’s lifespan.

A Generous 1TB Capacity at an Unbeatable Price

The 1TB capacity of the Lexar NM790 is a sweet spot for many users. It provides ample space for:

• Extensive Game Libraries: Modern games can be massive, often exceeding 100GB. A 1TB drive allows you to install and keep a significant number of your favorite titles installed without constantly having to uninstall and reinstall them.
• Operating System and Applications: You’ll have plenty of room for your Windows or macOS installation, along with all your essential software and productivity applications.
• Media and Projects: For photographers, videographers, or musicians, 1TB offers a considerable amount of space for storing high-resolution photos, raw video footage, and complex audio projects.

What truly elevates the Lexar NM790 is its unprecedented price point of $66 for the 1TB model. This is a truly astonishing figure when you consider the performance and capacity it offers. It democratizes high-speed storage, making it accessible to a much wider audience than ever before. This pricing strategy alone makes it a compelling option that demands attention.

Why the 1TB Lexar NM790 Outshines the Competition

In a market saturated with SSD options, the Lexar NM790 carves out a unique niche by offering a superior price-to-performance ratio. While other drives may boast similar raw specs, they often come with a significantly higher price tag.

Here’s where the NM790 truly stands out:

• Value Proposition: At $66 for 1TB, the Lexar NM790 offers more performance per dollar than almost any other drive on the market. This makes it an incredibly attractive upgrade for anyone looking to boost their system’s speed without breaking the bank.
• Real-World Performance: While synthetic benchmarks can be a useful indicator, the NM790 delivers consistently fast real-world performance. The combination of its PCIe Gen4 x4 interface, advanced controller, and efficient HMB implementation means that users will experience tangible improvements in everyday tasks and demanding workloads.
• DRAM-less Technology’s Maturity: The success of the NM790 is a testament to the advancements in DRAM-less SSD technology. It proves that with the right controller and firmware, the performance gap between DRAM-equipped and DRAM-less drives can be effectively closed for most use cases. This makes purchasing a DRAM-equipped drive for basic speed improvements often an unnecessary expense.
• Target Audience: This drive is perfectly positioned for gamers, students, home users, and even entry-level content creators who want a significant performance upgrade without overspending. It addresses the core need for speed and responsiveness in a cost-effective manner.

Addressing Potential Concerns and Real-World Usage Scenarios

It’s understandable that some users might have reservations about DRAM-less SSDs. However, the industry has made significant strides in addressing these concerns, and the Lexar NM790 is a prime example of this evolution.

Sustained Write Performance for Heavy Workloads

One area where traditional DRAM-less drives sometimes struggled was sustained write performance. When the HMB buffer became saturated or during very large, continuous writes, performance could drop significantly as the drive had to access the slower NAND flash more directly for mapping table management.

However, the Lexar NM790 is designed with an advanced controller and efficient SLC caching mechanism. This allows it to maintain very respectable write speeds for extended periods, even during large file transfers. While there might be a slight performance drop after immensely large sustained writes that exceed the SLC cache and HMB capacity, for the vast majority of user scenarios, including gaming and typical content creation, this slowdown is either imperceptible or negligible. The drive’s overall architecture is built to minimize these dips.

Gaming: The Ultimate Test

For gamers, the Lexar NM790 represents a significant upgrade. Fast loading times are paramount for an uninterrupted gaming experience. The 7,400 MB/s sequential read speeds mean that games will load significantly faster, and the responsive random read performance ensures that in-game assets are streamed quickly, reducing any potential for stuttering or pop-in. When compared to older SATA SSDs or even slower NVMe drives, the difference is night and day. The ability to install more games on a 1TB drive further enhances its appeal for the gaming community.

Productivity and Content Creation

Beyond gaming, the NM790 is an excellent choice for productivity tasks. Booting up your system in seconds, launching complex applications like Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Pro rapidly, and experiencing smooth multitasking are all hallmarks of this drive. For content creators who are constantly moving large files, editing videos, or working with high-resolution images, the Lexar NM790 offers a substantial boost in workflow efficiency. While extremely demanding professional workflows might still benefit from top-tier, DRAM-equipped enterprise drives, for the vast majority of content creators, the NM790 provides an exceptional balance of speed and affordability.

Operating System and General Computing

For everyday computing tasks – browsing the web, checking emails, working on documents, and streaming media – the Lexar NM790 provides an experience that feels incredibly snappy and responsive. The OS will boot almost instantly, applications will open without delay, and the overall user experience will be significantly smoother and more fluid compared to traditional hard drives or even older, slower SSDs.

Installation and Compatibility

Installing the Lexar NM790 is straightforward, as it uses the standard M.2 2280 form factor. This is the most common size for NVMe SSDs and is compatible with the vast majority of modern motherboards and laptops.

• M.2 Slot: Ensure your motherboard or laptop has a free M.2 slot that supports NVMe SSDs. Most modern systems manufactured within the last five years will have at least one such slot.
• PCIe Gen4 Support: To achieve the drive’s advertised maximum speeds, it’s recommended to install it in a PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot. However, the drive is backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 slots, meaning it will function perfectly fine but will be limited to PCIe Gen3 speeds (typically around 3,500 MB/s sequential).
• Operating System: For optimal performance and HMB functionality, ensure you are running a modern operating system like Windows 10 (version 2004 or later), Windows 11, or a recent version of macOS or Linux. These operating systems have robust support for HMB.
• Driver Installation: While Windows will typically recognize the drive automatically, it’s always a good idea to check Lexar’s website for any specific firmware updates or driver optimizations that might be available to ensure you are getting the absolute best performance from your drive.

Conclusion: The 1TB Lexar NM790 is an Unmissable Value

The traditional narrative surrounding SSDs without DRAM has been definitively shattered by drives like the 1TB Lexar NM790. For a mere $66, this drive delivers a potent combination of blazing fast sequential speeds, highly responsive random performance, a generous 1TB capacity, and robust endurance. It proves that DRAM-less technology, when implemented with intelligent HMB functionality and a capable controller, is not a compromise but a pathway to exceptional value and performance.

Whether you’re a gamer looking to slash loading times, a content creator aiming to streamline your workflow, or simply a user seeking a snappier and more responsive computing experience, the 1TB Lexar NM790 is an investment that will undoubtedly pay dividends. It stands as a shining example of how the SSD market continues to evolve, offering cutting-edge performance at increasingly accessible price points. We at Gaming News wholeheartedly endorse this drive as a must-buy for anyone looking for the best bang for their buck in the world of high-speed storage. Don’t let the absence of DRAM deter you; embrace the future of cost-effective performance with the Lexar NM790.