Lexar NM790 2TB vs WD Blue SN5000 2TB: Which Should You Actually Buy?
Head-to-head: Lexar NM790 2TB vs WD Blue SN5000 2TB. Side-by-side specs, real-world performance, price-to-performance and a clear buy recommendatio...
Lexar NM790 2TB vs WD Blue SN5000 2TB: Which Should You Actually Buy?
A head-to-head comparison of the Lexar NM790 2TB and the WD Blue SN5000 2TB. 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe. Last updated 2026-02-09.
Lexar NM790 2TB vs WD Blue SN5000 2TB: the short version
Two strong options in the same ssd class, aimed at different buyers. Below is a clean side-by-side, the real performance gap, and a no-nonsense recommendation so you stop second-guessing and buy the one that fits your build and budget.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Lexar NM790 2TB | WD Blue SN5000 2TB | | --- | --- | --- | | Vendor | Lexar | WD | | Tier | high | high | | Released | 2023 | 2024 | | Capacity | 2TB | 2TB | | Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe | PCIe 4.0 NVMe | | Form factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
Head-to-head: who wins what
- Performance: Lexar NM790 2TB and WD Blue SN5000 2TB trade blows by workload. Lexar NM790 2TB has the edge where its stronger 2TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe matters; WD Blue SN5000 2TB wins the rest.
- Efficiency: See the spec table for board power and plan your PSU accordingly.
- Value: Same-class rivals shift price constantly — check current street pricing and let the cheaper one at your target resolution decide value.
- Our pick: Buy Lexar NM790 2TB if you want the outright ceiling and can cool/power it. Buy WD Blue SN5000 2TB if you want lower power, lower cost, or a feature the other lacks. (Plan for ~0 W board power plus the rest of the system.)
Confirm headroom before you commit
A limit you cannot see will eat your gains. Run the VRAM Usage Estimator to confirm the pair fits your build before you buy either.