Crucial T500 NVMe SSD vs Lexar NM790 NVMe SSD

Both are fast PCIe 4.0 drives and either is a good pick. The Crucial T500 has a real DRAM cache, hardware AES-256 encryption and a heatsink option, which makes it the sturdier, more consistent choice for a desktop, a laptop upgrade or a PS5. The Lexar NM790 uses HMB instead of DRAM and runs cooler and leaner, and owners rate it slightly higher, but its sustained write speed drops on long transfers. Buy the T500 for encryption, a heatsink and steady heavy writes; buy the NM790 for a cool, efficient drive in a tight laptop or a console.

• Choose the Crucial T500 if you want a DRAM cache, hardware encryption and a heatsink for a desktop or PS5.
• Choose the Lexar NM790 if you want a cool-running, power-efficient drive for a laptop or console and mostly read-heavy work.