# Lexar NM620 512GB NVMe SSD Review (2026)

The Lexar NM620 512GB slots into the mainstream DRAM-less NVMe segment with 3,300 MB/s reads and 2,400 MB/s writes — a solid step up from the 256GB model without stepping into premium pricing.

Quick answer: The Lexar NM620 512GB is a sensible midrange NVMe drive for users upgrading from SATA or building a general-purpose desktop. It offers solid sequential performance and a generous five-year warranty at a competitive price. Shoppers who prioritize real-world application performance over synthetic numbers should look at the Samsung 980 500GB, which posts higher PCMark scores at a similar price. For those who value warranty length and straightforward value, the NM620 512GB delivers without unnecessary frills.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 512 GB |
| Interface | M.2 3.0 x 4 |
| Controller | Lexar DM620 |
| Memory type | 3D TLC |
| DRAM cache | HMB |
| Sequential read | 3300 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 2400 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 300000 |
| Random write IOPS | 256000 |
| Endurance | 250 TBW |
| MTBF | 1.5 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

Lexar rates the NM620 512GB at up to 3,300 MB/s sequential reads and 2,400 MB/s sequential writes, with random performance up to 300,000 read IOPS and 256,000 write IOPS. PCMag's testing of the 512GB model measured 3,155 MB/s reads and 2,387 MB/s writes in CrystalDiskMark, closely matching the rated figures.

The NM620 performed well in 4K random write tests, posting high scores that beat some direct competitors. However, PCMark 10 overall storage scores were middling, and one game-launch trace (Call of Duty: Black Ops 4) returned the lowest score in the comparison set. The SLC write cache on the 512GB model absorbs typical desktop workloads without issue, but sustained writes of roughly 200 GB or more will exhaust the cache and drop speeds to native TLC levels around 800 to 900 MB/s.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

The NM620 512GB carries a 250 TBW endurance rating under a five-year limited warranty. At a typical consumer write volume of 20 to 50 GB per day, the drive would take between 13 and 34 years to reach its TBW limit — far beyond the warranty window. The MTBF is rated at 1.5 million hours, a standard figure for consumer NVMe drives. Warranty claims are handled through the retailer or directly through Lexar, and the five-year term applies without requiring product registration.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- 3,300 MB/s sequential reads, 2,400 MB/s writes
- Five-year warranty
- Single-sided M.2 2280 fits slim laptops
- Strong 4K random write performance
- NVMe 1.4 with HMB support
**Cons:**

- Middling PCMark 10 real-world scores
- SLC cache exhausts after ~200 GB sustained writes
- No included heatsink or management software
- 250 TBW endurance lower than some TLC rivals


## Verdict

The Lexar NM620 512GB is a sensible midrange NVMe drive for users upgrading from SATA or building a general-purpose desktop. It offers solid sequential performance and a generous five-year warranty at a competitive price. Shoppers who prioritize real-world application performance over synthetic numbers should look at the Samsung 980 500GB, which posts higher PCMark scores at a similar price. For those who value warranty length and straightforward value, the NM620 512GB delivers without unnecessary frills.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is the Lexar NM620 512GB good for gaming?

Yes, for most gaming scenarios. The NM620 512GB reads at 3,300 MB/s and handles 4K random reads well, which directly affects game load times. It loads games significantly faster than any SATA SSD. The 512GB capacity fits several large AAA titles alongside the operating system. If you primarily game and do not run heavy productivity workloads, this drive is more than sufficient.

### Does the Lexar NM620 512GB have DRAM cache?

No. The NM620 is a DRAM-less design that uses the NVMe Host Memory Buffer (HMB) protocol to borrow a small slice of system RAM for its mapping tables. In practice, HMB delivers nearly the same everyday performance as a DRAM-equipped drive at this price tier, with minimal impact on typical desktop and gaming workloads.

### What is the TBW endurance of the Lexar NM620 512GB?

The NM620 512GB is rated for 250 TBW (Terabytes Written), backed by a five-year warranty. At a typical consumer workload of 20 to 50 GB of writes per day, it would take roughly 13 to 34 years to exhaust the endurance rating. This is adequate for mainstream desktop use but lower than some competing TLC drives like the WD Blue SN550 500GB at 300 TBW.

### Is the Lexar NM620 512GB compatible with the PS5?

No. The PS5 requires a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD with a recommended read speed of 5,500 MB/s or higher. The NM620 is a PCIe 3.0 drive with a maximum read speed of 3,300 MB/s, which does not meet Sony's published compatibility requirements.

### How does the Lexar NM620 512GB compare to the Samsung 980 500GB?

Both are DRAM-less PCIe 3.0 NVMe drives. The Samsung 980 500GB posts higher scores in PCMark 10 real-world trace benchmarks and comes with Samsung's Magician software. The NM620 512GB counters with a five-year warranty versus Samsung's three-year coverage and often sells at a lower price point. In synthetic sequential tests, both drives are close. For everyday desktop and gaming use, the performance gap is negligible.

### Does the Lexar NM620 512GB work in a laptop?

Yes. The NM620 512GB uses a single-sided M.2 2280 PCB, meaning NAND chips are only on one side of the board. This ensures compatibility with virtually all laptops that accept standard M.2 2280 NVMe drives, including thin-and-light models with tight clearance above the SSD slot.

---

Last updated: 2026-05-23. Source: https://ssdrive.net/lexar-nm620-512-gb