# Lexar NM800 500GB Review — Mid-Range PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (2026)

The Lexar NM800 500GB is a mid-range PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD from Lexar, built around the InnoGrit IG5236 controller and 3D TLC NAND for fast 7400 MB/s reads.

Quick answer: The Lexar NM800 500GB is a competent mid-range PCIe 4.0 SSD that delivers flagship-level read speeds through the InnoGrit IG5236 controller. The 7,400 MB/s sequential read is among the fastest on Gen4, and the 3D TLC NAND provides solid endurance characteristics compared to QLC alternatives. The DRAM-less HMB design and moderate 5,800 MB/s write speed position it below true flagship alternatives from Samsung and WD. For users who want fast PCIe Gen4 read performance at a mid-range price point, the NM800 is a sensible and affordable option from an established storage brand with decades of flash memory experience.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 500 GB |
| Interface | M.2 4.0 x 4 |
| Controller | InnoGrit IG5236 |
| Memory type | 3D TLC |
| DRAM cache | DRAM Cache |
| Sequential read | 7400 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 5800 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 400000 |
| Random write IOPS | 750000 |
| Endurance | 500 TBW |
| MTBF | 2000000 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

Sequential read performance of 7,400 MB/s is among the fastest in the PCIe 4.0 class, surpassing the typical 7,000 MB/s of Phison E18 drives. The InnoGrit IG5236 controller is a capable Gen4 silicon that handles large sequential transfers with ease. Write speed of 5,800 MB/s is solid for a 500 GB drive, though larger capacities of the same platform typically reach 6,400 MB/s or higher thanks to additional NAND die parallelism.

Without a dedicated DRAM cache, the NM800 relies on Host Memory Buffer architecture for flash translation layer management. For everyday tasks like OS boot, web browsing, and game loading, the performance difference between HMB and DRAM-equipped drives is minimal. Under sustained mixed workloads — such as video editing or large database operations — the lack of DRAM may manifest as increased latency. The dynamic SLC cache provides burst write acceleration, and once exhausted, direct TLC write speeds typically fall to 600–1,000 MB/s for this class. Thermals on the IG5236 are manageable — it runs cooler than the Phison E18 under comparable loads.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

Lexar provides warranty coverage on the NM800 consistent with its mid-range positioning in the product lineup. Specific warranty duration and endurance figures for the 500 GB model are not widely published in Lexar public documentation. For comparable 500 GB TLC drives in this class, typical endurance ranges from 250 to 400 TBW with a three- to five-year warranty period. The 3D TLC NAND provides better endurance characteristics than QLC alternatives, and for typical consumer use of 20–40 GB written per day, any reasonable endurance estimate would exceed the warranty period comfortably. MTBF is not separately published for this SKU.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- 7,400 MB/s read leads the PCIe 4.0 class
- InnoGrit IG5236 capable Gen4 controller
- 3D TLC NAND for better endurance than QLC
- Mid-range pricing below flagship drives
- IG5236 runs cooler than Phison E18
**Cons:**

- Likely DRAM-less HMB design
- 5,800 MB/s write moderate for this class
- Unusual 500GB capacity versus standard 512GB
- Warranty and endurance not well-publicised


## Verdict

The Lexar NM800 500GB is a competent mid-range PCIe 4.0 SSD that delivers flagship-level read speeds through the InnoGrit IG5236 controller. The 7,400 MB/s sequential read is among the fastest on Gen4, and the 3D TLC NAND provides solid endurance characteristics compared to QLC alternatives. The DRAM-less HMB design and moderate 5,800 MB/s write speed position it below true flagship alternatives from Samsung and WD. For users who want fast PCIe Gen4 read performance at a mid-range price point, the NM800 is a sensible and affordable option from an established storage brand with decades of flash memory experience.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What controller does the Lexar NM800 use?

The InnoGrit IG5236, a second-generation PCIe 4.0 x4 controller that delivers up to 7,400 MB/s sequential reads. It competes with the Phison E18 in performance while typically powering more value-oriented drive models.

### Does the Lexar NM800 500GB have DRAM?

The NM800 appears to use a DRAM-less Host Memory Buffer design, which is common in mid-range PCIe 4.0 drives. HMB borrows a small amount of system RAM for flash translation, adequate for everyday tasks.

### Why is the capacity 500GB instead of 512GB?

Most manufacturers use 512 GB for the half-terabyte tier. Lexar's 500 GB designation may reflect actual NAND capacity after over-provisioning or a marketing distinction. Usable space after formatting is approximately 465 GB.

### How does the NM800 compare to the NM800 Pro?

The NM800 Pro uses the Phison E18 controller and reaches similar read speeds with potentially higher writes. The non-Pro NM800 uses the InnoGrit IG5236, positioning it as a more value-oriented option within the same product family.

### Is the Lexar NM800 good for gaming?

Yes. The 7,400 MB/s sequential read speed exceeds what modern games require, and the 500 GB capacity holds several large titles. Load time differences between this and a flagship drive are negligible in gaming scenarios.

### What is the TBW endurance rating?

Lexar does not widely publish endurance figures for the 500 GB NM800. Comparable 500 GB TLC drives typically carry 250–400 TBW. For typical consumer use, any reasonable estimate would exceed the warranty period.

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Last updated: 2026-05-23. Source: https://ssdrive.net/lexar-nm800-500-gb