Lexar NM620 2000GB

The Lexar NM620 2TB is a PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.4 drive that uses the Innogrit IG5216 controller in a DRAM-less design with Host Memory Buffer (HMB) support. It pairs high-density 3D TLC NAND to achieve sequential read speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s and features a single-sided M.2 2280 PCB for compatibility with space-constrained devices. The IG5216 is noted for power and thermal efficiency compared with older 8-channel controllers, reducing the risk of thermal throttling in laptops without dedicated heat spreaders. As with most DRAM-less drives, sustained write performance depends on a dynamic pseudo-SLC cache; once that cache is exhausted during large transfers, write speeds will fall to native NAND speeds.

Key Specifications

• Interface: PCIe Gen 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.4
• Controller: Innogrit IG5216 (4-Channel)
• NAND Flash: 3D TLC
• Sequential Read/Write: 3500 MB/s / 3000 MB/s
• DRAM Cache: No (HMB Support)
• Endurance: 1000 TBW
• Physical Trait: Single-sided M.2 2280 PCB
• Encryption: Supports LDPC (Low-Density Parity Check) error correction

Hardware Alternatives

• Samsung 980 2000GB: This is the most direct architectural competitor. It shares the same design philosophy—maxing out PCIe 3.0 speeds using a DRAM-less controller (Samsung Pablo) and HMB technology, rather than relying on onboard DRAM.
• WD Blue SN570: Operates in the same performance bracket. Utilizing a proprietary SanDisk controller, the SN570 offers nearly identical sequential read/write metrics and targets the same workload types, prioritizing burst speed over sustained heavy I/O.
• ADATA Swordfish / Falcon: These drives often utilize Realtek or SMI controllers but compete in the same entry-to-mid-level NVMe space. The NM620 typically outperforms these alternatives in sequential throughput due to the more aggressive clocking of the Innogrit controller.