Lexar NS100 2000GB

The Lexar NS100 2000GB is an entry-level SATA III drive aimed at legacy system upgrades or high-capacity secondary storage. It uses a DRAM-less architecture with a pseudo-SLC cache taken from the NAND for burst transfers, typically employs a 4-channel controller (common variants include Maxio MAS0902 or Silicon Motion SM2259XT), and is built with high-density 3D NAND (TLC or QLC depending on revision). The drive is known for variable component sourcing between batches, a plastic 7mm chassis, and limited sustained random write performance once the SLC cache is exhausted.

Key Specifications

• Interface: SATA III (6Gb/s)
• Capacity: 2000GB (2TB)
• Sequential Read/Write: Up to 550 MB/s Read / 450 MB/s Write
• Controller: DRAM-less (Variable: Maxio, SMI, or Marvell variants)
• NAND Type: 3D NAND (Variable: TLC or QLC depending on revision)
• Chassis Construction: Plastic enclosure (7mm height)
• Feature Support: S.M.A.R.T. monitoring, LDPC error correction

Hardware Alternatives

• Crucial BX500 2000GB: Direct hardware relative with variable components, plastic enclosure, and DRAM-less design leading to similar burst and sustained I/O profiles.
• Kingston A400: Direct hardware relative sharing variable-component strategies, plastic enclosure, and the omission of DRAM caching, resulting in comparable burst and sustained performance.
• SanDisk SSD PLUS 2000GB: Direct competitor in the DRAM-less SATA tier; similar target workloads despite different controller sourcing.
• Crucial MX500 2000GB: Technically distinct—uses dedicated DRAM and consistent controller choices, offering better random I/O latency and endurance.
• Samsung 870 EVO 2000GB: Technically distinct with dedicated DRAM and consistent controller specifications, placing it in a higher performance category for random I/O and endurance.