Lexar PLAY 2280
M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen 4
Introduction
The Lexar PLAY 2280 SSD is a high-performance storage solution designed to meet the demands of modern gaming and computing. This PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe drive offers impressive speeds and capacities, making it a compelling option for gamers and tech enthusiasts looking to upgrade their storage systems.
Product Overview
The Lexar PLAY 2280 is an M.2 NVMe SSD that comes in capacities ranging from 2TB to 8TB. It's specifically marketed towards PlayStation 5 users but is also compatible with PCs. The drive features a pre-installed heatsink, which is optimized for use in the PS5 and helps maintain peak performance and power efficiency.
Key Features
Exceptional Speed
The Lexar PLAY 2280 boasts impressive sequential read speeds of up to 7400 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6500 MB/s, placing it among the fastest PCIe Gen 4.0 SSDs available.
High Capacity Options
With options up to 8TB, the PLAY 2280 allows users to store approximately 150+ AAA games, providing ample space for large game libraries.
Optimized Heatsink
The included heatsink is designed to fit perfectly within the PS5's M.2 slot, ensuring optimal thermal management and sustained performance.
Performance Analysis
Sequential Speeds
The Lexar PLAY 2280 delivers exceptional sequential performance, with read speeds reaching up to 7400 MB/s and write speeds up to 6500 MB/s. These speeds are at the upper end of what PCIe Gen 4.0 technology can offer, ensuring fast game loads and quick file transfers.
Random Performance
The PLAY 2280 is a DRAM-less drive that uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology. This design can lead to slightly lower random performance compared to DRAM-equipped SSDs, particularly in 4K random operations. However, for most gaming and general computing tasks, the difference is unlikely to be noticeable.
Thermal Management
The Lexar PLAY 2280 comes with a pre-installed heatsink that's optimized for use in the PS5. This heavy-duty heatsink helps dissipate heat effectively, maintaining the drive's performance under load. The drive's inherent power efficiency, due to its 4-channel controller and DRAM-less design, also contributes to its cool-running nature.
Compatibility
PlayStation 5
The Lexar PLAY 2280 is specifically designed and marketed for use with the PlayStation 5. It meets Sony's recommended speed requirements and includes a perfectly sized heatsink for the PS5's M.2 expansion slot.
PC Systems
The drive is also fully compatible with PC systems that support PCIe Gen 4.0 M.2 SSDs. It can be used as a high-capacity, power-efficient storage solution for desktops and laptops.
Advantages and Limitations
Strengths
High sequential read and write speeds
Large capacity options up to 8TB
Included PS5-optimized heatsink
Power-efficient design
High endurance ratings (3200 TBW for 4TB model)
Constraints
DRAM-less design may impact random performance
Performance on PS5 may be limited due to console restrictions
Higher price point compared to some competitors
HMB technology not supported by PS5, potentially affecting performance
Pricing disparity between US and EU markets
Conclusion
The Lexar PLAY 2280 SSD offers an impressive combination of high capacity, fast sequential speeds, and thermal efficiency. It's particularly well-suited for PlayStation 5 users looking to expand their console's storage. For PC users, it provides a good balance of performance and power efficiency, especially in scenarios where capacity and cool operation are priorities. However, the DRAM-less design and pricing may be considerations for some users. Overall, the PLAY 2280 is a solid choice for gamers and content creators who need large, fast storage in their systems.
